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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  happy with car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Bruce Ellis - December 25 - 10:00 am

  It is the best car I ever owned. I was tired of driving Toyotas. Next year, I plan on buying a new Taurus or Sable to replace it.

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  Lemon!!!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By rrtodd95 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I found the 2002 Focus to be almost as dissapointing as the 2000. The one big difference being recalls. On my 2000 I was inundated with recall notices almost monthly the 2002 electrical problems en masse.

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  Needs More Power - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Chris1983 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Hello I Thought I Would Post A Comment I Had One Of These Cars For A Rental The Other Day It Had 8,500 Miles On It And Was Pretty Much Basic Beside The Auto Trans Anyways The Car Was Decent It Had Some Issues Like The Trans Would Make A Popping Noise (Who Knows) And The Car Wouldnt Even Move Out Of Its Own Way Ive Been In An Escort Before And I Know For A Fact That This Was Slower Than The Escort And Also The Gas Mileage Sucks I Drive A 1993 Lumina Minivan And It Has A 3.8 V6 And It Gets Way Better Gas Mileage Than This Car Anyways Thanks For Your Time

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  Good Choice - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jhlong - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Before deciding on the Expedition I did a lot of research both on the Internet and in person. I narrowed my choices to the Tahoe and the Expedition. I chose the Eddie Bauer Expediton and it was a great choice. It drives like a dream and the handling is very tight. On the road it has all of the power I need. The fuel economy is higher than what my research lead me to believe. I am very satisfied with my purchase.

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  Great long distance commuter car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By RTinSD - December 25 - 3:56 am

  Bought the car new in June 2007 and to date have accumulated over 91,000 miles commuting. Other than a rear brake recall, the car has been flawless. Gets 28+ mpg consistently. Comfortable, quiet, roomy. This car is proof that America can build a reliable vehicle.

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  Expedi - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By TC Mouse - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This 98 Expedition has met all expectations for reliability, comfort, towing, performance. Original owner, hauls cargo, three dogs, family trips, great road viz, no travel fatigue.

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  My Ranger FX4 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By lruff - December 25 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger is comfortable and fun to drive. I get 20 miles to the gal. of gas on the hiway and around 16 to 17 in town.

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  What a Ride!! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Allpro21 - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding power and performance! A real head turner. Even doubles as a pick-up truck!!

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  Kick Ass and rock n roll - 2003 Ford F-150
  By ricitiki - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This awesome truck is the best of looks,performance and great style. Used Bell Tech lowering kit, sprayed in bed liner, and a new intake and now I can haul stuff, strut stuff, and haul ass all at the same time. Handling improves 110% after loweringand talk about stares.If you lower yours get the best shocks, as mine hit bumps and sometime I bottom out on my snubbers.

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  Cheap Thrills - Maintenance Required - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Jack Jones - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Owned one for 9 years. Duractec V6 is responsive and pulls hard all the way to redline (6700rpm). Amazingly good cornering and handling. ABS brakes excellent. Sold after 135K miles. Auto Tranny never an issue - changed fluid every 35K as they suggest.