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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  so far so good - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By sgtswife3kids - August 12 - 4:06 pm

  Sporty sturdy truck, rides like a car. My first Ford - didnt know what to expect, but we are loving it.

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  nice at first, then problems - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By r grigsby - August 12 - 1:22 pm

  Our 92 Explorer seemed to run just fine until 1998 when it broke down on a roadtrip, transmission fluid gushing out onto the road. Had the transmission replaced for $1800 or so. Same thing happened again in 2004. I will never take it on a roadtrip again. The transmission is not beefy enough for the weight of the car. Nowadays it just slowly deteriorates. For some reason water gets trapped in the rear doors causing them to rust away at the bottom. Rocker panels have also completely rusted out. Overal l-- not reliable, lousy.

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  08 Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By RaiderJoe - August 12 - 1:10 pm

  Great looking car for the money. Drives great, lots of room when 2nd row is folded flat. Great gas mileage for a gas only engine (26 mpg average!).

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  2003 T Bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By TP - August 11 - 11:06 pm

  All around great car. Ford got it right for those of use who wanted a boulevard cruiser.

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  Focus delivers the goods where it counts - 2006 Ford Focus
  By William E. Irving - August 11 - 4:23 pm

  I wanted a car with 4 cylinders and a 5-speed to replace my aging 6-cylinder auto 99 Jetta. Jetta still beautiful and a joy to drive, but neither very economical nor particularly reliable. Always liked styling of the Focus, so I thought I would try it, after 25 years of VWs. Dont know what all the carping about build quality is about. Paint is deep and lustrous, body panels fit, feels tight and solid on the road - no rattles or squeaks. Interior not as pretty as Jetta, but is functional, sturdy and comfortable. Engine torquey with smooth power delivery. Focus weighs 500 lbs less than Jetta, so power deficit not a big deal. Moreover, car has been very reliable - old Foci Ive seen hold up well.

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  My SHO - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By pat muscarella - August 11 - 2:47 pm

  Great car I am the original owner and the car has exceeded my expectations in performance and lasting quality. As an engineer, I am still impressed with the power and comfort @ 111,000 miles.

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  Yellow Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Cliff Koonce - August 11 - 12:30 pm

  This car is everything I have read about in the reviews. Its extremely fun to drive. Want to go back 25 years in your life, get a new GT Mustang V-8.

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  2010 FX4 SuperCrew F150 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By mrpositraction - August 10 - 11:43 pm

  I have owned many fords and before the purchase of this truck I owned a 2007 F150 FX4. This new 2010 is the MOST comfortable truck I have ever ridden in, I would even put the seats up against some top end models, they are that comfortable. Mileage isnt increased over the previous model IMO. Though it doesnt boost much power increase the new 6spd transmission does a awesome job at hauling loads and pulling trailers. I pulled a car with 300 miles on the odometer 150 miles going 80mph and barely knew it was back there. The ride is incredible as I mentioned before. The interior is strides better than the previous model and the engine compartment is much improved as well. Good job FORD

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  Nice car but beware of paint flaws - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Karl - August 10 - 11:26 pm

  I love the body style and the ride is very comfortable. Great trunk space and rear leg room. Quiet cabin and controls are easily accessible. American car with a Euro look. Problem is my car came with something I didnt pay for -- A TON of PAINT FLAWS. Also have some interior fit and finish issues.

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  Go Big One - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By tyancey66 - August 10 - 7:32 pm

  I have a 93 Bronco that was my dads and I love it! It has never let me down.