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:

• 

  Fusion I-4 SE - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By mikeyda17 - May 18 - 7:32 am

  I love my Ford Fusion. Car is comfortable and fun to drive. Plenty of room inside front and back, huge trunk. Im getting 30 MPG on the highway. The only drawback on this car that I can see is that the initial pick up is slow. Once you hit 40-50 mph pick up improves but initial pick up from a stop position is lacking.

• 

  Advantages and disadvantages and fun - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By randy - May 17 - 10:36 am

  This car is fun. Beautiful exhaust note. Somewhat clunky manual shifter. Tiny back seat- even the 11 year old complains after a while. Cool appearance, real nostalgia. I love the round gauges. The interior is sub-par, but nothing rattles so far. And, it is fun. Did I say that already?

• 

  1998 Ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ron - May 17 - 10:01 am

  I bought this truck new in 1998 and put 150,000 miles on it over the first 5 years. Overall the truck has been quite reliable. The two problem areas have been the interior light staying on and multiple issues with the air conditioning. Other than that the vehicle has never left me stranded. In fact, I have a 4 cylinder/5 speed stick and have never even replaced any part of the drivetrain in cluding the clutch. The truck currently has over 175,000 miles and continues to run like new.

• 

  Some good some bad - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Cobra_03 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Love the car for the speed, but they could put a little more quality into it for the money

• 

  2003 GT 4.6 V8 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mustangs forever - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 1987 GT 5.0 V8 that I though was faster 0-60 untill I hoped into this 2003. Lights out the best GT I ever owned. Rides like a dream and handles GREAT. Thanks Ford...keep up the good work!

• 

  ITS FUN TO DRIVE - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By JACK MALLOY - May 17 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR, WHILE NOT TERRIBLY EXPENSIVE GIVES THE DRIVER AND EDGE IN PARACTICALLY ALL SITUATIONS, VS. HIGH PRICES COMPETITIVE CONVERTS , SURE GETSA A KICK OUT OF LEAVING THIS FAT HOGS IN TAHE DUST, COMPARITRATIVELY SPEAKING. OF COURSE , ONE DOESNT TACKLE A PORCHE, OR THE LIKE, ANWAY, IT;S A INEXPENSIVE , NICE CAR. CANT FIGURE OUT WHY THE CARAMERO BIT THE DUST.

• 

  KLW REVIEW - 2003 Ford Focus
  By KLW - May 17 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICALE FOR THE PRICE.

• 

  Neat little car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Patricia OFlaherty - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I did own a 1999 Ford Escort and was involved in a serious triple roll over accident. We were told that people do not survive such accidents. My car was totaled but my 83 yo mother and I survived with minor injuries. Since the Escort is no longer made, I chose the replacement for Escort, the Focus. It is a fun car, easy to handle, and sits higher making it easier to exit it!

• 

  Great Truck!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Joann Stubbs - May 17 - 10:00 am

  We love this truck, even though it is a little expensive filling up the gas tank it drives like a dream and the entertainment system keeps the little one nice and quiet. This truck hugs the road great...I feel safe when we are taking long trips.

• 

  eddie B all the way - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By vinny bauer - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by the expedition , ride power comfort style its all there only thing missing is better gas mileage 12 or 13 mpg is a little weak but it does run on regular ENJOY