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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  207 Ford Fusion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - January 24 - 3:03 am

  Fast accelerating, tight turning capability. Exterior design is beautiful. And fairly inexpensive.

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  I love my T-bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By maggierbc - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive dreamed of driving a T-bird since I was a little girl. Owning one now is not the least bit of a disappointment. The car handles beautifully, accelerates uphill like its no effort at all, and feels solid and comfortable. I have always driven big, heavy cars, and the transition to a sports model was easy. This gorgeous car also functions as a dude magnet.

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  Good - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By M@yahoo.com - January 24 - 2:00 am

  GOOD GOOD GOOD,GOOD GOOD GOOD,GOOD GOOD GOOD,GOOD GOOD GOOD,GOOD GOOD GOOD,GOOD GOOD GOOD...oh yeah, its GREAT

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  The First Car I Bought - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By mr007 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as soon as I got out of high school and I loved every minute of owning it. The car is very fun to drive and is designed very nicely. It does get thirsty at the puump, though.

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  great expedition - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By little bit - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is wonderful to drive. It is much better than the Honda Passport that I owned before this one. The gas guzzling is the only down-fall. The driver window pops really hard sometimes when rolling it up. Other than that the car is super and fun to drive.

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  7.3 Works For Me - 1994 Ford F-250
  By FordManOnly - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The diesel is a great motor. Havent had any problems at all. Very comfortable and fun to drive. Pulled my brothers Chevy (TSK TSK) out of a mudhole in idle.

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  Do not buy this car! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By EX-FordFan - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the looks fool you, this car is very spacious, comfortable, and has some good features. Its a bummer is that ford cut out some features on the later models like, rear disc brakes, rear vents, gear indicator on dash, and subwoofer. Also, do not go to Power Ford of Huntington Beach. I had a horrible experience with RB Bradley, who wouldnÂ’t fix my car when I told him what was wrong and threatened to call the cops on me when I refused to pay the bill until spoke to the manager who was on vacation for 2 days. Ford ESP is worthless when you have to deal with b$ to get anything fixed. For more information on the taurus check out taurusclub [dot] com

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  7.3 ltr and love it - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By tiny wife - January 24 - 2:00 am

  We just got back from 6100 miles trip out west, best mileage 20.1, and 17.6 over all. roomiest vehicle ever owned wolud like diffrent front center console, one that would convert to a seat like some others out there. just rotated tires and balanced them, also checked alignment wasnt off enough to change and brakes looked like they never been used. not bad with 13100 miles in just short of six monthes.it didnt come with a rear sway bar so we added one makes big difference.

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  Zippy little thing - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Fadashio - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is fun to drive, especially when it is stick, like mine. Great 1st car!

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  Thanks to the NFL Commercials - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Roswell - January 23 - 10:26 pm

  One test drive was all it took. Within a week we found our color and options - and were driving it. We had 3 good snow storms (over 4 inches) - handled & drove as well as our former 02 explorer. The room, ride and comfort feel comparable or exceed my father-in-laws 03 Seville. We have had four adults and a child in a car seat and everyone still had plenty of room. Only "negative" is - be careful with the speed - it likes to go - FAST.