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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  Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By mascot - June 22 - 12:39 pm

  This is my 2nd Explorer. My first one I had for 10 years and it still ran well when I sold it. Upgraded to the Eddie Bauer with this one and it sure is nice having the extra "bells and whistles."

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  Great Car for the value. - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Ray - June 22 - 7:24 am

  I trade my BMW 325ci 2004 for the Ford Mustang and no remorse at all. Mustang has everything that BMW got. The BMW has way too much plastic inside for a luxury car. Mustang is just perfect interior. The performer is just like any other luxury car and is made in USA. I really recommend For Mustang. No bad price for everything the car has. For V6 got enough power like sport car and the technology is the ultimate in cars. The only thing is the comfort of the seat, I take much getting used for the front seat and rear seat way too small and less space. But overall from 1 to 10; i gave a 9.

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  EDDIE BAUER - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By BARRY - June 22 - 2:47 am

  Significant improvements compared to my 1999 Eddie Bauer. Poor gas mileage 12 around town and 15 on freeway. Interior comfort better. Drawback is the tires. Mushy ride and sway compared to Michelins. Black dash board, in front of driver, radiates a lot of heat on hot days. Overall a lot of fun to drive and air conditioner is fantastic.

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  Love at first drive - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Victoria - June 21 - 10:40 pm

  First of all, Ford Motor Co., why are you keeping this vehicle under wraps? It is fantastic. I drove the Edge and while its a nice car, as an aging baby boomer, the Taurus X was easier on my bad back and knee. I love everything about this car. The ride, the performance, the ease of positioning the seats so the car can be a heavy duty utility carrier. I love the interior and exterior design and keep getting plenty of inquiries and compliments. I enjoy SYNC and I love my navigation system which makes life a lot easier. Taurus X is a make over of the Freestyle. With its bigger engine and 6 shift transmission, its a sure winner and I highly recommend it. Congrats to Ford!

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  focusish - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By butugly - June 21 - 7:16 pm

  Great multi purpose vehicle. Perfect for the streets of Boston, parks like a sub compact car. Very happy with handling, was expecting worse. Have had 5 200 lbs. men on a half hour drive without complaints. Soon to go on a 1500 mile golf trip with 3 men.

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  Great Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By HCR - June 21 - 5:34 pm

  I have had a squeaky control arm. The only problem is the replacement one does not have a grease point. Why pay $500.00 to fix a squeak for it to squeak again in 6 months?

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  Solid performer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Frankie - June 21 - 4:46 pm

  Ive owned my Explorer since buying it new off the lot in mid-97. Looking back on it, this car turned out much better than expected. It drives smoothly and relatively quietly. Unless you plan to race through the twisties or zigzag through traffic, it handles quite comfortably. On the downhill side of the depreciation curve, it sure is economical to operate. Just replace the usual wear and tear items - tires, brakes, filters, doodads - and save money for other toys. Cant beat it.

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  Going Back to Honda Soon - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jeff - June 21 - 2:53 am

  Disappointing fuel economy (not as good as window sticker indicates), dont be fooled by Fords deceptive advertising! Most of all the cool new features of this car come from Sony, Microsoft, visteon, etc. Etc. Disappointing quality, this car is jam packed loaded with electrical gremlins (reverse sensors & air bags), transmission flaws, cheap parts, and engineering/design flaws galore. At 4500 miles door latches are starting to break. Has anyone noticed the totally useless sun visor that blocks the entire view of the road when folded down? Overall level of refinement is extremely disappointing and lagging when compared to rivals. Why so much money on advertising Ford? Poor dealer treatment

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  ROAD WARRIOR TRAVELING SALESMAN - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By dave - June 20 - 4:59 pm

  I owned 5 Suburbans. In 2001 I had a choice to pay cash for an Excursion or Suburban. The Suburban had less room, smaller motor and was 2,000 dollars higher. I chose the Ford. In 155,000 miles I replaced the tires, fuel pump and filter and brake pads. I will be replacing the shocks and and pads again this week. I drove that truck all over the country averaging 50,000 miles per year. It still runs well and looks nice. It failed me once when at 99,000 miles the fuel pump went out and stranded me in Colorado. Other than that it beat out all the GMCs I ever owned.

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  Safety first - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Fran Di Ienno - June 20 - 4:35 pm

  Solid vehicle, comfortable and not as anemic as everyone says. You feel safe especially with side air bags.