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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  Good Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By CPBRO - March 1 - 2:00 am

  All unscheduled maintenance was covered under warranty and was nothing major. Engine-transmission match perfectly with shift points that maximize torque. Mileage ranged from 19 to 23 on highway and from 17 to 19 in town. Quick steering and smooth easy braking. Stiff ride at low speeds and rough roads.

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  Great - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By tohottotrot - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Good car, i love it

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  Best Crown Vic yet ! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Crown Vic Jim - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The new for 04 LX Sport is the best Crown Victoria ever offered to the consumer. A joy on extended road trips. Optional side air bags boost already impressive safety. The big deep trunk carries more cargo than most of todays wagons and even mid-sized SUVs. Rack and pinion steering is great, and the MPG has improved too!

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  Great car for the price - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rook3300 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Went from a Japanese compact to this car. It was a huge change. Lots of room and lots of power. The trunk is huge and could probably store all of the bags of a full family for a two- week vacation. The handling is great and it takes corners better than the smaller car I had. The air suspension works very well and keeps the car level during turns and on the freeway.

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  Great, reliable car - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By heidi16 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  We have never had major problems with this car except a transmission replacement at 120,000 miles. Other than that, only routine maintenance. Very roomy on the inside. Overall, we have been impressed with the performance. It has a small engine, but we knew that when we bought it. It has been the only vehicle we have owned for 8.5 years.

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  escape xlt - 2004 Ford Escape
  By ontario - March 1 - 2:00 am

  very nice suv very roomy inside nice interier very comfortable seats very good milege for the type of vehicle from far away it looks bigger then it is its pretty close to a explorer but not as wide good power no hesitation at all sometimes i wonder if it is to much engine for this suv comes with almost all the bells and whistles.

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  2nd Lease - 2004 Ford Escape
  By kmj - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd lease. Very happy with ride and performance. Size is perfect and easy to drive.

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  lst Month - 2007 Ford Edge
  By ace - March 1 - 12:10 am

  A dream to drive, quick response, smooth shifting and braking.

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  imustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By bobbybobby - February 29 - 2:00 am

  this car is an excellent car. i wouldnt get rid of mine for the world. it is a fast car with a comfortable interior. I would refer any one.

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  Could not ask for more - 1993 Ford F-150
  By jim patterson - February 29 - 2:00 am

  I have 190,000 and have little to no problems. 96,000 I rebuilt the Tran due to pulling to heavy of a trailor. replaced a raidator, orignial water pump just becuse. Also a master cylinder. I have a V8 5.8L at 180,000 checked the compression and found only a 2-3 pound difference than spec call for. I have used PROLONG OIL aditive every 40,000 and to date use no oil at 3,000 miles. In a 190,000 I have spent maybe 4,000 in repair including all maintance.