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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  Great Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By ford-4-me - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car. Orginally bought after a divorce when needing an in-expensive car to get me by. Well, 10yrs later, still have it. Minimum maintainence, Replaced tires & battery & rear springs. Thats it!! Great, dependable car, fun to drive especially in snow. Still looks (near) new today.

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  little blue escort - 2000 Ford Escort
  By sheryl - November 19 - 2:00 am

  this car has been to hell and back and still goes great, need i say more?

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  escort zx2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By zx2driver - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought in Jan 1999. Its a fun car to drive, its been really reliable, it looks better than the focus does. Its pretty quick, but a turbocharged zx2 would be awesome. It can be awkward to work on because of the the design, but its nice.

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  Good Teenage Car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Babygirlmegz - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Good Car, Reliable, a good little car for a student to have

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  A good buy 60 thousand miles later - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By johnnyshortpants - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Expedition in March 01. Weve had no problems whatsoever. We done the required maintenance through the dealers garage, and thats it. Its been trouble free, and a great car. This was my first SUV, and first Ford, and I would buy Ford again as a result.

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  I love my van! - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By twins4me2003 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  We only have the basic model, but I still love this van. We had to have a van with newborn twins!! This was the best for its value and space. One of my friends has a MVP and it is sooo cramped compared to my van.

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  I Love My 91 Mustang - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By Mustangman - November 18 - 2:00 am

  power windows, power mirrors, inside hatch release, power windows, cruise, and a good sound system, plus its a mustang, what more do you need

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  10 Years of Great Fun - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By dcbingaman - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought my "Black Bird" in 1993, brand new, and Im still driving it !! 121,000 miles and still rolling. Unlike a lot of other guys, Ive had NO serious problems. Original auto transmission, but Ive replaced the radiator, the AC compressor solenoid and front suspension toe control links on both sides, replaced brakes all the way around (fronts twice) and Im on my third set of Goodyear GT+4s. The car still goes like a scalded dog, and its only quirk is that @#$% "Check Engine" lite, (probably a bad O2 sensor). Im looking at replacing her with a new GTO, though, (if I can sneak it in the garage without my wife noticing...)

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By rojo93 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Love this vehicle, I wish they still made them

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  Love my Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By wrk109 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  It doesnt matter if its on top of the Pennsylvania mountains when Im hunting, traveling the open road, or passing all the stuck "big boys" on the Jersey beach when Im surf fishing, my Escape always gets me through! I love my Escape because it can convert from a family vehicle to my play vehicle with plenty of storage and seat room. I added a trailer hitch and cargo carrier for my 150 quart cooler, and put surf rod holders on the cargo carrier top for when Im on the beach. Ive had several people come over to me commenting what a sweet setup! My Escape does everything Ive asked it to do with a smile. My Escape just loves being off road!!