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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  mach 1 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Richard Lingle - April 3 - 2:00 am

  SUPER CAR, FAST, COMFORTABLE, BEAUTIFUL, NO PROBLEMS SO FAR.

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  Aspire not Expire - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By Susan Potter - April 3 - 12:50 am

  Aspire, the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. It still continues to run fine and quiet at 210,000 miles, same engine. In the past 13 years, its only left me stranded twice: clutch (when my son was a teenager)and when a complete tune-up was needed. The vehicle has just needed regular maintenance/repair via normal wear/tear. This car has been so wonderful to me and thus, Ill continue to repair whatever is needed so it can continue to Aspire and never Expire.

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  The Rear Brakes are Not Fit For Purpose - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By allanedgar - April 2 - 9:56 pm

  The rear brakes are not fit for purpose. After only 30,000KM the rear brakes started grinding. The pads were finished and the disks were scored. What a joke! My last car, a Honda Accord needed front pads only after 100,000KM and rear pads after 160000KM. No rotors changed. Is Ford going to recall this car and fit rear brakes which are Fit For Purpose

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  Great to own - 1998 Ford Contour
  By kristylint - April 2 - 5:14 pm

  this car is so reliable and so easy and fun to drive. It is a very nice and stylish car.

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  Handsome Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Roddy - April 2 - 1:51 pm

  This has been a great truck. Three years old and looks new. No problems and good factory stereo.

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  Nice - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Taylor - April 2 - 12:30 pm

  I like this car because it is fun to drive and it is amazing on gas mileage. I drove 50 miles on a full tank and I used hardly any gas. Only draw back is that the interior is fairly plain. With less controls though less can go wrong with the car. Great for a starting out car. This car is great especially if you want more of an European idea of a car.

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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By roams11 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has been excellent for my weekely trips to work of 200 miles. I have gotten 37 mpg driving the speed limit. Typically at 75-80, I still average 28-30 mpg. The car is quick, responsive and I feel really benefits from the large diameter tires.

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  Ford Forgets About Quality - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By SLP - April 2 - 10:00 am

  A very nice looking vehical with good accerlation. Ok milage on highway but could use some improvment around town. Dealer mechs need better training. (had to tell them how to fix problems, they did not look very hard for known problems) Simple items like wiper pivots and motors, door locks, radio controls, etc. have had to be replaced soon after purchase. All has worked well since! Ford needs to pay more attention at the vehical factory.

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  Love My Explorer - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Maxamillion51 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I went from a fll size 4x4 GMC Truck to the Explorer Sport. I thought that I would not be happy with a smaller truck but I love my Explorer. The only thing that I wish is that ford would give it a bit more ground clearance and Traction control on the 4x2 model.

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  Exploder Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Kewina - April 2 - 10:00 am

  A decent truck to drive. Rode even better after I replaced the recalled Wilderness ATs with Michelin LTXs.