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:

• 

  The Best Car Known To Man - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Eric Becker - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and i wouldnt have it any other way. :)

• 

  Wish I could keep it forever - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Louiza - November 3 - 2:00 am

  A great little car. It would be even better if I had not taken it to horrible places such as All Tune and Lube in Fairfax. They fixed one thing and destroyed another...Having a great mechanic is important, and I think with the help of one, the Ford Escort 93 can keep going and going and going.

• 

  This is one great vehicle - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By redmangh - November 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been a joy to date.Its used for commute as well as towing(8900lb)trailer.Previous vehicle was a 99 f/250 crew which was also great.Chose this due to passenger room and parkway driving.This vehicle has an unfair Blackeye image which I am sure affects sales.This works like a truck and is plenty comfortable.I get a respectable 13-14 mpg combo driving (9.5 avg w/trailer)not bad for a 7000lb v10.

• 

  Great SUV - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By StephenEB - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this SUV since new and am very happy with it. It has the "No Boundaries" package and is equipped with the 4.6L V8. It is a little under- powered but if driven carefully it has pretty good (almost 20mpg avg) fuel economy considering its size/weight. I plan on keeping it for many years and so far its been trouble-free.

• 

  Family car - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Mela - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Great family car. It has all the features we looked for, without spending too much. Very convenient for us that have two babies using car seats.

• 

  Best Car Ever Owned - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Patricia Johnston - November 2 - 8:13 am

  We have owned a lot of cars in 53 years of marriage. Our first was a 1947 Ford. We decided to get a "fun car" as we had not bought a car since 1990. We went to buy a Ford truck and ended up with a 2006 Mustang Pony, Premium package, black. This is the best ever. The ride is extremely quiet, no outside road noise. You can turn the radio way up and stand outside the car and you cant hear anything. Its well made, love the traction on turning and its just a beautiful automobile. We love this car!

• 

  I love my new thunderbird - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By ron williams - November 2 - 2:00 am

  The car is excellent in every way!! Being a 2002, it doesnt have heated seats, but if I really needed them I can get a 2003. The car steers well, has adequate power and gets lots of looks. I was not overwhelmed by the styling at first, but a lot of people must like it, because it still attracts a lot of attention. It is a very comfortable car and a joy to own!

• 

  The Greatest! - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Black Bird - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Always wanted a CLASSIC BIRD! Owned a Porsche Targa, several Mercedes, BMW, etc. over the years and this by far is my favorite car ever. It is such a nice handling car and beautiful with all the bells and whistles. I could drive it all day!

• 

  Ford Escape 2003 XLT - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pikal - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Overall good. The doors feel like tin and dont close easily enough. Gas mileage not nearly as good as expected, 16-21 mpg. The horsepower is very good. Overall the SUV is fun and reliable.

• 

  A bumpy ride, literally and figuratively - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Psychscan - November 2 - 2:00 am

  My Explorer had a radiator replacement, tire replacements, and a recall in the first 1000 miles. It had two additional recall items in August, 2003. It went out of warranty (3 yr/36,000 miles) in July, 2003. In October, 2003 (37500 miles) the engine blew, though it had been meticulously maintained, costing $5200. Ford would not accept any responsibility or cover any repairs. No more Fords for me though I have driven them in my business and personal fleet.