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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  05 pony - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By leedfbmcdf - March 7 - 12:00 pm

  I have had my 05 for 12 days. I traded an 02 convertible in, and the handling differance is amazing. The power,room,and over all look of this years design is just fantastic.Wait till you see one on the road,,,,youll want one too....

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  James - 2006 Ford Escape
  By James - March 7 - 11:09 am

  My Escape came from the factory with the front end out of alignment and a steering wheel vibration that comes and goes. The front tires were damaged and Ford refused to replace them. They did align the front end but have not been able to cure the vibration. The engine runs well and has good power for a 4 cylinder but often hesitates when cold. The ride and handling are good. It has some wind noise but it is not offensive. I would not recommend buying this vehicle.

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  New Ownder - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Beth AA - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Escape a few weeks ago. I did a lot of research before my purchase and am very happy with my decision. I took it on its first road trip and it did great! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking to buy a Mini SUV.

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  Geesh, Bought new, No more Fords... - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By David R Backus - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new. It never ran right from day one. The car would shake around 70 miles an hour. I kept taking it in to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong with it. RIGHT! The transmission went out at 84000 miles. The power steering before that at 77000 miles at 2200 and 600 dollars a Pop. Then the brakes siezed up on me. I called Ford but to no avail Basically they said sorry about your luck the warranty expired. I NEVER SAY NEVER, BUT I will not be buying a Ford product again in the near future. I will not recommend Ford to Anyone I care about.Stay away from the WINDBAG!

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  They did it right! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Jerry McGee - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Love it...Fun to drive, handles well, lots of room in the trunk,plenty of headroom.

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  Not a very good car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Kissy - March 7 - 10:00 am

  About twenty recalls in a year. Horrendous repair record; battery cables, alternator, headlight seals, engine warning lights, tires, whels, radiator and I have forgotten some. Wrote President of Ford who basically said thjat since the car had not been to their dealership since September 2001 there obvously is nothing wrong with the car, Look at the recall list a shudder.

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  Satisfied Customer - 1998 Ford Escort
  By mto - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Have had this vehicle almost a year now. Very satisfied with performance and gas mileage. I avg. about 32 mpg driving a mixture of about 70% interstate and 30% city. Some interior improvements would make life easier (see "Suggested Improvements").

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  Still Pleased - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Alynda - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I now have over 15,000 miles on my Sport Trac and am still pleased with my purchase.

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  F-150 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By car man - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my F-150 it has a 4.2L V6, not a problem out of it!!

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  f-150 harley davidson s-crew - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Ryanz - March 7 - 10:00 am

  no truck is made better than a ford. Chevrolet is overpriced.