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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  Lemon - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mellsu4u - October 4 - 9:26 pm

  In 4 years I have had to replace the front rotors and brake shoes (the first year!), replace two window motors and regulators, replace the power steering pump, rack & pinion unit, battery, CD player, factory dry rotted tires, and the air bag light keeps coming on. The car looks brand new inside and out, is regularly maintenance, has few passengers (no kids), is driven carefully and has few miles on it. A mechanic said you have a 50/50 chance on getting a good one. Guess which % I was in? Please, dont buy one!

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  Hutches 2013 Ford Edge SEL Sport - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Michael Hutchison - October 4 - 6:02 pm

  Great Vehicle

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  My Ford Freestyle Experience - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Karen Wheat - October 4 - 10:19 am

  I have really enjoyed driving this car. It maneuvers well and has plenty of room for my family of five. We have really enjoyed the great gas mileage. We get lots of comments about it, people ask what it is and say they like it, or they say they havent seen one before. Some people say the pickup is not that great, but it has plenty of power to me. We did have a couple of minor problems that required a trip to the service department, but they were quickly repaired. Overall my Freestyle has been a great car, and I would reccomend it to anyone.

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  great van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By schnoopy - October 4 - 10:00 am

  quiet nice ride a great van a big improvment over the winstar

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  This is a great car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Sjacka - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I drove the Mazda 3 S with sport suspension first. Loved it and was sold on it until I drove the Focus ZX4 ST. There is no comparison -- The ST is far superior and significantly cheaper in the end.

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  I love my new Truck!!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Wags - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I went to buy a Chevy as I have been a Chevy fan all my life. After a bad dealing with the chevy dealer, I decided to check out a Ford F150 Supercrew. That was the best decision I have ever made. The chevy supercrew cant even come close to the quality and design of the New F150. Looks like it my be Fords for me from now on.

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  Big Ford That ford has Make - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Michael88 - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2004 F-150 XLT the best tuck i ever had I had a F-150 2001 the 04 Ford Is the best truck

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  mach 1 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Raycyca - October 4 - 10:00 am

  flashy,loud, and very fast,handles corners almost as well as my Cobra.More bang for the buck than a GT

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  a good car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By shaneca - October 4 - 10:00 am

  i love my 2004 mustang. it is fun to drive and it looks great. it rides great, gets ok gas milage and my kids love too. its just an all around great car. i would not drive anything else!

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  Just a Great Little Car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Bobby V - October 4 - 8:00 am

  We bought this car mainly as a commuter, but found out its also a great road car. Handling, quiet & comfortable says it all. Only had for 4 months, but all indications including reliability look very good. Saved a bundle compared to competition. Very good ergonomics, easy new car to get used to. I think mileage will improve with age. We drive a very (25 mile) winding and twisty road to work and back, and trust me, this car is the one you want to be in. ABS, and side air bags were a must, as should be in all vehicles. We love our Outback & minivan, but this one is really a hoot to drive. If youre a DRIVER, and love to DRIVE check it out. Oh, and you will smile all the way to the BANK!