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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  Not as good as it looks - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bad oil leak - October 2 - 1:12 pm

  After owning the car for almost 3 years, it is fun to drive for sure, a head turner, but it has its hand in my back pocket constantly. In the shop almost every 3 k miles for something or other. Electrical problems, look at replacing the battery every year. And now, for a car thats never been raced, Adult owned, a major oil leak at the main seal that would require an engine pull out. This car has 11,000 miles on it. I will live with the leak I guess and just drive the car into the ground. Ultimately disappointed.

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  I love my Escape - 2009 Ford Escape
  By KenH - October 2 - 12:36 pm

  I bought my 2009 Ford Escape XLT 3.0 V- 6 for my wife for Christmas. We had tested the Honda CRV, Subarau Forrester, Hyundai Santa Fe and Sonata before we drove the Escape. When she sat down in it, she said this is the one. We love the ride, the comfort the style and the gas mileage. We are currently averaging 25mpg combined. It rides smoother and quieter than my brother in laws Escalade. The power is great. I love the Sync system and the Sirius radio. I would and have recommended the Escape to other people.

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  Taurus is nice but rather bland - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Rome Man - October 2 - 11:40 am

  Bought this as a replacement for a 2005 500 SE with the CVT transmission. The new engine and transmission is better than the old 3.0/CVT setup for everyday driving and the ride is softer and quieter too. I like the interior better with richer looking woodgrains and improved fit and finish. The exterior is where my disappointment lies. This is where I like the 500 better. The rear end of the 08 Taurus looks plainer than the 500. The 500 also had body side moldings which help protect the sides of the car and broke up the tallness and plainess. Seems like this is happening on many new cars, a way for the manufacturers to cheapen the car and save money perhaps. Also a glovebox light would be nice

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  Awesome - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By eaglesdude00 - October 2 - 10:45 am

  The Ford Ranger is an awesome truck to buy. It looks good, and has plenty of power to go offroading with. I love my Ranger, and drive it everyday. If you have the choice, get 4-wheel drive, it makes a huge difference!

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  My Mach 1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 1Sabre - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I thought the Mustang name had more to do with a rivilry with the Camaros,and Corvettes.I bought the car with racing in mind. So when I brought it to the track no one with these would race.I only hope there are more Mustangs that want to race then Chevy products.

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  Ford on top - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ktown78 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  While the F-150 does lack the side air bags, it is undeniably the safest large truck on the highway. It has crash severity sensors, available back up sensors, front & Rear Crumple zones, the strongest frame made, a hood that will not go through the windshield, and all speed traction control, the engine has more power than either GM or Dodge 300HP & 365lb torque at 1000 rpm, not 3000. For once Ford has taken the lead. Can you say 4 doors i every cab design? The ride is much more refined than competitors and takes this truck to the Rolls Royce of Trucks

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  From Dodge to Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By skel - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Special order from factory; took 5 weeks from the 8 weeks estimated. Have only noticed one flaw with this truck; factory put 2 different running boards on (molded board on drivers side and tubular on passenger side). Much, much better truck than the 97 Ram 1500 Im coming out of.

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  Great SUT - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By topsy - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Im very, very happy with this SUT (Sport Utility Truck). It meets all of my needs. It feels very solid.

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  Mine vs Tammys - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rr67gto - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned an Explorer every two years, since 1994. As well as two Expaditions. The 2003s (we own two EBs) are light years away from the 01. However, there are some really silly things Ford keep leaving out of their flag ship. One being a lockable gas door with inside relese. And the other being an aotomatic antenna. Also, Ford has and continues to put out books with nice goodies you can get for your cars & trucks. But when it comes to the Explorer, many times you find out that what they promote as nice things you can get, do not and never will be made.

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  2005 SE - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By 2005 Taurus SE - October 1 - 5:51 pm

  I purchased this car after having a Taurus prior to this. Its a great roomy vehicle for the price. No other car in its class seems to have the same price range, spaciousness, or fuel economy. The seats are not as comfortable as my older Taurus although more comfortable than the Camry. I drive lots and my back and behind my knees are very sore from the design of the seats.