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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  FORD 100% BETTER THAN CHEVY - 2002 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By JOE MASTENCIA - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I DROVE BOTH VANS AND HANDS DOWN THE FORD KILLED THE CHEVY. I ORIGINALY WANTED A CHEVY BUT I WAS SWAYED BY FRIENDS THAT OWNED FORD VANS AND THEIR FEEDBACK MADE ME MAKE THE SWITCH. FORD CARS ARE IFFY BUT THEY SURE KNOW HOW TO MAKE A TRUCK.

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  Not that great - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Young Mo - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had several electrical problems with my truck, including the radio display, the rear wiper motor, the side mirror motor, and the rear glass defroster. Also had some mystery rattles and am experiencing some idling problems. Will not buy another Ford! The dealership was not that helpful with repairs either.

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  Well pleased - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By 2002 excursion - December 7 - 9:17 pm

  Very pleased with this truck. With 4 kids and a dog, the space is well needed and used. I went from a 2000 F- 250 to the Excursion and can still get the same loads in the Excursion if needed.

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  2003 Explorer XLT - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By John S. - December 7 - 6:32 pm

  Good truck, lousy gas mileage for a 6-banger, I cant believe people get 27 mpg when I am lucky to get 20 highway!

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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Mika - December 7 - 4:10 pm

  Ive never really been a Ford lover since Ive always had Subarus, but I must say this is the best car Ive ever had. Not only is it easy and fun to drive, but its also comfy and roomy. The Fusion is also a smooth ride and you hardly feel bumps or potholes. I do a lot of long distance driving and am in my car for hours on end, and it is just awesome!

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  Value for money to the MAX - 2007 Ford Focus
  By lilboyracer - December 7 - 3:29 pm

  I wanted a car which would fulfill both my need for speed and be attainable on a modest budget. One of the things I was really looking for was a stickshift. I got this car used with just 8K miles on it and fully loaded for a song. I have ended up driving it 1.5K miles in 2weeks. This is living the very busy life of a medical resident with only a few free hours daily which i have enjoyed spending with this car. I love the handling and the feel of the car and the acceleration and power is more than sufficient to easily exceed legal speeds. This car is fully loaded and I love all the creature comforts. In a nutshell the best buy ive ever made.

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  Update to earlier review - 2007 Ford Escape
  By vsinger - December 7 - 2:58 pm

  Wrote previous review 1 month after buying - now 1 year after purchase. Still love this vehicle. Motor broken in - excellent off-line acceleration. Very comfortable on long (1000 mile+) trips. Absolutely no reliability issues w/regular maintenance. So far unable to bottom it out yet over rough terrain, ruts at intersections, goes right over small obstacles like curbs if you go slow - great for "urban warfare".

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  No Problems - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By jt - December 7 - 1:12 pm

  Nice design, larger than earlier models, V8 has ample power, good HVAC, good sound system, smooth ride, lots of room and comfortable seats for long drives. Not exactly sure why people complain about the gas mileage - its an SUV!

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  wow - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By THEMAN - December 7 - 9:15 am

  I bought a 98 explore sport with 98,000 miles so i know it would have some wear and tear but not like this. The jirst month i had it the trans went then the U joiints. I got them fixed then the rear went and to top it off i only was getting 16 miles to the gallon

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  Mustang GT is back - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Ron H - December 7 - 1:30 am

  Fun like it was 30 years ago! Fast, reliable. Much better handling. Ride is stiff for old joints.