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:

• 

  The wifes choice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mike m - May 10 - 10:00 am

  A very comfortable vehicle,good on or off road,great on long trips,and pulls our boat or camper with ease. The interior is very user friendly. Plenty of power in tight situations. I would recommend the Explorer XLT with complete confidence

• 

  Best Full Size - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By bj1289 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  The new redesigned Expedition is the best over all full size in my opinion. I used to drive Chevys and GMC but not after this new Expedition. Ive had it only one year its an awesome machine! GMC is way behind with the Tahoe/Suburban. If youre a GM fan like I was, just go test drive the all new Expedition.

• 

  Martinfans Expedition reveiw - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By martinfan - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Great full size SUV. Handles very well and ride is quiet on most roads.

• 

  solid platform and ride. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By dbruneau - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Im driving a 5.4 liter on a extended trip. This is a very refined pickup truck. I was suprised at the intitial assembly quality and materials used for the interior. The sound system is very good and the power train is very smoooth and quiet. Very good ride. Good power, but weight uses up the poneys. No wind noise. Handles well on the turns. Flawless paint and trim. Gas consumption is 15-17mph on the freeways.

• 

  Flashy, but cheap ! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jimmy creek - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Its flashy, & affordable, but lower quality than most. The technology should improve with the new 2005. I feel the car is underpowered & wish I would have waited & bought a Cobra. I am regularly beat by import cars 0-60 with even 6 cyl motors ??? BMWs etc..

• 

  Ford fun - 2000 Ford Focus
  By highspeed - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Ford Focus before arriving to Germany in July 2000. It has been a good car except the fact that the stereo lasted only 37 months. The bumper to bumper warranty at 36,000 is too short for cars being built today. The gas milage has only been about 27- 29 on highways with an automatic transmission. Still this car has been great in Germany and I would buy another one.

• 

  Best economy car on the market - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Stacy - May 10 - 8:30 am

  Ford did a fabulous job at remaking the Focus. I never thought I would buy a Ford, but this car is amazing. This car has great pickup and is not sluggish like some other cars I test drove on the freeway. Several of my friends are considering trading in their foreign cars for a brand new focus. The SE model has tons of features for an incredibly low price. I am so glad that I dont have to sacrifice style and comfort for a low price point.

• 

  Heres a winner - 2007 Ford Edge
  By F.Michael - May 10 - 6:03 am

  Wife, 7 week old son, & I enjoy our little road-trips in the Edge. Cruising 70 to 75 mph isnt a problem courtesy of the 6 speed auto transmission. Solid build quality gives the feeling youre in a safe/well built crossover. Front-wheel drive is all thats needed (live in snowy WI). Very nice all around vehicle!

• 

  The best vehicle I have ever owned! - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Chuck Truck - May 10 - 12:07 am

  My Ford Explorer is incredible! I have owned it for ten years now! It is a wonderful vehicle. As legend has it "Chuck" was one of the first manual transmission Ford Explorers to come off the assembly line back in June of 1990. The previous owner, a good friend of the family, heard from the dealer that this Explorers manual transmission was hand built. And talk about craftsmanship! With over 200,000 km on him (he was purchased in Canada) he is still on his original clutch! Amazing! Even more amazing considering I learned to drive a stick shift using him! He can haul cartons, kids, groceries and everything in between. And so easy for a do-it- yourselfer to repair!

• 

  Great economy car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By PWH - May 9 - 9:47 pm

  I bought this vehicle new for the price and MPG. I bought the automatic and the engine has great pick up. No problem entering the freeways in the big city I live in. Ive had this car over one year with not one problem. Great gas mileage and would suggest it to anyone for about any reason. Small but offers big benefits!