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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  My Favorite - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Lotson - September 5 - 9:26 pm

  I just bought my Five Hundred last week and I already love it. Being military I needed a good car to travel from Savannah to Ft Stewart everyday. I love the space, and the powerful V6 engine. The V6 and the AWD combine perfectly when i have one of those days, and wake up a little late.

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  The Machine of all Machines - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Curtiss - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I was floored to note the quality that Ford has put into the 2003 Expedition. Quite, fast, and built for a large group. I dont think you could ask for more. Gas consumption is a different matter as its getting just under 18MPG on the open highway, but the old saying is, you get what you pay for. As for me, I paid a fair price and got a better than normal product.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Towen022 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  The ride and comfort of the car is wonderful. It handles very well under all conditions. Plenty of interior room, and great for traveling! Great Car!

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  Focus- Funt to own and fun to drive - 2003 Ford Focus
  By doctorism04 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 ford focus zx3 is a blast to drive. it is quick the steering is responsive and interior design is great

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  2002 Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By litforever - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Exterior is delightful to look at, (black on black. only fault is the accumulation of brake dust, and a desire to have 18" rims instead of factory 16". On the interior, the MP3 player is a absolute joy on a road trip. The only interior fault is the mechanical knob on the seat that adjust the lumbar support, it has to be adjusted by a passenger if you dont get it where your want it before you begin traveling, and turning it seems to last for an eternity before one feels a result. For the most part this is the best small SUV on the market in my opinion.

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  Offroad-tastic - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Offroad Lover - September 5 - 10:00 am

  quite simply fantastic piece of machinery.

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  Great truck! - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cfr7009 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I leased this pickup in 1999 when it was 2 years old with 22000 miles. One week after I brought it home it started to run poorly, spew fumes and smoke, after 3 visits to the dealer (each time telling me that it was the O2 sensor) they finally changed the ECU. It immediately started running perfectly and I have had no trouble since. Ther is little to no maintenance required. Just change the oil and put in gas. I liked it so much that I bought it outright at the end of the lease. I plan on keeping it until one of us kicks the bucket. Chances are I will go first!

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  Ford Hits Home Run - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By wdmjr - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt be happier other than adding a supercharger.

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  keeps on rolling - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By La. Coonass - September 5 - 2:00 am

  213,000 miles with no major and very few minor problems, except a/c not working at present. Starts easily, runs great pulling my boat and hauling all my crap. Ive had such good luck with it that I just bought another Ranger. I hate to sell this one. Its running so good that 300,000 seems like it would be no problem. (4 cyl. by the way).

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  2000 Ford Windstar 4 dr SE - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Michael Gray - September 5 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar handles very well. Its ABS system works rapidly and stops the van rapidly and safely. Steering is excellent with minimal effort on drivers part. Mirrors are easily adjustable from drivers side and enable driver to see the entire road behind the vehicle if properly adjusted. The two side doors are very convenient for someone who has to carry several soccer or baseball kids and there is ideal storage behind the rear seat.