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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  nice car - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Mimi Doan - May 28 - 8:29 pm

  comfortable, great ride, lovely to look at and delightful to own.

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  Great car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Trod1 - May 28 - 7:58 pm

  We have had the car for 2 years and only problem has been the CD player. We are on number 2 now and waiting for 3. The car still looks great, inside has worn well, although it would be nice to have more leather and less vinyl on the seats.

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  Reliable workhorse - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Love to travel - May 28 - 7:23 pm

  Purchased 2 years old with 34,000 miles. Original flaws repaired under warranty by first owner, but had to take it in to redo the front differential pinion seal. Relatively few problems over 7 years and 70,000 miles: the usual DPFE failure, cruise control servo that went out at 100,000, squeaky bushing requiring replacement of an anti-wind up bar in the rear suspension, very short lived ignition wires - replaced twice. Major annoyance: disappearing display of the MACH radio - replaced the power board myself otherwise a very expensive repair. Minor annoyance: squeaky front axle seals in cold weather. Overall, compared to other vehicles that I owned, a very reliable, almost trouble- free performer.

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  I really like it! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Mary - May 28 - 7:10 pm

  I like this truck. I need something nimble and reliable and so far this one is great. Very stylish too! Only thing that needs improvement is the mileage.

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  fully loaded Escape - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By robert - May 28 - 2:53 pm

  Moving the seats around to allow more cargo space is a pain; other than that its a nice vehicle.

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  Our Toy - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By NicBuc - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Our "toy" was bought on a whim. I, the wife, saw it out in front of the Ford Dealers lot and fell in love with the beautiful car. I called my husband and told him about it and asked that he call and ask what the price was. When I got home from work, I asked him if he had called. He told me that he had not but that we would go look at it. When he saw it, he bagan to bargain with the dealer and we eventually took it home with us. I was so nervous that I came up with every excuse I could think of to disuade him from his decision to buy it. All of this was to no avail. We now get many, many envious looks from people. Oh, what fun it has been!

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  con queso - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Joseph23 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Very good car better than I expected Ill probably stay with mustangs for the next several years. I REALLY like the new mustang!

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  fast!!!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By vickie - May 28 - 10:00 am

  mustangs rule the road as far as being a sleek looking car!

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  Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By lilstarrymoon - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The emerald green ford mustang convertible is my favorite car it is smooth comfy and looks sleek. the tan top and cloth interior is my favorite design.

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  Adventure machine - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By zealman - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle ROCKS! Ive taken it all over Southern California - through the mountains, to the beaches, nice enough for downtown adventures too. the best all-around SUV available, and with plenty of power too. Average 20MPG.