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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  Love Ford C-Max Energi plugin - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By m_b2 - February 3 - 9:32 pm

  The Energi is the first car I have found with significant electric range and a hybrid backup system that is practical. Volt is sporty but the dimensions of the car dont fulfill my everyday needs.

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  Fun little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mkgibbons - February 3 - 7:48 pm

  This is a fun little SUV to drive. I love the look of it and the feel of the wind rushing through my hair when the moonroofs open. Mileage has been pretty good, and the all-wheel drive is helpful in snowy MN winter. Road noise gets a little high when at highway speeds.

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  06 Ford Freestar Limited - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By minaldo1 - February 3 - 1:46 pm

  Very good looking on the inside. Ride quality is impressive. Excellent handling. Bucket seats very comfortable. Very quiet ride. Nice layout and good cargo room. Very safe.

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  Bluebird of Happiness - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By bobbydee - February 3 - 12:02 am

  Bought the car because I had a 87 Bird and liked it. Also liked the metallic blue paint. Have been a road warrior in it for 8 years and love everything about it. Had to put a radiator in as well as normal maintenance, but nothing really major. I really wish I could buy a new one but the model line has gone away.

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  Ugly but reliable! - 1991 Ford Aerostar
  By shrog - February 2 - 6:58 pm

  This beast now has 185,000 miles the only problem Ive had is an engine knock that gets better as the engine warms up (been knocking for a long time), and a wicked vibration under acceleration. Leaks a little oil but you know you can drive it any where. The AWD is great it gets better traction than my Grand Cherokee. If the body would last as long as the engine I would keep it forever.

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  Poor Quality - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Russ Blayney - February 2 - 4:06 pm

  Our company owns three 2002s. One blew engine after 1700 miles. Hose clamp failed, waited 3 weeks for replacement motor under warranty. Tranny valve went out in another car @ 22000 miles. Now this same car is needing a new tranny @ 57000miles. All 3 have trunk release problems, eat tires and rattle a lot. All of these cars have been maintained to Ford specs and dealership service. No more Fords for us. The jokes are still alive and well, Found On the Road Dead & Fix Or Repair Daily.

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  F150 SUPER DUTY - 2005 Ford F-150
  By TUF2LUV - February 2 - 2:26 pm

  I have been very happy with it so far in overall style and price. I looked at all the other trucks and got a Ford. I was not sure it was a wise investment and have been very happy I did. Only a couple of things I do not like is that the work truck came without a CD player and no running boards standard on the heavy duty equipment package I purchased. I think they should be provided on all the extra payload trucks. Has good pick and go power overall. Not a race horse. Yet a good overall work horse. :]

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  Stang 05 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By nreck - February 1 - 10:53 pm

  The car is an overall disappointment. I wish I could give it back. Not a good buy, definitely just spend the extra money for the GT! The car runs fine now but I wouldnt count on it like a Honda. With all of the other options out there, make sure you do your research first before deciding what car is perfect for you.

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  Im Keeping It Another 6 years - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Richard - February 1 - 10:40 pm

  Ive driven LA to Chicago about 6 times round trip and never had any trouble. Im always amazed after 3 days of 10 hours each at 70 mph how this car shows no sign of fatigue. Its my 2nd Crown Vic.

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  My Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Rich - February 1 - 6:00 pm

  This is the 2nd Ranger that I have owned. My 99 4x4 has been a great truck. I love to drive it and she performs great off road. I take her hunting and sometimes sleep in the back (has a shell). I put on a set of B.F.Goodrich All Terrains and the off road performance got better! I also utilize a K&N air filter and with my 4.0 I get 24mpg. Great Truck, I Love It!