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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  Bad fuel economy - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By wayne - November 13 - 1:56 am

  My Ford Escape gets poor gas mileage for a hybrid. Were now down to 25 mpg. Our Ford dealership wont help. Ford Motor Companys help line did not work. I guess Ford is going to lose more market share.

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  Ford Loses A LOYAL one - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Marc - November 12 - 10:26 pm

  After leasing Ford Mustangs for 12 years that covered 3 GTs fully equipped - I learned the hard lesson of buying a Ford. My last Mustang GT had so many various problems that Ford continued to ignore that my engine blew with 61k miles. I have had 2 tune ups. oil changes on time, a new fuel filter, 5 new coils and so on. Ford takes no responsibility in their failures and the defective Mustang. I am never never going to buy a American car again. Not only because it was a horror on wheels but worse - a corporate giant like Ford wanted to rip me off for $7,000 dollars to fix again - (my mechanic $1,000) - never again will I be caught in American cars. I learned my lesson and they lost a customer forever.

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  500 Reasons - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Stephen Fiorino - November 12 - 9:13 pm

  I also own a Lexus RX and have owned a Lexus automobile since 1990. This car is just as quiet, rides as smooth and has a lot of room. Back seat passengers love the back seat leg room. AWD is a plus as it navigates through bad weather.

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  great car, bad seller - 1997 Ford Escort
  By worldgirlorbit - November 12 - 2:10 pm

  I really enjoy my Escort, except for one thing. The oil system. I havent heard of anyone else having this problem, but I have had so many problems with the pump, the sender unit, the filter. Ive had three oil changes in the past two months alone, and Ive only driven it a few times. Other than that I have had no problems.

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  I still like my Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By GPDMTR25 - November 12 - 2:06 pm

  I still love to drive my Explorer. Ive never had a problem with mine although several of my friends have had minor problems with theirs. I was worried about getting an American made car so I purchased the extended warranty. Ive never had a reason to use it though. My second car is a convertible Mini Cooper which is a blast to drive but I still use my Explorer to do all of my main driving because I like it so much.

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  Buy This Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By EPERKI - November 12 - 9:10 am

  I love this vehicle! Bought it with 77,000 miles on it in 2006. In 2009 I have 204595 miles on it and it drives like its brand new. I do a lot of driving daily for my job and it has been nothing but dependable. However its noisy. If you dont replace shocks with good shocks it will hit every bump in the road but as long as you keep the maintenance up on it you will have few major issues with this vehicle. I feel that I have gotten more than my moneys worth and I will drive it until it wont go anymore. A great vehicle for the price. You can haul heavy people and items and this truck holds its maximum power.

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  2005 vs 1999 - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Sue - November 12 - 2:01 am

  It seems I get more miles from a tank of gas compared to my 1999 Taurus. The interior control panel not good-the speedometer is blocked by steering wheel on right and right hand or have to tilt wheel up higher to be able to view speedometer. Dont feel like I have the head room compared to the 1999- sitting close enough for pedals and steering wheel my head is very close to visor. Feels like less space in front seat.

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  The Stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Islandbrah - November 12 - 1:13 am

  This car can be summed up in one work. AWESOME! I am not a fan of Ford but they did it with this one. I am a converted bow tie owner and havent looked back since. The power and torque are great in factory form but Ford left A LOT on the table. After a couple hundred dollars and a weekend the Mustang can hang with a Vette.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Jerry - November 11 - 9:41 pm

  Very satisfied with the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle, am considering buying a new one next year.

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  Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Geoff - November 11 - 8:28 pm

  Just a very cool car to drive.