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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  Perfect Present - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Nick Wray - January 5 - 10:26 pm

  After Highschool graduation it was time to upgrade over my 86 Silverado. I knew for a while I wanted a Ranger, Im impressed with way my truck handles and drives. The 3.0 is a good mixture of performance and fuel effiency. Its a solid little truck, that looks as good as it drives. The extended cab is perfect for transporting all my gear to and from school. It can hold all my fishing and camping supplies inside, out of the elemets. The Edge package gives it an awesome stance. I opted for the 2 wheel drive, over the 4 simply for the fact that I dont plan on doing any serious off-roading in it.I upgraded the head unit and rear speakers, simply because Im going through my loud music phase.

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  How will I ever part with it - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Brian - January 5 - 7:40 pm

  I purchased used in late 2002. Has 30k miles now it has 150K no major issues. This is my second one first a 1995 XLT. Our family is in the process of looking for a new ride and I dont know how we are going to part with this rig. It has been A++ all the way. I could go on and on with the love story. Not often some one still loves to drive a rig after they put over 100k miles on it.

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  New Vehicle - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By kaysam - January 5 - 3:41 pm

  I find that the 2009 fusion is a great car in the summer. I have a long drive to work and only have to put gas in my car once a week. With my other car I was putting gas in twice a week. It saves me money. But if you have winter driving the gas mileage is not so good and it does not handle very well in the snow. I like the car but would like to see it handle better in the winter.

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  Great Auto Built in America - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Rick B. - January 5 - 1:14 pm

  Ford is starting to dominate the US auto market with the Focus, Taurus, & Fusion. The Focus has great acceleration for a 2.0 liter engine because of the over head cam design. It has good lines on the exterior, but I especially love the easy access controls in the interior, with a easy to read info screen on the dash.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Alarcon - January 5 - 1:03 pm

  Had this SUV for 2 yrs until it was stolen a week ago. I would recomend it to anybody specialy if you have kids. Smooth ride quiet and comfortable. Mechanical third row seating is awsome flods all the way flat.

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  2009 Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By dlbailey05 - January 5 - 12:08 pm

  I never would have beleived this would have turned out to be as great a car as it is.Hands down the best riding vehicle Ive ever ridin in.We just returned from a week in the Smokey Mountains and Im even more impressed with the power train and fuel economy got 25.2 on the trip home,the car was loaded down. I cant find a thing bad about the car.=,would love to have waited and got the eco-boost engine but the 3.5 is more than adquit.

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  Extremely reliable, high quality - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - January 5 - 10:34 am

  50,000 miles in 3 years and occasionally the passenger seat creaks. Thats it. Not a single lose screw, repair,rattle. Nothing. This quality is confirmed by Consumer Reports which for a few years has measured this car to be THE most reliable of any car. Its crazy - I bought the V6 for less than the price of a 4 cyl. Honda Accord. Yet, when it comes to resale, this car will be hurt simply because its a Ford.

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  ONE HOT RIDE - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Hot Ride - January 5 - 3:37 am

  Ive been driving this Stand for 1 month now and I get compliments from everyone. Comming from 2008 CIVIC si, This GT got lot muscle under the hood. I love the interior, which is not cheap quality. Exterior Chassis and paint is still in excellent condition. So far Car is running like new. So far I havent spend single dime except oil change.

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  Best CAR for the money!!!! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By bondo - January 4 - 2:39 pm

  My only complaint is the poor view out of the rear window. That being said you cannot find another car with as much power, room, features and comfort at this price point. I am a travelling salesman and have put over 11,000 miles on the car in a little over 3 months. Like 99.99% of Americans I drive on Interstates and suburban roads, not on the autobahn. This is a big, comfortable car that has more than enough power and handling to cope with any driving conditions you will encounter. Do yourself a favor, if you want a car that you can drive for work during the week and then on the weekends take your family for comfortable ride, look at the Taurus.

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  9 months in on 2005 V6 2wd - 2005 Ford Escape
  By invictarocks - January 3 - 8:27 pm

  I bought this car after a lot of research on Subaru Forrester, RAV4, Honda CRV and the Escape. I did some test drives, and the Forrester was the fastest and funnest, but a little small, and my buying decision came right after a bad experience with a Subaru dealership. The RAV4 seat was unbearable in the "fold down, kicking back" position, and sitting on the back with the hatch up was designed OUT of the model years I was looking at. I didnt like the way the RAV4 looked driving down the road from behind, as the rear suspension didnt inspire much confidence. I LOVE my Escape, and its styling. The gas mileage was a little disappointing at 20.