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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  Frannys Pony Ride Review - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By franny - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I love jumping into something with power and style. I like the looks I get. It is red...Matches my hair!

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  Nice ride! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By dionnyfrances - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This great summer car.Its fun to drive to work back,weekends are the best.Horsepower is respectable while the torque great.My best times are at the drag strip!

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  gt350shelb - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By gt350shelb - January 2 - 10:00 am

  very happy with my 84th mustang, ford just keeps getting better. cant wait for 2005 mustang.

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  My Crown Victoria Experience - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By jr77864 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I continue to be impressed with the smooth handling and overall comfort of the Crown Victoria and the relatively good gas mileage for that size vehicle.

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  great price, great car, very satisfied - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Moveforwarder - January 2 - 9:33 am

  i will feel guilty if i dont share my great experiences with you. Great price, great car and great dealer! Ford should tell the truth, instead of 23/31 MPG, i get 27/35 MPG for the first month and first 1000 miles. Yes, as the reviewers here said, I-4 is a little bit noisy when the engine speed is higher than 2000 rpm at local driving. However, when you drive it on highway, man, it is so quiet. I am a Ford lover. Compared to other Ford cars, you can see Ford pays a lot of attention on it and try to regain the No.1 position of family car! Taurus lost its No.1 in 1996. Fusion is very competitive from all aspects; compared to my Focus, it is worth to pay the extra money.

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  Ok, but could be better - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By drew - January 2 - 3:43 am

  Was fine till O/D light blinked, then transmission work, then ball joints, brakes etc. Keep up with those and its a decent vehicle. Mileage is kinda bad, but decent overall. Had other SUV vehicles that were worse. Sure there is some maintenance expense, but not like other vehicles.

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  sharp looking - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Bob Scholl - January 1 - 11:47 pm

  Great for two on long trip back seats ok for kids not for adults. No storage to speak of . Have to put down rear seat to carry my wifes wheel chair

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  Love My Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Alex - January 1 - 9:46 pm

  I totaled my 2002 Chevy Blazer in December 2006 and that was the best acccident because I found my Explorer. This is car is the best and I couldnt ask for anything more. It is reliable, no major problems. Get the oil changed every 3 months and Im all set. I feel bad for everyone that had a bad experience because this is really an excellent machine.

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  Think Twice - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Jimbo - January 1 - 6:14 pm

  Bought this car new and sold it after 4 months. Highs------Great looks and fun to drive Lows-----6 cyclinder 4.0 engine is loud and sounds course and unrefined. You almost think that something is wrong with the engine. Dash board rattled after the first week however I did not take it back thinking it would get worse during the warranty period and be easier to find. 5 Speed manual transmission felt clunky, had a long throw, and seemed hard to get into gear sometimes. Seats looked good but felt like cheap material and I will be suprised if they wear well. Neutral----almost no backseat--but I knew that when I bought it.

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  So far, Going Great - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By JACK♠ - January 1 - 4:32 pm

  I have 19050 miles and been enjoying my FS. The cvt is a pleasure. The ride feels tight and secure, alot better than my 2001 Explorer or Windstar. I would recommend this CUV.