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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  Our "Pony" Is Going To New Pastures!! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Edward Viscardi - May 16 - 11:32 pm

  Great car. Sold it and it went to South Carolina.

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  Gas Hog - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By okmarshal - May 16 - 4:52 pm

  Ive had my 05 almost three months, traded in a 98 2WD with 96k and very few problems. The greatest disapointment is the terrible gas mileage-14.2 avg. is the best Ive had so far. My 2WD got 17-20 mpg on avg. which ends up being aprox. 2 fillups a week vs. every 1 1/2-2 wks. with 2WD, Knew 4WD would be worse but not that much difference. Would not recommend this vehicle to anyone on a tight budget

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  Highly Recomended - 2007 Ford F-150
  By iustitiamaedicus - May 16 - 3:05 pm

  Purchasing this vehicle has been one of the smartest decisions that I could have possibly made. It drives great has average MPG but makes up for it with engine power and design.

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  Mustang Lives Up To Its Name - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Paul Molinari - May 16 - 9:03 am

  I recently owned a 2002 Mustang V6, before purchasing the new 2005 and I must say, Ford has outdone themselves! The new style looking back to the 60s is just an eye-catcher and a jaw-dropper. The handling and driving experience is unlike any other Mustang that I have been behind the wheel of. With 300 ponys behind the 4.6L engine, it delivers a unbelievable power and torque to the concrete. The shifting of the 5 speed manual transmission is unlike anything I have felt before. I enjoy driving this car and I will always enjoy driving this car. This car is worth every dollar!

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  i love mustangs!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By lbchbb08 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  i love the way a mustang rides,its comfortable and very affordable.

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  Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By dcsoine - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Nice, comfortable ride. First year of new suspension.

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  Love it! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Debbie - May 16 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Fusion Hybrid for two weeks and have driven it 932 miles (half hiway and half city). According to the dash readout that is displayed each time you turn the car off, our overall mpg is 38.1. We are very pleased with the quality of the workmanship and how the car handles. The sensitive brakes took a little getting use to. We have the complete electronics package, which is awesome. The larger screen is helpful with the GPS, the Sirius real-time weather map overlay, and the backup camera. Our cell phones, Nokia and iPhone, sync well with the cars system. We have had to "floor it" once at highway speeds, the power seemed equivalent to the V6 we traded in.

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  I recommend! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By DanielJKaser - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car a few days ago. I have had a great time driving thus far and I look forward to driving it every time I go outside. Although I have not stepped on it (regardless of the apparent factory breaking in) I feel as though I should give it at least 500 miles of easy driving to keep the seals from busting. I outran an Integra without evening givin it too much gas:)

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  ford focus--COLLECTIBLE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By mickeysmarauder - May 16 - 2:00 am

  like the ergonometrics--very comforta ble riding unit-rides around corners as if on rails-spirited response(for the horses available)-no problems so far

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  My Third Ford Truck! 2004 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Gamegetter - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I just cant get over how well, ford builds there trucks, and how reliable they are also. I just purchased my third Ford truck, the F150 Super cab STX 4X4 Styleside in Dark Gray, I got a great deal and this truck is a dream to drive. All my Ford trucks that i have traded in have been great! and someone will get a very good used Ford. As for my New F150 I plan to get alot of miles out of this one! Way to go Ford!!!!10+