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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  Well worth the girth - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By fossilsucka - August 11 - 3:16 am

  I have owned several SUVs, trucks, and cars over the years, but with 3 children and several toys to haul around nothing compares to the Ford Excursion. I made do for too long in the past. Sure the thing is huge, but smart people wouldnt buy one for everyday in town use anyhow. I purchased it for weekend getaways, vacations, and hauling. With the V10 it has more than enough grunt to do whatever I ask it to!! It rides like a truck, but... hey, it is a truck!!! I find myself cheating and driving it to work daily, instead of my gas- mizer cause the thing is just a blast to drive! It doesnt feel near as big and heavy driving as it looks! I love my Excursion!

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  I cried - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By Brian Moses - August 11 - 2:19 am

  I loved my 1993 Ford Thunderbird LX. It had a V6 3.8L, which ran pretty well and fast for the weight, though I felt the engine was underpowered ( but still had enough to satisfy me. ). I took a turn going 30mph and hit a pole, because my wheels locked up and I didnt have time to pump my brakes, and it totalled my car. I cried that night...I loved this car...and now Im looking at a 1994 Thunderbird LX for 1,995.

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  Shocked by a Ford - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Val - August 11 - 1:43 am

  I always swore I would never own a Ford. But, after driving a Blazer gas hog decided to try. Interiors roomy, especially if you have members of your family at least 6ft. tall. Rides smooth, quiet, and full of power.

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  Never should have been discontinued - 1992 Ford Festiva
  By Lagbert - August 11 - 12:39 am

  I averaged about 43 MPG with my Festiva. It was a great little commute car, and I could park or fit just about anywhere. I just hit 218,000 miles when it was hit by individual unable to stay in their own lane. It will most likely get totaled due to the extent of that damage. I wish I could just go out to the Ford or Kia dealership and get another one.

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  Bubba - 1991 Ford F-150
  By Jeffrey Berezo - August 10 - 2:41 pm

  I love my 1991 F150. My wife named him Bubba, quite appropriately. Runs great, was inexpensive, near perfect condition. Does everything my lifestyle commands. If I were to ever lose it, I would feel like my right arm was cut off.

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  We bit the bullet - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Family on The Go - August 10 - 2:33 pm

  Finally, our family of 6 has room to travel with book bags, lacrosse sticks, gym bags, basketball bags, and swim bags ... and no one loses an eye or gets stepped on while exiting the vehicle! My husband and I did not want to take on the gas mileage, and we did not want the noise of the diesel, so we hesitated about buying the Excursion. I wanted a Suburban. What convinced us? The value of Excursion over the Suburban and the Toyota Sienna that we considered. We got more for our money in cargo room, and a luxury interior, and the Excursion costs 400 less dollars per year to insure than the other. We wouldnt go back. We love our Excursion, and so do the kids!

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  fully loaded - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By eric - August 10 - 1:42 pm

  I love this car, itÂ’s the best that I owned. I have a fully loaded GL model. I drove smaller vehicles and as soon as I purchased this one I fell in love with the Taurus. Soooo comfortable and smooth it is just relaxing to drive around and home from work. I suggest the Taurus to anyone.

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  Great Van for the Price - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Eric - August 10 - 1:28 pm

  The Freestar has been a pleasant surprise thus far. The van runs great, and it is nice and roomy. With the rebates and the family plan pricing I only paid $17.5K for a new well equipped SE model. My kids love the DVD feature. My only grip is that the 2nd row seat belts are in the way of the access to the 3rd row. However, overall a great buy!

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  My Childhood Dream Car Come True - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By BryanJMcLaughlin - August 10 - 2:12 am

  Since I was a child, I wanted a 50s T- Bird, and now that I have my black on black 2002, all of my dreams have been realized. She turns heads wherever I take her. The chrome wheels together with the chrome trim around the windshield really set the car off. It is more responsive than my Mustang GT. Honestly my most favorite of all the vehicles Ive ever owned.

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  f150 review - 1993 Ford F-150
  By smith1228 - August 10 - 1:45 am

  The only problem Ive ever had with my F-150 was a windshield wiper malfunction that was covered under warranty - I have had it 12 years and it is just as reliable today as the day I bought it. Love it!