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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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Escape
  By cindergriff - August 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Perfect for small families that need reliable transportation. It is very comfortable and spacious, with lots of cargo room. But its also very fun to drive, and surprisingly powerful.

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  2004 Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Lei - August 7 - 2:00 am

  We previously had a 1994 Ford Explorer and decided to try the smaller version, so we got an Escape this time. The gas mileage is so much better. We really love our Escape!!!!

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  I will never say "ford sucks" ever again - 1993 Ford F-150
  By 4rdgirl4ever - August 7 - 2:00 am

  This truck is absolutely amazing. I have the Inline 6 cylinder engine and it is the strongest, most reliable engine. Never any problems, and even though I try to abuse it, it wont have it, it just keeps on truckin. I used to be a ford hater, but wow has this truck proved me wrong!

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  Love my Tauras - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Dawn Morris - August 7 - 2:00 am

  This car handles great. It is very comfortable, and there is plenty of room for our family of four, our children are teenagers, both over 6ft. It gets great gas mileage. The most car for the buck.

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  2004 Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tom B. - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Great running, fun to drive. Plenty of room for cargo. Mileage is good as I beat it up and down the highway at 80 with the air on and get 23-24 miles per gallon. If stayed of the pedal Im sure I could get better. Great American car! I would highly recommend.

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  Just a marval - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Stangluber97 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is an absolute dream of mine for many years. Its not only been reliable but also just plain old fun to drive. If this car was my wife i would make lot of babies. Wink*

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  I love my ZX3 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cornopro - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a new 2004 Ford Focus ZX3, with the 2.0 liter Zetec engine and an automatic. After having driven a minivan for several years, it is so much fun to zip around in traffic in this car. The handling is awesome, especially considering the price. I bought it for nearly 4 grand off the sticker!I really like my Focus, although I wish for a little better gas mileage. Great car!

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  this is it - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By desghgfcjkfghkcvgxcg - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I think that this car should be in the worlds top 3 best cars that exist!!!!

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  I Love My Thunderbird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Thundergirl - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my 1997 Thunderbird. Since Ive brought my baby, Ive had many offers from people wanting to buy it from me. My car and I have been through a divorce, a move to a different city and my baby have not stop for one moment. I love my car!!!

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  THIS IS A TRUE CLASSIC - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By CAROLINA DOC - August 5 - 2:00 am

  THIS AUTOMOBILE IS SURE TO GO DOWN IN ICON HISTORY ALONG WITH THE ORIGINAL 1955 MODEL. THE STYLING TURNS HEADS AROUND EVERY BEND, BUT MOST OF ALL, ITS JUST FUN TO DRIVE. AND JUST AS THE BEACH BOYS SAID, WELL HAVE FUN, FUN, FUN TILL DADDY TAKES THE T-BIRD AWAY!!" THE RIDE IS SMOOTH, THE ENGINE PURRS, AND THE HANDLING IS AS GOOD AS ON ANY BMW I HAVE EVER OWNED.