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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  Eddie Bauer Rocks - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Bushman - January 14 - 11:53 pm

  Great styling for Eddie Bauer. The new V8 has excellent power. Power seats are very comfortable. Car has a smooth quiet ride on the 18" Michelins.

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  Lovin my 2006 Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By owen - January 14 - 12:16 pm

  I love my new Fusion. I skipped my nursing class and went out and bought this car.

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  Ford is a four letter word - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By fooled me once - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I babied the tranny more than any other vehicle I owned...and also spent by far and away the most on it terms of preventive maintenance ( >$1000) and repairs (>$3000). The engine was wrecked due to poorly designed (plastic) timing chain tensioners (the chain powered the oil pump)FIrestone tire fiasco.head rests not safe. seat reclining lever poorly designed. U-Haul wont let trailers be towed by Explorers (2004). tire changing components fail unpredictably. locks rust easily. manual says towing max speed is 45 MPH!! Honda shop manual (Helm) MUCH better. No Tow hooks. climate control heater blend door $2 part failed $1100 estimate to fix (Bob Bell Ford)

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  good for the money - 1998 Ford Escort
  By triniman - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun little car that is good on gas and cheaper to maintain. problem free if you ask me

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  Not a bad Car! - 1990 Ford Escort
  By holland1115 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Got the car at 12 years old with 76000 miles. Put 34000 on it and it still starts every time. Only needed regular maintenance, parts wore out, oil, filters and a tuneup. I also put in a fuel pump. It has 100000 mile and is still going strong. Hope my next cars is as reliable.

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  First Car... - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Big Bad Birdy - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought my car when I turned 16 with a fistfull of 100s I had saved up with 85,000 miles on the clock. NEVER regretted it. V8 delivers massive torque and burnouts are long and easy. Limited at 105 but that speed is reached very quickly. My friends simply call it the GT with a backseat because of the fantastic performance and incredible luxury for the price.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By davehanley - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the finest vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Nice Job - 2004 Ford F-150
  By GailGeorgeRi! - January 13 - 10:00 am

  We travel trips 6 hours to Maine and then pretty much are in the mud when we get there. It was the most comfortable ride yet over the last 7 years and handled the spring thaw and mud extremely well.

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  Sport Track- Reliable tough and fun - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By freddy3stix - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Great all around vehicle. 50,000 miles with no problems. 20mpg is a bit tough to take for me as a commuter, but I cant give it up.

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  Ford Explorer XLT 2002 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By mynamesmegan - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my ford explorer, dont get my wrong but the gas mileage is terrible, especially with the prices shooting up!