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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  Nice SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By TONI - December 19 - 3:31 pm

  Expensive to be worked on. Parts not cheap nor the tune up. Seems to hold up well up to about 80,000 miles, then lots of things go out under the hood. Overall a nice vehicle to drive, roomy but gas isnt cheap these days!

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  Ford - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bud - December 19 - 2:14 pm

  This Lemon breaks down about every 1,000 miles or so. Had it towed in twice this month--one time on the way back home from the dealership from its last repair. Frequent failures apparently due to the electrical system, factory installed stereo not wired in correctly, coils have failed twice, not what we expected for a "high- end" car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By James Kelly - December 19 - 1:42 pm

  This car is great ! It handles very good, passing gear is really great, sterio is fantastic, it is an eye catcher on the road, cruises without any effort, everything about this car is what I expected. Only thing I see wrong is that now that I have mine, is that I see a lot of others ones on the road now.

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  Brake dust - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Sam Frank - December 19 - 12:33 pm

  My major dislike of this vehicle is the excess accumulation of brake dust at the front wheel.

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  Family Van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jean Otte - December 19 - 10:21 am

  Our Windstar has been a nice vehicle for our family. We had a Dodge before and I like this Windstar better. Would recommend it to anyone wanting a small van.

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  first 5000 miles - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By mark - December 19 - 7:22 am

  lets face it everyone one loves a new car so lets keep that in mind. Took my new ford fiesta titanium car on a 4000 mile round trip holiday get away and it was better than great. The only problem was fitting two people ,winter clothes, a dog and Christmas presents all in an economy car. This car has a very large hatch back area an I had hoped to fit it all into the back and not have to pile it into the back seat. Well that dream died quick. So for this trip I should have got the Escape. However as the gas mileage creeped up over 40 mpg (which the sales man swore it would once it hit 2000miles) I became more pleased with my new ford fiesta titanium. The great stuff: 1)the leather heated seats - the best 2) the huge display for the radio and Nav so even I can see it . 3) the sun roof -makes the car seem bigger and lets in the fresh air. 4) this car is layed out so you feel like you have driven it forever. we rent cars and some car brands put things in stupid places 5) a real glove box and console to rest your arm- sounds simple but try to find this in a car under 20 grand and you will see what I mean. 6)dead pedal - a place to rest your left foot on long trips- a back saver. 7)the sync 3 system works great with my iphone The not so great: 1)the nav/gps works good but I have used the garmins for so long that its all I know. So for the first 5000k review this is a great car! we will see at 30k if I cheaped out or got a great fully loaded car that fits in my garage for 18k and change.

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  FREESTAR AFTER RETIREMENT - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By CARL - December 19 - 1:24 am

  VERY ROOMY AND GOOD HANDLING. USE FOR CRAFT SHOWS HOLDS LARGE PIECES OF FURNITURE AND OTHER ITEMS. WENT FROM A FORD F 150 WITH HIGH FIBERGLASS CAP TO 98 WINDSTAR VAN THAN TO THE FREESTAR AND CAN LOAD AS MUCH OR MORE DUE TO NO WHEEL WELLS IN THE WAY AS IN PICK UP BED. WENT TO THE FREESTAR WHICH ELIMINATED REMOVING THE THIRD SEAT AS IN THE WINDSTAR. WHAT I NEED IS FOLD DOWN SECOND ROW SEATS AS THEY ARE HARD AND HEAVY TO REMOVE AND REPLACE.(NOT HANDY)FOR OLDER , SMALLER AND SHORT PEOPLE. I AM 61" BUT THEY ARE STILL NOT EASY TO HANDLE .

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  Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By brandyblaze - December 19 - 12:40 am

  I love this vehicle. I went from a Caravan to the explorere

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  Kick Ass - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Norris Fisher - December 18 - 3:30 pm

  This is the best Mustang I have driven dual overhead cams and 0-60 in 4.3

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  Love that Car!! 2004 Mustang GT!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Debra - December 18 - 1:30 pm

  This car is the best car I have ever had. When I just look at her, I get that warm, fuzzy feeling...I just love her. I feel like Sam from Cheers, as I am very protecteive of her...LOL She is just so beautiful, comfortable, stylish, and so much FUN!!