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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  Love My Ford - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By kaleb - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2003 ford ranger fx4 level 2 and i love it. I have been driving it back and forth to work and i have done some off roading and it does not get stuck and i have tried. I does me well.

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  6.8 Liter 16.5 MPG HWY, 13.7 MPG City - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By BIG TRUCK - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I love the whole package with this Excursion. I added a Gibson Exhaust, a Pro-M 95MM MAF Meter with a conical airfilter, and a custom computer ECU upgrade. All of these have greatly added to the fuel economy of the big truck! Build quality is far better than the last 2 decades from Ford.

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  Excellent Suv - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By EdClarkson - April 25 - 2:00 am

  No problems, rides nice and smooth. Installed extras in my SUV which it made alot better to drive in,

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  About time - 2008 Ford Escape
  By df - April 24 - 3:20 pm

  Have had pickups and large suvs past 20 years. Finally gave up f150. This Escape is so fun to drive, comfortable and quiet cpmpared to CR-V and Rav4, loaded and only cost 21000, v6 and 4wd. So far 22 mpg, better if cruise not used. Interior finish is neat, and exterior is sharp and finish is superb. We like this so much we are thinking of trading wifes Expedition for another.

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By deewbee - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with my car. It has been a joy to own, and great fun to drive.

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  Pams Ford Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Pam B - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I am surprised how much fun the Escape is to drive. It handles well. It feels solid when you are driving it. The interior is very roomy. It has plenty of room in the back seat for 2 car seats.

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  my mule - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By bugguy - April 24 - 2:00 am

  overall it is a great suv, not as fancy as some of the other over-priced want to impress everyone trash on the market. Has been with us since new never had any real problems with it, except the annual trip to Flordia makes your rear feel like you sat on a peice of plywood, the seats are really uncomfortable on long trips (front & rear). Replaced exhast with Borla S.S., induction also, strongly recommend synthetic oils

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  98 xlt review (SOHC - 6cyl) - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By jaason - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new. ItÂ’s a good reliable vehicle, especially considering the features and 4 wheel drive components. The car handles well in high winds, up hills, and fully loaded. The cargo compartment is spacious, enough for 4 people for a week of camping. The Explorer, for me, is the right size for most all situations, easy to handle, and well built enough for off-road use. Easily handles the worst weather.

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  Surprisingly great - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jazzino - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car impulsively in 1997, but it turned out to be the best car Ive ever had. This has been a pleasant surprise, given the problems some Fords have had. The only problem in seven years has been the need to replace a radiator hose twice. Otherwise, the only expense consists of my usual trips to SuperLube. I get good gas mileage and performance from the V6.. Everytime I get the urge to consider getting a new car, I just go for a ride in the TBird, and realize that I already have what I want.

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  AWESOME!!!HAVING A BLAST - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Blondie326 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the T-bird in the Merlot color and Black Ink interior. What a beautiful car. Just took the hard top off today(4-24). It was a toss up between the T-bird and the Z34. Since my other car is a BMW530i, I didnt really want another BMW. Glad I got the T=bird. The seats could be a little more comfortable, but Im not really complaining. Maybe I just havent found the right angles yet.