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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  i like it - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By tr357nyack - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Second Taurus that I owned. Cant beat the value you get. Little problems out side the normal maintenance items.

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  too bad thy stopped making these - 1997 Ford Escort
  By frozennorth - September 8 - 2:00 am

  bought new, driven to work everyday , 36 miles each way. Tires, muffler, brakes, thermostat, and alternator replaced. Thats it except for gas and oil changes.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By chad9086 - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV Poor Gas Mileage Average around 12 MPG

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  Beautiful Functionality - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By RDK - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Awesome truck, former 6.5L Chevy diesel Suburban owner. Gas mileage takes a bit of getting used to but passing cars going up mountains pulling a 30 travel trailer is a thrill. The V10 WILL do the job if you can afford to put gas in it.

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  Michaels Review - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By michael - September 7 - 1:53 pm

  The vehicle rides well and has plenty of cargo room. Would like it better if the back seat would fold completely down instead of leaving an angle. I like the gas mileage but would enjoy a higher one.

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  Fun with Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By SueC - September 7 - 9:23 am

  Car runs smooth and is very comfortable to sit in. So quiet we keep thinking the engine is off. More pick-up in power than expected. Great gas mileage!

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  A really enjoyable car to drive! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By A.R. - September 7 - 5:56 am

  Ive got a long drive to work and put 40,000 miles a year on my cars. I tried buying used but got burned, so after A LOT thought I decided to buy a Fusion Sport. I think I made the right choice b/c this is enjoyable to drive, very comfortable, and reliable. I got the sport blue w/ black leather & Ive received more compliments on it than the BMW 3 Series I used to drive.

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  2002 FORD F-150 4-DR. 4X4 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By TROY WELLS - September 7 - 2:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK, FIRST ONE THAT I HAVE OWNED WILL NEVER GO BACK TO A CHEVY.

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  2003 windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jgth - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased with my vehicle. Would like better gas milage. It is very comfortable with 4 captian seats.

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  Decent Car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By David from Norcross - September 7 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 Taurus is a good family car. It looks nice and is roomy inside with a large trunk. On the other hand it is boring to drive. I am also disappointed that it has drepreciated over 65% since I bought it new. In retrospect I wish I bought a two year old Tarus instead of a new one.