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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  Eddie Bauer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Howard - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent automobile. Have only had to perform routine maintaince to keep it going strong. I purchased in 1997 with 43000 miles on it. I would like a new pick-up truck but cant bring myself to sell my Explorer. Its just been far to reliable a vehicle over the years.

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  Premium GT Coupe - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Waltger - April 28 - 5:56 pm

  Best car I ever purchased. Car is awesome. Real muscle performance. Great response even with 5 speed auto transmission. GT in short supply. Very difficult to find without dealer markup in Northeast area.

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  Bullitt - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By BullittZeke - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall, Great Car..! love the look and control of the car.

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  my ford - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By skaholic82 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Have some eletrical problems and starting problems, besides that it runs good for having 150,000 miles on it. the body is flawless.

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  Fun - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By unidrumer - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Great car that Ive had since new. Ive never had any problems with anything. Regular fluid changes, filters, and lube and shes ready to go. Was a daily driver for the first 4 years, now a garage queen that only comes out when the weather is nice. Fun car to drive.

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  2002 F-150 Awesome Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By ford91 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Truck has been great, like all Ford trucks. Wish I could say the same for some of their cars.

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  good buy - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Jevik - April 28 - 2:00 am

  had this car for a year and not a problem.. starts up no prob in the cold.. fun to drive.. good gas mileage.. a good reliable car.. and cheap on insurance

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  thunderbird crazy - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By bo-go - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD MANY THUNDERBIRD AND THIS BY FAR IS THE MOST FUN TO DRIVE.I ALSO OWN A FEW VINTAGE BIRDS NOW.ONE OF THEM IS A MATCHING 1955.

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  My Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By brett chapman - April 28 - 1:43 am

  I use this truck for my sales job and for a multitude of other things. It is a great design in terms of versatility. It carries my sales tools, kayaks, bikes and camping gear with ease. I can use it to haul yard waste to the dump in the morning and then take my wife out to dinner in the evening in style.

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  I Love My Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Patty Fremont, Calif - April 27 - 5:06 pm

  I bought this Escape after owning an Explorer for many years & I love it. I did a lot of research on this vehicle and came to the conclusion that this was my Explorer but smaller & hoping that it had better gas mileage. No real problems to report as yet, except the rear brakes screech when backing up, the dealer says this is normal? I work for an auto shop & my boss would shoot us if we told a customer that! (the neighbor has a 2008 Escape too & his rear brakes do the same thing)I have a 100k warranty & still have the 36k warranty.Overall a great deal. It drives smooth, pick up could be a little better, but it is comfortable and drives very nice.