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:

• 

  Glad I bought this one - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ENP - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Owned a Chevy truck, owned a Dodge 1500, Now trying a Ford. Loven it. Handles great, easy to park, warm seat to relax the tird muscles of an ER nurse. Down side: Mirrors, lots of blind spots. I am short and have to reach for the radio, would like a lock on the storage comaprtment.

• 

  Get it before they go... - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Colorado Dude - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is awesome. I compared for some time now with Chevy, KIA, Jeep etc...and simply state this vehicle has power, quality, looks, and especially FUN!!!!!

• 

  Best 1st car - 1997 Ford Probe
  By jordabirka - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I got this car for may 16th birthday and love it! I have ALWAYS loved the Probes and now I have one! This is a great first car for a first time driver. Its got enough power with the V6 (GT) to get you out of the way if need be.

• 

  Ranger Splash - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By mintsplash - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Mine is a 93 Ranger Splash. I bought it in 97 with 900 miles on it. It has ran and performed great!

• 

  It cant be a wagon! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Lewis - July 7 - 11:13 am

  5 months later and were still impressed with our new Freestyle. Its roomy, comfortable and has all the features we need without all the ones that we didnt. The 2005 Freestyle is everything your ever wanted in a crossover and less. All the basics have been covered, without forcing an endless list of features we didnt need or want. Safety first, then utility and looks; this one has it all.

• 

  Been around 40 years for a reason! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By jereski - July 7 - 2:00 am

  The Mustang is a great deal, reliable, full of character, fun to drive, and even sensible. Civic, Celica and so on dont compare as a whole package. The 99+ V6 is a bargain in every respect. Trunk space is good compared to most small cars, and fold through rear seats are really convenient. Kids enjoy the rear seat. They dont need an SUV! Adults can fit uncomfortably in the back, but who cares about them? This car is about you, the driver. The manual makes the car alive and gears are flexible through hills. Highway mileage is great for a car like this (27 or so) but city drops pretty quickly to around 20. For what this car costs, buy one and some snow tires!

• 

  Fun Car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Pat Luegger - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Escape to replace an aging TransSport because I needed 4WD & also wanted a smaller vehicle. It has been a fun car to drive but I have had a number of mechanical problems including the car stalling for no apparent reason, the coolant sign coming on for no apparent reason plus today, I had to have the vapor MGM valve replaced. (I only have 41000 miles on my car.)

• 

  Fun to drive - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By rickscott - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This car not only looks sexy, but its real fun to drive. It handles real well, steers with precision, only takes a little push on the gas pedal for it to move quickly. The sound of the engine/exhaust is a low pitched roar. When accelerating the car pitches slightly backward with the real wheel drive that gives you that "rocket Launch" POWER feeling. Great visiblity. Easy to check blind spots through circular window in hardtop.

• 

  Love my Van - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By rachael - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my Van I hear all these bad storys and I wonder what do you do with your vans! This is not the Indy 500 for Windstars. I have never had a problem. It has only broke down once when my husband was driving it. So dont let guys drive a mom car. Would buy another one when this one dies.

• 

  my stang! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By henningf - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Car is a blast to drive, tons of power and great handling, with a few improvements. car turns heads! Never had a mechanical problem.