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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  explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By rlcd - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle ever owned. Much better than Trail Blazer. Roomy love the third seat for kids.

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  Would buy another one tomorrow !!! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kris667 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my ford explorer for over a year now, I still look forward to enjoying it every day. Whether I am in sunshine, rain, sleet or snow I know I can trust it to take me to my destination safely and comfortably. I live in New England area, where the weather changes every minute it seems. This truck actually makes me look forward to snowfall even though I do not like the winter season. I have gotten many people out of snow banks or even up hills on a snowy day. This past summer I had to help pull a chevy van with a 28 foot boat behind it up a ramp since it was stuck, The ford seemed to have all the power needed. I would recommend this truck to all.

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  Ford Explorer: Vehicle of Choice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By GKarl - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This is our fourth vehicle in the Explorer/Mountaineer family that we have owned, and it is by far the best. The new lower suspension introduced in 2001 gives the new Explorer more of a car feel on the road, with no sacrifice of off road capabilities.

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  Speechless - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DubG - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I did my research for a year and it paid off. My 03 is so quick it is rediculous! It is almost scary fast for how big it is. I cannot help but to walk backwards every time I leave it.

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  great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By june - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Conpared to my 2001 F150 its a totally different truck. Much more comfortable ride, great truck!

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  Really nice car! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Chris - December 28 - 4:22 pm

  We bought this in may with my wife really not sure, but after driving it and fitting our 4 children in with them all in car seats, she now loves it. It has space to spare with all the kids and the ride is very comfortable.

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  LOVE IT!!!! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By JHD - December 28 - 2:04 pm

  Had a Chrysler Pacifica for years, traded it in on a 09 Acura TL. Beautiful car, but just wasnt enough room. Went looking for a car that was comfortable, had loads of tech, and could carry people and boxes. The Flex met the bill and then some. It is like driving from my couch in my living room...and it even has its own refrigerator!! Sync is every bit as good if not better then my tech package from Acura. Build quality is top notch, and I can put 87 octane in the gas tank! Serious "Limo" space in the second row, and the auto fold seats are awesome. If you are looking at any kind of crossover, you MUST check it out. Way to go Ford!!!

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  I love my festy! - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By Charlie1717 - December 28 - 12:10 pm

  I love my Festiva. Great MPG, fun to drive, Very reliable. If you want a good fun reliable car with unbelievable gas mileage then buy a festiva. They are getting hard to come by. FESTIVA!

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  Sensible and Secure - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Gasman30 - December 28 - 8:46 am

  Purchased the 4 cylinder AWD to maximize economy and still have the ability to drive in bad weather. It works very well. I understood its limitations and accept them - its not a speedster or a land yacht.

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  Just had to rebuff - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Matt - December 28 - 2:12 am

  I had to say something when I saw the posts bashing the sedans performance. The Escort line has a long rally racing heritage and our other cars were BMW 3 and 5 series--there was practically no difference between them and our little Escort when it came to driving fun and handling. Were 12 years and 132,000 miles and the only repairs came from someone hitting us and two recalls that involved the air bags and seat belts. If Ford still made these, wed be buying another one as an added vehicle, but sadly they want to focus on the Festiva instead.