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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  Saved my life - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Gabe654 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I was in a bad accident with my 98 explorer last night, I hit a patch of black ice, spun out, and then rolled several times. I climbed out and walked away from the accident with a small bump on my head, and a few bruises were the seatbelt had been. None of the windows broke, and the truck held its shape extremely well. Its a write off by the insurance company, but it still doesnt look that bad, and it kept me safe. Good work explorer!

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  GT - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By BuckyC - December 11 - 12:50 pm

  After just a couple weeks the car is nice. Finally got my long awaited Mustang. I own a 1954 Conv 289 4vv with a 3 speed, the 07 blows the car away in speed and comfort. its more fun to drive, but workmanship shows why the American car companies are losing business. Fit and finish are OK at best.

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  2004 Ford Explorer XLT AWESOME - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mombt - December 11 - 7:46 am

  The Ford Explorer Ive had for 1 year and its by far the most responsive vehicle Ive owned. It is also incredibly reliable and safe. The perfect size with all details thought out with great appointment. It is a dream to drive and Id recommend it to anyone, easy to drive, fun, safe, responsive and just overall FABULOUS!

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  Wish I got the V-8 - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By aflkdsjfkl - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Should of got the V-8 still a good car decent quickness

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  Worlds Greatest Vehicle - 1990 Ford Probe
  By Mr. Undisclosed - December 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! Super intensly awesome with no doubt aboot it!

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  1996 Ford Probe GT - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Bruce Green - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money!

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  Garage queen - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By jefftp - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The van is decent, when it is running. Comfortable interior, good ride, fairly good power. The killer is reliability. Ours now has 79K miles, and we bought it at 55K miles. We have had to put in new alternator, rebuilt transmission ($$$$$). Interior lights wont go off, and dealer says cant be fixed at reasonable price. Power sliding door wont work, quoted $1,100 to fix. Check engine light is on & there seems to be a short in the electrical system somewhere. Symphony of loud rattles and squeaks comesfrom all corners of the van whenever moving. Decent van, when its running.

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  Super Thunderbird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By flyer0195 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever bought. I bought it used in 1999 with 52000 miles on it. Now it has 129500 miles and has only been in the shop twice other than oil changes. Mine has the 4.6 liter V8 and at 104000 miles the air intake manifold started leaking antifreeze. This was a defect on this engine. It was made of plastic but Ford pays to replace it from a recall that came out. The new one is made of cast metal. The only other problem I encountered was a leak in the fuel line by the fuel tank and had the section of line replace. The front brakes went out at 116000 miles and I am still operating on the original rear brakes.

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  Big Blue - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By dagger - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, competent on road hauler. V-10 gives great power, little sacrifice to mileage. MUST get 4X4 in snowbelt!! (not great in RWD in snow) Watch the parking garage heights!! Not sporty, but swallows 8 people, plus their stuff (Hurray for George Carlin and "stuff") Delivers what the Hummer H2 and Suburban/Yukon XL promise

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  Great Car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Trifecta Show - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I love the explorer. Only bad thing is the terrible as mileage(mine is a 5 liter V8 and I get about 13 miles/gallon on average. Oherwise great car.