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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  Used Expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By rick - March 13 - 12:53 am

  I purchased my 01 Expedition used, trading in a 03 Honda Accord that I purchased new. The Expedition has been completely trouble free for 8 months, something I could NOT say for my Honda. The Expedition is easy to drive and park, is extremely comfortable, and has all the amenities including a sunroof. This vehicle has definitely changed my opinions on American built vehicles, especially Ford. If Ford continues to turn out vehicles as good as this one I will definitely buy another without hesitation!

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  Love It - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Judi - March 12 - 11:10 pm

  I love my Focus. I have always purchased Ford products, but this car is awesome. The car handles great and it drives like a little tank in bad weather, better than my Escort! It has excellent fuel economy at 34.8 miles to a gallon city driving and over 35 highway-with the price of gas at $4 a gallon and rising the Focus really helps me out financially. The interior is sweet with visible gauges. Its comfortable too! Everyone who rides in it loves it and say they will make it their next car. Ford has really improved an already good vehicle. I love driving my car, it looks, feels and rides great! Its small but has roomy interior, as well as excellent safety features!

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  My Red F150 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Hannable - March 12 - 9:08 pm

  Bought just after 9/11. It has been a good truck. I used it as a commuter, until I got a job with a company vehicle. Now it is my around the weekend truck. Like the folding rear seat, like the 60/40 bench seat in the front.

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  Love it - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Greg - March 12 - 6:14 pm

  I bought this truck new and got the 4 wheel drive because I got stuck pulling my boat in my old truck (Mazda/Ranger) just before i was trading. Ive tried to get stuck but cant, so never used the 4 wheel drive. I love the truck and will replace it with the same -- just new.

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  Not bad for a Ford! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Rodgela - March 12 - 5:21 pm

  Its been a great vacation vehicle for us. There are a lot of storage cubbies to put a variety of camping items like flashlights, utensils, and other sundries. Theres a lot of space inside plenty for our family of four on a 2-3 day trip. It seats seven when were visiting friends and grandparents, aunts and uncles so that we can travel to our destination in one vehicle. We have not had to repair anything in the two years we have owned it. Were the second owner and we bought it from friends that did not have problems with it either.

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  Black Pony - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By dback - March 12 - 3:43 pm

  I was looking for a car with moderate/good performance with an automatic transmission, rear wheel drive and a reasonable price. This is about the only car that I found that met these requirements. Performance is great for a V6, and the handling is great. Automatic transmission is excellent - you almost forget that the transmission is there. Styling, both interior and exterior, is a perfect combination of old and new.

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  Better Than Its Press Reviews - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Family Man - March 12 - 11:06 am

  SE Sedan 5-speed M. with ABS and Speed Control. My wife and I seriously considered the Civic and Mazda3...but then opted for the Focus at $4000 less. We tested vehicles at all levels (S/SE/SES), 2 & 4 doors and both transmissions. We selected the 5-speed SE due to the options plus the 5-speed really performs the best (it gets this light vehicle up to speed, very quickly and smoothly). It is what it is - a simple, $16,000 compact that is loaded with features, quiet, comfortable, that handles and performs well and is very fuel efficient. 32 MPG in city and 48 MPH on the highway (with cruise on) per our on-board computer. The vehicle has tight panel seams and great build quality. And fun!

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  No more Fords - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Melissa - March 12 - 2:29 am

  I bought this vehicle used in 99 from one owner. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone! Mine was in the shop more than my own garage. Replaced hoses, sensors, valves and had the engine rebuilt from the crank up at 75,000 miles! Replaced head gaskets and they blew again within 8 months. Ford doesnt have any concept of customer service. The Explorer was my third and FINAL Ford (owned an Escort and Mustang previously with very similar problems). Sold it as fast as I could and bought Japanese, with no problems to this day. Save yourself the headaches and stay away from Fords!

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  Red Bird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Red Bird - March 12 - 12:31 am

  Its the mix of a Crown Vic and a Mustang. Great car for highway use and road trips. However its not so good around town in the city due to its size and rather poor city mileage. Its stuck in that not so great niche between sports car and luxury car. Having bought it used with 82k, it has been a great bargain of a car! Its far better than I had expected from a 9 year old Ford!

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  2005 Screamin Yellow Stang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Julie - March 11 - 11:23 pm

  This is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. Now that our daughter is grown, I was able to buy a car that I wanted. I didnt want a "granny" car. This was the best decision that I ever made. The V6 has PLENTY of power, almost too much for driving around in the city. The "Growl" transmission is fun. The Shaker 500 Stereo is wonderful. It actually shakes the windows. The "Spinner" wheels look great and the appearance package with the spoiler and stripe couldnt be better. I would recommend the 05 V6 to anyone who wants a fun to drive, beautiful, eye catching car!