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:

• 

  Excellent Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Natalie - April 13 - 5:47 pm

  This is my second Expedition purchase. I bought the very first model that came out many years ago. I was so impressed with this Ford vehicle that I was determined to purchase another. I enjoy this vehicle very much and I feel quite safe within its confines. This vehicle is truly a mothers dream car.

• 

  The Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Matt - April 13 - 4:53 pm

  So far with this SUV, I have never once broken down. Of couse you have the "here and there" replacements, but it NEVER left me stranded once! This vechicle is strong too. When driving in the snow and other road conditions, I never go stuck with the 4WD system.

• 

  Solid Ride - Family Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Vanz73 - April 13 - 1:14 pm

  I have had my 2004 Eddie Bauer Expedition for more than a year. It is a good solid vehicle that excels in bad driving conditions. My wife remarked that it is more comfortable for her as a passenger than my 1997 Explorer (that she said "bounced her around too much"). No issues or problems in the first year (Id expect nothing less).

• 

  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Dee - April 13 - 1:07 pm

  Inherited this little beauty from my godmother with only 3k miles on it - I cant believe now that I tried to talk her out of buying it! (She and her husband had matching 55s in their day). The "Bird" helped to make her last few months more enjoyable, and will now give me several years of enjoyment. Great vehicle performance, and what a head turner!

• 

  A great bargain commuter car - 2000 Ford Contour
  By arcin69 - April 13 - 9:47 am

  I use it for commuting 190 miles a day. Extremely reliable. New brakes at 114,000 miles, timing belt at 100,000, fuel pump at 157,000. Only thing I replaced without wearing out was alternator at 44,000 miles.

• 

  Not everything is roses with this new model. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bwj3278 - April 13 - 9:35 am

  It was about 3 weeks ago I decided to trade in my gas guzzling F150 for a new Focus. With two jobs and one of them being real estate, I really needed something fuel efficient. Lets start with what I do like...most of the styling...the only part I dont like is the unpainted rocker panel plastic...it looks cheap. The car rides and drives well and the Candy Blue paint is awesome and gets lots of compliments. However, it is not all well... I am currently waiting for a new dash, because mine split. My driver side air vent plastic is chipped, a door is misalligned, and a rattle has already developed. This is my 12th Ford, and my last until Ford can get it together.

• 

  Not for little people - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By pmm - April 13 - 3:30 am

  Bought this car from my sister for my husband. He was happy driving to work and home. My primary vehicle blew a rod in the engine so I had to drive this car for six months while I saved for a new car. I drive a lot and I am only 5 ft. tall. This car has got to be the most uncomfortable vehicle made. It has been very reliable but I need to be put in traction now, plus the $75-85 weekly gas bill I could have just skipped the experience and paid a car note (minus chiropractor bills) instead.

• 

  Fun from the past! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By LambertDDS - April 12 - 11:03 pm

  Great design for a sports car. Wonderful to drive, driving out of the past and back to the future. I have always wanted a vintage Tbird now I have that car with todays features.

• 

  Freestar Perfromance - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Joe - April 12 - 8:32 pm

  Great basic van. Very practical. First minivan purchased. 3.9L engine is weak for the weight but delivers good mileage. Excellent safety record.

• 

  Bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By John Adamo - April 12 - 7:54 pm

  I have never unsure about the performance of this truck. Any time I need to pull out into traffic, I am sure to merge very effectively with plenty of horse power and great visiblity of the road. The truck has been well maintained and and is in excellent running condition!