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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  Built my Mustang for my 17 year old girl - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Mike Viafora - April 30 - 3:56 pm

  Very safe car for teen because it has side air bags ABS and it is almost impossible to roll over. Ordered a loaded V6 with the pony package which makes it handle like a GT with less power to get in trouble with. Did not order chrome all over dash. It puts out glare in sunny areas. No My color display.

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  First Car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Gloria - April 30 - 11:53 am

  My first car was a 2008 Ford Focus, 4 door with manual locks and windows. Im a college student and on my way up to school I was in a serious accident. The car flipped three times across the median. This car saved my life. The airbags did not burn me and set off properly, the cut fuel button came in handy and the structure held preventing my legs to be crushed. I walked away with only cuts and bruises! The car was totaled, but now Im a proud owner of a silver 2008 Ford Focus SE!

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  Very Happy - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Lyons - April 30 - 10:13 am

  First of all, the car is beautiful. It has a wonderful retro look to it, and yet is styled for the modern consumer. The legend lime paint is a beautiful color and blends perfectly with the parchment interior and top. The leather seating is very comfortable.You are able to retract and replace the top with minimal effort. I was also surprised with the trunk room. It appeared to be small, but when I put in my files and bag for work I was surprised to see I still had room for much more in the trunk. The driving power was a pleasant surprise for a V-6, and the ability to turn so tightly with such stability is incredible. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  patricksrating1171 - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By paatrick - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this truck a couple of months, and I am 3rd or 4th party, but it is still in excellent condition, except for a few small scratches, and it runs great! I told my wife I wouldnt have another Ford after the 94 Taurus, except maby a truck, and this little truck is great so far.

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  My Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By DougXX - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Ideal vehicle for tailgating. You can easily haul BOTH person and their gear. This vehicle is solid and has excellent build quality. The V-10 gets 14+ on the highway, 13+ otherwise and has sufficient power. Far exceeds roominess and feel of friends (smaller!) GM Tahoe XL SUV. ONE GREAT VEHICLE.

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  first time buying used car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By schoolbus - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the first time I decided to let the other person take the depreciation. I have owned this car for 14 months and its been great. It had come off a lease and was in prefect shape. I had the dealer throw in a 100k warranty but havent used it yet. I did, however, use the factory warranty right away for 3 minor problems. The car is a little bumpy since it is a SUV but has a lot of pep (V6) and handles quite nice. I only use it for local driving and going to the mountains. My husband hates the chrome yellow color but I can always find it. I dont think I will ever buy new again.

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  167K and still running - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Rock_2 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car and Im still driving it. Have had to deel with a few recalls on gas tank, seat belt bracket etc. Other issues included front wheel bearing, shock springs, air bag sensor and key lock. Most were under warranty, some were not. Dealership experience has been mixed. Some are good, others were horrible. I think I would probably avoid getting a first year launch car if I were to do it over again.

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  ford taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By arby12 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this Ford for Three weeks and find it fun and easy to drive

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  Trusty Steed - 1998 Ford F-150
  By goofball76 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck, and it loves me. I have driven 43,000 miles in this truck, (owned 2.5 years)and it has 111,000 at the moment, and all I have had to do was replace the front disc brake pads. This truck is relentless in making sure I am never stranded anywhere. I abuse the heck outta the poor thing, yet it takes it like a real truck should. The only problem I found is the paint is cracked, (sniff!) which seems to be a common problem with these trucks. But I still wax the heck outta it anyway.

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  Surprisingly a great crossover! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Steve A - April 29 - 3:06 pm

  I wanted an SUV that had the comfort of a nice car and this fit the bill. Its a very smooth ride and ultra quiet at any speed. It handles like a dream in snow with the traction control. The 265 HP engine really accelerates like a sporty car.