Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  nice machine - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mortgage man - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 3 weeks now and I cant think of a single thing that Im not happy with. The build quality seems to be excellent. There are no rattles or squeaks - the car just feels very tight and glued down. Its very roomy inside and very versatile.

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  Luv this SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By incabod - May 17 - 2:00 am

  We were going to buy the BMX X5 but, why spend 50k when when you can get so much more vehicle less money? I get more head turns in my Silver Birch Expedition than I would have in a "soccer mom" X5.

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  Focus on style - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Thomeyboy - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Awesome ride, was very critical, and was impressed. the smooth handling,a nd comfortable interior sold me on the vehicle. Not to mention the great economy!

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  never again - 2000 Ford Focus
  By geoboy - May 17 - 2:00 am

  very poor reliability, poor mileage

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  A true Review of the 2001 Mustang GT - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By David Townsend - May 17 - 2:00 am

  From the first turn of the key you will love this car. This is a car that will make you excited to drive around for no reason. Interior: Well the interior is average, but well designed. The Leather seats are quite nice and fitting but a little low on support for tall people. The controls are a little too far away from the driver. EXTERIOR: What can i say, if people dont notice your mustang then they are blind or just a jealous and scourned Camaro fan. I have gotten complements from bleeding heart camaro fans on my mustang. OVERALL if you want to have fun driving, love the sound and power of a V8 engine then this is you. Good luck in your Mustang Travels

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  Well done ford - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Helo - May 17 - 2:00 am

  The supercrew has been perfect. Great for pulling the skiboat. Bed is large enough. With a 1 inch fiberglass lid it makes a great lockable trunk.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford F-150
  By stevet - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck! It is great for pulling our boat. (I got the 5.4L V8) Plenty of power, very reliable. Surprisingly capable off road. Not very good fuel economy, but fun to drive nonetheless. Exceptional vehicle, great styling!

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  A Great Ford Sedan - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Steve Blest - May 15 - 9:53 am

  After five years in an Escape it was great to find a Ford sedan that caught my interest. The Fusion is extremely smooth and quiet. Interior room is fine for my family of four. Features have high quality. It drives like a Passat.

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  Why did they scew up th enterior - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Seadog9 - May 15 - 2:50 am

  I replaced my 3 year old Escape with the 08 Hybrid. I immediately was disappointed with the interior changes. The heated seat button is on the side of the seat where you cant see it. You have to feel for it. The took out many of the little storage places and the center console/arm rest is hard to open when driving. The gas mileage is good, not great but good and it is a little quieter inside on the highway than my old one. I am very disappointed over all.

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  Same problems as everyone else - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Monica Lee - May 14 - 3:28 pm

  Read the reviews and we have all had the same problems . I almost died with my 10 year old son in the car in north 275. Car shut down had it towed . No where to go on 275 cars driving by us going 90 . Got the car back after being fixed the second time and it still not running right . Runs rough and now my son wont drive in it . Called ford they dont care that my son is scared to death to drive in this brand new vehicle. Tonight I was driving again and lost engine power again . This is becoming nightmare . These cars are a mess