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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  stall tactics` - 2004 Ford F-150
  By cpohner - July 22 - 10:00 am

  other than the fact i have owned my truck for 2 weeks now, nothing to say but good things..only bad thing, which i hope is a glitch? the truck has stalled on me when i am coasting to a stop or completely stopped. at least 12 times in the 2 week period.had it in the other day. they could not find anything wrong. hope this is not a trend. otherwise hello lemon law. all in all its a great truck and hope the problem is fixed.

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  Love mine. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By blupencl - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Love it, but am disappointed in the mileage. Got the least fancy one on the lot (no huge tow package, for instance) and still get only 14 in town. Ive been told that this will improve after 5000 miles. We shall see.

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  Love It! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By deniser257 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my second explorer that I have owned and the new design is the best by far! The only thing I wish I had added was a moon roof.

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  What If - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Draco - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Wouldnt it be nice if automobile manufacturers got back to satisfing a customer and not just making money. The Ford Explorer is an ok, suv but unless you want to spend the extra 5-10k for the eddie bauer eddition the XLS is not worth your money.

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  I Luv my Expeditions - I have 2! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By dixie14 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a 1987 Expedition in Fla & thought it was great so I replaced my 10 year old Ford Bronco with a 2003 Expedition in Michigan. I absolutely love this vehicle. The warning back up feature is fantastic & it handles just great. Im a small female driver & wouldnt even think of having anything else. My friend says it has more features on it than the space shuttle.

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  crown vic performance - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By jim morgan - July 22 - 10:00 am

  with the handling and performance package, performance is must better, however fuel mileage suffers.

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  Ford Owner Family - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Adirondack Color - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Very practical and fun vehicle. Just the right vehicle for the Northeasts quickly changing weather conditions. This unit has all the bells and whistles anyone could want in a package this size. Loads of cargo space with the seats down for stocking up on supplies.

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  Exceeding epectations - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Toddo2636 - July 22 - 4:33 am

  My wife picked the color Kiwi Green. I traded in my F250 4x4 for this pip sweek. I havent turned back yet. We get consistent 34 MPG and have achieved 50 MPG on backroads average speed 25 MPH. I would like to see more driver features to affect fuel economy like electric only from the line. I use mine mostly for .5 to 1 mile trips just in time to get to electric. Also a plug in option would be nice. Hats off to all those supporting this awesome technology of regenerative braking.

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  Wonderful car - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Cindy311 - July 21 - 3:21 pm

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. It handles well, isnt bad on gas mileage. Mine just got totaled in an accident and Im very upset. With about 144K miles, it still cost me just routine maintenance! 5 speed manual transmission, brakes, engine, power steering, EVERYTHING original equipment. HIGHLY recommended.

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  awsome - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By semitruker13 - July 21 - 10:40 am

  good car it has nice performance.