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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  Love my ZX2 - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Victoria Lindel - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 4 years, and shes been good to me. My favorate features are the 5 speed transmission - it makes the little engine perform wonders. I would never want an "economy" car with an automatic transmission. I like the small size as well, it makes parallel parking a breeze. The fold down seats make it possible to transport skis, yes SKIS if you have 3 people or less in the car.

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  my great exxxplorer toy - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By kbrant64 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  this is my first suv and i love it!!!i would like to have a new 2004 but i dont like the new front end style.as for my performance on my 98 i am in love with the power take off from dead start.the 4.0 sohc could benefit from after market acc. but that will be done later.the comfort,style and fuel economy is really good 330 miles per tank,my 99 taurus got the same mileage.the dealer i purchased from was excellant,the salesman delivered it to my home and took my trade in back to the dealer.as for handling of this suv,after you learn its traits this pup can handle anything you give it.my suv is totally stock.

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  My family bought 21 Fords but no more! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By MyLastFord - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 1999 FORD Expedition4X4. At 7500 miles the transmission began to slip. Parkway Ford in WS,NC couldnt keep it from slipping. Because of our loyalty for 26 years, they gave me a KILLER! deal on a 2000 Eddie Bauer 4X4. Thank God I purchased the extended warranty. At 53000 miles the engine went bad. After replacement, I attempted to trade for another Eddie Bauer 4X4 which would have been my familys 22nd Ford. You can imagine my suprise when they only offered $19,000 for trade in. Lucky for me the local Chevy dealership gave me $4,500 more to purchase my first GM product. Shame on you FORD & Parkway for not honoring a loyal customer.

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  Ford Thuderbird Convertible - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jack Estes - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I was expecting a Mustang wtih a fancy body but the new T-Bird in not a Mustang. Even with a short 104" wheelbase, its suspenion smooths out the road. Everything works flawlessly. I dont know why Ford does not advertise this model more.

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  Very good car, horrible seats - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By GBW - February 10 - 1:03 am

  Ford did a great job. Love the ride an handling. With 18" wheels, it holds curves like a sport sedan. Put about 2500 miles in the first month, w/ 27 mpg for my commute. Sony stereo is fantastic. Lots of space. Like the Synch system for hands free phone. The front seats are horrible. Cant find a comfortable position, even with 8-way power adjustment. I like the headrest, which most people dont. But my lower back hurts all the time. The cushions are hard and the back is too narrow. Im 63", 190. Tall but not large. The seats are bad enough that I am considering replacing the car after just one month. Too bad, otherwise its an excellent car.

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  Best ever - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By cobra4414 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Have had it since new. Very powerful and handels very well. Not very good in snow, even with traction control. So I dont use it in winter. Thats the only flaw to the car.

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  My last ford ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Ernie Votava - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Problems: head gasket door chimes (all the time) wipers work sometimes check engine half the time seat belts broke in back HUGE cruise off button was easy to accidentally hit this was the first vehicle ever that I had to look at the radio to do anything with it. Volume, on/off, presets, every button was the same size and feel. F.O.R.D: Full Of Retarded Design.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2001 Ford Escape
  By cobra4414 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Best suv for the money. HP is under rated. This suv runs like a deer, handels very well in all weather conditions.

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  Not too bad - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mollic - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Escape because it was the first SUV I drove that was fun to drive. But, theres little things I would change. The V6 isnt as powerful as I would have hoped. My 1993 GMC Jimmy had MUCH more power in its engine. The fuel economy doesnt seem to be as good in practice as on paper, and Im anxiously waiting the Hybrid. Interior design could use a spruce up, too.

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  Love It! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jrsy1971 - February 8 - 2:03 am

  I went from an 02 Liberty back into a new Explorer and its the best decision I could have made. The Explorer handles much better, stops much better, and gets the about the same gas mileage as the Jeep did. Cant wait to see how it tows, but I imagine it will be no problem.