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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  Reliable, Comfortable Workhorse - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By BoatingFan - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my Expy used with 80K miles to use as a tow vehicle for my boat. Ive put nearly 30K miles on her since then and other than front and rear brake jobs, Ive had her in the shop once to replace an ignition coil. Shes been very reliable. The 5.4L V8 runs strong and with the 3.55 diff. I get a respectable 19-20 mpg on the road, 15mpg when pulling the boat.I find myself driving it more because its comfortable and allows me to see the road much better than from behind the wheel of my Camry.Placement of controls are well thought out and easy to reach. Cloth seats are comfortable too. We also love the 3rd row seat, rear a/c. The lighted running boards mak

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  Great job Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Serra - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my first Expedition in 2000 and have bought three more since then. I have found it great for hauling my scuba tanks, pulling a 26 foot camping toy hauler, and just good old joy riding. My wife likes it so well that she now wants her own rather than the Lincons she is used to. With the fold down seating and indepentant rear it is a great vechele.

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  NEW CAR - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By elysse - July 22 - 7:06 pm

  Just got it. I love it except I am alredy having a problem with the electric. The airbag gauge is flashing on and off. Hopefully its not a a bad omen; otherwise the car is SOOO fun, and fast.

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  Very durable explorer - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Ted - July 22 - 11:53 am

  I bought my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr 4x4 with 138645 miles on it now it has 155,558 miles on it and it runs like when I first bought iti put in Bosch platinum 2 spark plugs changed all the fluids (trans, both axles, trans case, power steering) It runs exceptional better then all my sports cars I owned in the past in power and speed. I put in k&n filter it is pretty good on gas for a SUV. I love it! I hope it hits 300000 miles!

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  great car - 1990 Ford Probe
  By Tleah - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I call it my energizer bunny. Except for NY state rust it is doing very well. When bought a lot of money had to be put into it because of the winters and other non care of it but since then it has done wonders for me. I do not have a lot of money and I keep this car going on a shoestring budget. I would get another one.

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  I LOVE MY TAURUS - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Ruby - July 22 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Taurus is a great car. We were given a great deal and the car is more than we ever expected it would be. Lots of room, sporty look, and a wonderful smooth ride and drive make it the best car I have ever owned. Ford has out done themselves on this one!! SO glad I looked at Ford or I would be stuck with a small foreign car.

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  Ford Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By ellen - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Car is ver comfortable and easy to drive. Has enough luxurgy to suit most people. Excellent sound system in the CS player and radio. Mileage is good. Car runs well, starts easily even in very cold weather. Good vehicle

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  Incredible Triple Black GT! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By John Catalanotto - July 21 - 3:56 am

  I ordered my triple black GT back on June 15th and picked it up today, December 3rd. I have to tell you it was worth the wait, I can not believe that money for money there is a better car available today. The purr of the engine, 18” bullets, leather interior, 500 watt 6 disc stereo, My Color dash and more. If you are thinking about one, stop thinking and go get it. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

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  Then and Now - 2001 Ford Escape
  By siya46 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Delivered 11/01, 87000 miles now. It was a perfect downsize from an Explorer and the 2xfwd is just fine for Michigan winters. Have kept up with recalls. No maintenance problems other than replacing 1 front stabilizer bar (it was "thunking" on bumps. Plan to run it 2-3 more years.

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  Doesnt get better than This - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Clemuel Boogar - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic car, 100% reliable. The life of my family is well worth the $300/year extra Ill pay in gas to be safe.