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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  Looks arent everything! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ChuckH - April 20 - 11:23 pm

  WOW! What a GREAT looking CAR. Inside AND out! Too bad looks arent everything. Worst quality control Ive seen in years. After 3600 miles this car has had a noisy rear end, exhaust vibration, front suspension noises, and three rattles in the dash! It also takes dealers more that one trip to fix. Huge disappointment overall.

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  Best car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By B.j. - April 20 - 7:56 am

  I just purchased my Ford Five hundred. It is an amazing car. I like the trunk space. The car has a very attractive look to it. Very roomy just as big as a BMW 754 or Mercedes Benz. Ford did a great job building this car. Wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Bob Woods - April 20 - 2:00 am

  This sedan is fun to drive, its like a sports car but hauls four people in comfort. Mileage is less than I would like, 24 highway 19-20 city. Has some wind noise at high speeds in crosswinds, but on long trips is easy on my back and legs.

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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Pauline Stewart - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for less than a year and it had a lot of miles on it when i bought it. i bought i for $3,000. i though that was a good deal. i am a senior in high school and use it everyday to go to school, work and sometimes the mall. I really like my car. It is depenable, has great gas milage and it is just a perfect car for someones first car.

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  Be Cautious - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Date83R - April 20 - 2:00 am

  We bought ours new @ 60K. It was great until last year. When it hit 100K the fur hit the fan. We have put well over 3000 into it in the last 9 months. Everything from tie rods to all sorts of electrical problems. The problems just keep piling up though. Even the techs at the dealership were scratching their heads with the last one. Were trading it in for a Caravan tomorrow.

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  CA Thunder - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Hammer60 - April 20 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding automobile! I believe so many are brainwashed with the idea that only a car from Japan or Germany is worth anything, that they are blinded to what the US has to offer. Motor Trend tested some 26 different cars for their 2002 car of the year and only one was US, the T-bird. It won by the way! I dont really care if people are closed minded, but it is sad to see them waste all that money on cars that have become a dime a dozen and can not hold a candle to the style, performance and just plain fun that this American legend offers!

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  More Than A Car - An Experience - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By mckmbr - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I have been reading with great interest the postings of people who seem to be totally mesmerized by their Thunderbirds. This seemed a bit much. Then came a perfect day in North Georgia and a chance to go to the mountains. The car was clean and shiny, the engine purred with that familiar tune, and the cd player entertained as we headed north. The car and the day were a perfect match and I was hooked. So, now I understand - its more than the beauty of the car its the exhilarating feeling that comes from driving the Thunderbird. What a day, what a feeling, what a car!

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  Mixed feelings - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jon - April 19 - 11:53 pm

  This is the 4th Explorer that Ive owned in the last 10 years. Unfortunately, it has been the most problematic. Although a far cry from "lemon status," problems have been a nuisance, nonetheless. Ford has done a good job in this redesign when comparing the old school Explorers. Unfortunately, the resale value is almost insulting since so many have been sold. I probably would consider another Explorer when the next redesign occurs for the 2006 model year, but I am strongly looking at the Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner appears to have substantially better resale value and substance.

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  Squeeze the Lemon - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Keeler1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  ABS and Advance-trac have been repaired 3 times. Drivers seat was totally replaced for bad seat motor. Front rotors, calipers and pads replaced at 13k. Now the Door Ajar light stays on after re-closing all the doors to make it stop. This is one big Lemon!

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  dependable - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By westover - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Its been a great vehicle. No big problems to speak of after 175k. Thats impressive in todays world. Thanks Ford