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:

• 

  Dons opinion - 1997 Ford F-150
  By dlbnfla - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Best pickup ever built

• 

  excellent, but needs an updated interior - 2002 Ford F-150
  By johican - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Fords Lightning performs better than any truck should and doesnt make you feel guilty about it. Its a blast to drive and equally fun to just admire its beautiful shape. Its hole in the armour lies in its outdated interior, which hasnt been updated in several years. Ford needs to consider making the dash more friendly while maintaining the intuitive functionality. Basically, the interior works, but isnt fun or very attractive at all (perhaps the gauges are attractive...), which just doesnt jive with the rest of the truck.

• 

  NO MORE ST - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By NO MORE SPORT TRAC - April 26 - 10:00 am

  BRAKES AND ROTORS HAS TO BE CHANGED LIKE OIL. NO GAS MILEAGE. STEERING NEEDES IMPROVEMENT, ALSO, HANDLING. BLACK PAINT CRACKING AT 1 YR. OLD, MANUFACTURER WILL NO NOTIFY CONSUMERS OF THIS DEFFECT. A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY TOLD US THAT WORKS AT THE BODY SHOP. SO, IF YOUR TRUCK IS BLACK, HAVE IT PAINTED BEFORE END OF WARRANTY

• 

  A great car for the price. - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Mark Drutz - April 26 - 10:00 am

  While the styling is controversial, I love it. The 200 hp engine gives plenty of pep. Handling is very good for a family sedan. The bucket seats are comfortable, and there is ample room in the rear. The trunk is also roomy. After three years and 33,000 miles, I had only one very minor problem.

• 

  ESCAPE - 2001 Ford Escape
  By DZIENIS - April 26 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE, A LITTLE WIND NOISE, GOOD LOOKS,

• 

  Great Truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Rick - April 26 - 6:50 am

  Its a truck & rides like one. I can live with that. Terrible gas mileage. Average 19 mpg under the best circumstances. Wish it was better. Considering trading it in for a VW or something that gets some mileage.

• 

  Great ruck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Paul - April 25 - 11:09 pm

  My f150 now has 213,500 miles on it and still runs strong. I think Fords biggest mistake was getting rid of the 4.9l 300 i6. Doesnt do good on fuel, but the engine had plenty of pickup and plenty of pulling power. I put a flowmaster 40 on it and it sounds great.

• 

  The Perfect Car - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Andrew76240 - April 25 - 5:14 pm

  I love my Thunderbird. I have always wanted one since my ex-wife had one and we seperated. Its the best car I have ever owned . After putting 40,000 miles to the 44,000 miles that my car came with all that wee ever needed was fluid and filter changes and some spark plugs. Pleanty of power underneath the hood of the v-8 model. Comfortable to drive and everything is adjusted on the dash to face the driver and all around its just a great stylish car!

• 

  Would Buy Again - 2006 Ford Focus
  By ralphaw - April 25 - 1:34 pm

  I have been pleased with both performance and reliability of this car, especially the gas mileage. My job requires a lot of driving so comfort is a big plus. The seating height is also appreciated compared to other compacts I have been in.

• 

  Love This Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Sara B - April 25 - 1:09 pm

  I love this car for the most part - there are very few things I would change about it. This is the first car I ever purchased brand new and I wish I had waited for the AWD to become available. I also wish my ex (who went to pick it out once we decided on the Fusion) had held out for ABS - I definitely miss having ABS!