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 SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By blacksport - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Replaced my former GM junk. Great pick up and nice lines. Pioneer sound system gives a great sound.

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  Good Gas Mileage? - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tomanycars - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I like my Escape on all fronts except for one area. Fuel Mileage! No matter how lightly I use the accelerator and how easy to stop I make, the best it manages to get is 21 MPG. For all of the technology available this vehicle should get almost 28mpg. If Honda can build a 250hp V-6 for the Saturn VUE and it gets 28-30 mpg why cant Ford build an engine that gets comparable mileage?

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  my car - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By musket - July 26 - 2:00 am

  this car has been a very good transportation vehicle, very good road handling characteristics, only drawback is no cupholders

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  Love it! Ill be sorry to have to sell. - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By homebizhosting.com - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised, especially with the power of a V-8! My T-bird has always been a bit "rough" when shifting from first into second gear. But Ive only had a few problems with it over the last 4 years. My worst problems have been: having to replace a battery every year, because I neglect to clean off the battery poles of corrosion. Other worst problem is there was some sort of oil pan funnel or gasket or something that was leaking a lot of oil. Mechanic was reluctant to troubleshoot....but I insisted. Once he took a look, he replaced the faulty connection and Ive had zero oil leaks since! Reliable car and the parts are cheap!

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  2202 ford expl - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jws - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Have taken 3 long trips very comfortable, smooth ride but solid. Strong engine (V8) but am slightly disappointed in fuel econ 14.5 town 18 highw . Like the interior appointments easy to read insturment panel. Will buy another

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  New to expidition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Ifix4u - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with this SUV I love it. I had the explorer before and I will never go back.

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  Very happy with my Focus on Ford - 2007 Ford Focus
  By moe - July 25 - 11:46 pm

  My 93 Escort GT was on its last legs, due to an accident. It would have made it a couple more years without a doubt. Alas, it was not meant to be. Thus a search for a suitable replacement began. Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Chevy Aveo, etc. Final solution: Focus ZX4 SE with almost every option, except cold weather package, and 16" wheels. X plan and $2500.00 rebate plus a little trade in equaled about $14k. A similarly equipped Honda Civic - well over $20k. No-brainer.

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  new owner - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Denise - July 25 - 1:50 pm

  I just downsized to my new Ford Focus from -- get this -- an Expedition. What a change. The gas mileage is fantastic and the car is very roomy. I have 3 (bigger) kids to tote around town from school to appointments and the little Focus gets the job done for a fraction of the cost. It is peppy and very fun to drive. It fits in so many small spaces. I have owned it for 1 month now and would recommend it to anyone.

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  2010 Fusion - Drive One! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By pmoore4 - July 25 - 6:36 am

  Just picked up my new Fusion after waiting since ordering on 12/11/08. Wow, was this vehicle ever worth the wait. This is the quietest, most solid feeling vehicle Ive owned to date. Love the exterior styling changes, love the new interior. This is the car I always wanted Ford to build. SYNC is an amazing feature, I dont think I could live without now.

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  Unhappy - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Icarusavid - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck in Oct 2002 as I needed the extended cab. I also have a Chevy S10 reg. cab and realized it was not roomy enough for traveling. Quite frankly I wanted another Chevy but there were none to be found. I liked the looks of the Ranger Edge and how it sits up higher, but soon found out it was not all I thought it would be. The 3.0 V6 engine just doesnt seem peppy enough especially on the highway. The engine is noisy and the steering isnt as responsive as Im used to.