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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  Muscle and looks for less bucks - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Stangers - March 21 - 9:46 am

  The looks,stability and the power of this new 05 pony just left me speachless and the live axle plants this GT to the pavement FIRM without worries. After all these years,Im getting goosebumps again everytime I start this Pony up. Great job Ford.

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  Just a fun ride! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By bob78 - March 21 - 4:00 am

  - what a car - excellent ride and handling, really nice interior, quiet, solid feel and a smooth, powerful engine. This is a fun ride which has an elegant, high-end feel to it. The SYNC system along with the Sirius Radio are also great features. I got over 200K trouble free miles on my Taurus and hope this Fusion is just as reliable. The Camry and Accord cant touch this car when it comes to value for your dollar.

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  Had NO Problems - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Offroader - March 21 - 3:16 am

  Ive only owned a handfull of American cars in my 58 years -- and never expected to purchase a "FORD". I wanted an SUV, liked the styling and price of the Explorer Sport, and from the 30K miles when I purchased it, to the 64K miles I now have on it, its reliability has been exceptional. Living in NJ where the climate can be brutal in the winter, this vehicle has started without exception and run flawlessly. The 4WD is of course absolutely essential for this environment and has performed well.

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  Great Truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By T. Lo. - March 21 - 2:00 am

  A great truck built like a tank but suprisingly quick. Mine has the 5.0 (302) and it is a great motor, it gets this beefy truck moving pretty quickly, this engine is a torque monster with good horsepower. My truck has a great highway ride with plenty of passing power. It can also do smokey burnouts if the need arises.

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  Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Pito Perez - March 21 - 2:00 am

  this car could be a lot better, and it could be sold for a lot less, and it could hold its values better. Ive only owned it for 1.5 years and its already lost 47% of its original purchase price!!!

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  Not a bad truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By MacRaider4 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  The 1997 Ranger isnt a bad truck, just a little on the small side. If it were a little bigger in the cab and bed it would be nice. Had to remove the heat shield from the muffler as it kept coming loose and the engine has been making a rattling noise for about 20k. But still runs great...

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  Outdated - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Electro - March 21 - 2:00 am

  For the most part its a decent car, as far as the mechanical aspect is concerned, unfortunately thats about it! Ford needs to come up with something NEW most if not all the other car manufacturers have already done this, the way I see it is, Ford is way behind in the times!

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  Read On - 1991 Ford Probe
  By RGX - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Great car with the ford name but mostly made by mazda. For a car as old as it was it ran well and and smooth. Good stuff.

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  95 Probe SE - 1995 Ford Probe
  By MandyJT - March 21 - 2:00 am

  My experience with my Ford Probe has been wonderful. It gets great gas mileage, is very reliable and safe.

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  Way to go Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By John 999 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  After an accident, I needed a cheap car fast. This six year old Explorer with 90,000 + miles has become our #1 vehicle. The six cyl. gives me over 23 MPG. Go figure. Great for hauling kids to college. Ride is stiff, but you cant have it all. My first Ford in 25 years, but it wont be the last.