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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  I like It - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By carpeni - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my exploror for 2 yaers now and like it a lot. Have had only 2 problems with it. A leaking rear shock after a year, which took the dealer 6 months to order and replace. And a transmission leak where the motor and transmission mate. The dealership has yet to return my calls on the transmission leak. (maybee because they saw its still under warrenty). Oh and the milege sucks around town (16mpg) but is awesome on the highway (25mpg).

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  Not so hot Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Brian - April 17 - 7:40 am

  The performance of my Taurus is awful. When I hit the gas the vehicle always feels like it has to downshift to get going. Maybe this due to my transmisson, it is only my 2nd one so far. This is a company vehicle & others in our fleet is having the same problems. Other than the performance the vehicle is ok. The interior is a little boring, but I can live with it.

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  Ford F150 Lariat Supercrew 4WD - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Reggie - April 17 - 5:30 am

  Great truck. Drives great on the highway and fantastic for moving the kids around. Pulls loaded trailer with ease at highway speeds. 4WD system works good. I prefer the part time on the fly system. The leather seats are nice as well as the memory seat positions and the movable pedals. Highway feel is more like a luxury car than a truck, but it definitely is a truck when you need it. This thing is a work horse.

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  New Pony - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By gregariousgreg - April 17 - 2:33 am

  I just bought this car day before yesterday and I love it. I ordered it straight from the factory through a fleet manager, which I highly recommend. Initial gas mileage is horrible, but Ive heard that it gets better over time. This car is really a blast to drive and it looks spectacular.

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  Wish Ford would build them again - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By dad - April 17 - 2:16 am

  I bought this for the size, and diesel, 4x4. The 1st thing I did is put a hypertec programmer and a 4inch exhaust on for better power as I felt it lacked. I pull a 38ft travel trailer.it has been all over the US with very few problems. I have just the regular MA things to do. I avearge 24.5 mpg on the Hwy and 19 in the city ,not bad for a big SUV diesel. I do wish the chassis was long like the 4 door trucks Ford has, it would pull smoother. But overall I love this truck and the size.

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  I love this car - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Hin - April 17 - 2:07 am

  I knew this was the car after I test drove it. The sound even on the V6 was plenty of drama. Im not looking to street race so the V6 model has very good acceleration and more sensible MPG. I cant wait to drive it all the time. Every time I drive it around, I get stares like its a Ferrari or something. Probably the over the top stripes. Anyway, Im very happy about the purchase and this is the coolest car I have owned. (I prefer this over my wifes new BMW 3-Series), thats gotta say something.

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  So Far we Love this New Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Limited 4dr SUV AWD - April 16 - 8:10 pm

  We have only had our New Edge 1 month,but so far we love this crossover from Ford. We get a lot of second looks from people on the street, and people asking what it is. We have owned many Fords over the years and this new Edge is right close to the top of best Fords we have ever owned .Love it, love it, love it.

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  Just Great to Drive - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Brown - April 16 - 4:43 pm

  Just do the routine service as required and the Expedition will perform as marketed. Have really enjoyed driving it in city and on the highway. Enjoy the safety of sitting higher to see any problems and the storage. One of the most enjoyable cars we had over the years.

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  Solid, Fun to Drive, Even Fuel Efficient - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Clay - April 16 - 2:43 pm

  This was a fulfillment of a high school dream, only with better MPG than the 1965 Mustang! Excellent handling, Excellent gas mileage considering you have 300HP at your disposal.

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  Good car - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Jacob - April 16 - 2:22 pm

  Very nice car. Gets up and goes. Never stranded me and runs like new still. Very fun car to drive.