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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  A Classic - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By off n gone - July 15 - 11:22 am

  Having driven this car over 50,000 miles, I still smile. Car still gets looks and comments every place I go. And I live in SoCal. Could use a little more power, but it more than keeps ahead of traffic.

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  Explorer Not a bad Choice - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Donald - July 15 - 11:13 am

  Great Family vehicle for safety!

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  solid and dependable - 1999 Ford Contour
  By fawn - July 15 - 11:00 am

  I bought this new and am going on mile 116,000 now. Ford was bad about responding to complaints with the dash warping, which makes me not want to buy another Ford. But this car has been very dependable. I do regular maintenance, and it still runs like a charm!

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  40th Anniversary Research - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By sbeard24 - July 15 - 9:23 am

  I love this car. I just drove from Hampton Virginia to Montgomery Alabama at about 80 the whole way and got 27.2 mpg with the air on. I was very impressed. It is a blast having the passing power whenever you want it. Great car...wish I did not have to drive it everyday to and from work.

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  Good Little Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By MacDisciple - July 15 - 7:19 am

  This is a good little truck that does what I ask of it. It is not comfortable, it is underpowered, and there are few amenities, but if youre looking for something inexpensive to do your light dirty work, it is a good choice. I wouldnt purchase it for daily driving or heavy towing.

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  Good car - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Carmen Bradshaw - July 15 - 5:36 am

  I purchased this car used and drove 200 miles to Memphis getting around 28 miles/gallon. For the size, excellent gas mileage. Great looks, roomy interior, and roomy trunk that holds more than my patents Windstar are great advantages. It already had plenty of power, but I installed dual exhaust, K & N Air Filter, and Performance Chip now has more power than I could ever use or need. With the 17" wheels, the looks are great as well. Insurance cheap at around $500.00 full coverage. Beats the Mustang GT I owned at one time.

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  Panthers rule! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Turbo301 - July 15 - 4:36 am

  The current-generation Crown Victoria is perhaps a bit dated-looking, but its still sharp and still looks way better than "cutting edge" designs like the Chrysler 300. Trunk room and ride comfort are everything youd expect from a traditional big car (again, better in every way than the 300), and it couples that with reasonably good fuel economy and performance. The 4.6 pulls a lot harder than I thought it would, and even with a full load of people and cargo, its never short of passing power (something the old 5.0L cannot claim!).

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  egostar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By FB/Fred - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Horn did not work, Cruise did not work, Brakes grind as if metal on metal, Does not handle well in the wind. Poor fuel economy. defective design in the seatbelt retraction system. Seat belt continues to hang up in door.

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  Egg Yolk Yellow - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Vidking - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car, super fun to drive, holds the road and curves like a sports car. Comfortable even for me at 6-1" Decent if not great fuel economy. Road noise is there, but similar to any small car. I have 2003 ZX5 Premium with sunroof in Egg Yolk Yellow. It gets admiring looks and feels more expensive than it is. After rebates, it only cost me $12,500. It could definitely use more power. If I were to buy a 2004, Id opt for the 2.3L 145-HP engine and leather seats. Leather would make it feel like a car costing twice as much.

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  I Love my Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ShellyG - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a new Focus ZX5 last month and it is the funnest car to drive. I traded in an F150 and I am just so happy not to have to park that HUGE truck anymore. And I can even fit a 30 inch TV in my Hatchback!