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:

• 

  Blown Away By New Ford Fusion! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Kenneth Stango - March 25 - 9:36 pm

  Wife purchased a $62,000 BMW, What a MISTAKE! I kid you not, this Fusion ride and overall comfort are better. I am stunned over the quality of the car, and hooked on the BLIS system.

• 

  Love my Bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bernie - March 25 - 2:53 pm

  What a fun car. Its an eye catcher. Its my eighth Thunderbird and I think its the best of all.

• 

  Will drive this one till it dies... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By LUVmySUV - March 25 - 12:59 pm

  I bought this new in 1996. Fabulous vehicle all-around, no issues, never been in the shop for any mechanical reason. I especially love the tight turning radius. It will do a 360 on a dime. My only complaint is the poor 14/17 mpg. Ive never seen the 18/21 it was rated by Ford.

• 

  My favorite car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Justin Hilton - March 25 - 11:28 am

  This is my 3rd mustang. My first with a v8. True to its title as an American muscle car, it lacks the refinement you would find in other types of vehicles. Drafty inside with a lot of interior noise. Choppy ride ... but despite all this it is still my favorite car ever.

• 

  Best of Class - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Frank Smith - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2003 expedition EB about two weeks. I traded a 1999 expedition EB which I loved. The 2003 no longer has that truck ride, feel, or comfort. No flaws at this point. Gas mileage still a little weak. I have all the options and the DVD is nice but blocks your rear mirror view, in the seat like Cad would be better. I would rate this car a 9++ and I have owned many different brands and types.

• 

  NO CONFIDENCE - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By BIGREDSPENDER - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ever since the rollover controversy during which I watched Jack Nasser appear before Congress on CSPAN, I have had a dreaded fear of rolling over while driving my Ford Explorer. Other than that, it has been reliable. One time it died at the mall. The radio has been replaced. So has the torque converter and the vapor management valve. The front seats are confortable, but the rear seat is crowded for my wife (53").

• 

  The Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By HOOKYPOOKY - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Explorer is not only a wonderful mid-size SUV, its Fords best SUV, yet. It has made up for past mistakes. A roomy cabin and optional third row seat are a nice add on! A V-6 or V-8 engine can tow great weight. The 1/2 trunk hatch helps with loading groceries. Optional leather interior. 6-CD player is a nice feature. Seating 8 is great, too.

• 

  Not Happy - 2003 Ford Focus
  By clarkdnr - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Focus (ZTS)initially seems a great buy, but buyer beware. While the interior is comfortable and well designed the build quality is ridiculous! My car was in the shop for over a month two months ago then a few days ago I had a wreck due to a malfunctioning seat, so back to the shop it goes. These are just two instances in a long line of problems.Ford is not terribly helpful either. Before you buy PLEASE got online and look for customer chats, not reviews. I was astounded to see how many people were having non-stop problems from these cars from the beginning.

• 

  2001 Taurus SES - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By mdurda - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall- great American car; converted me from being a loyal Toyota owner.

• 

  Love that Sport Trac - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SpttrkBob - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle for its versatility. You can seat four comfortable (five in a pinch) and it drives like an SUV. Yet, I still have a bed to get mulch or bring things to the dump. I really enjoy driving it. It was a good replacement for my 94 Ford Ranger