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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  oh yea - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By geoff - June 25 - 10:00 am

  i just love the car, its been great. its the first time i bought something and was still glad to see it a year later. its great to drive to work with the top down at 4:am.Oh yea and never be late, did i say it goes quite fast.

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  My Bullitt - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By D Loke - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Owned 2 years and I love this car. Fast, fun and yes very reliable. Ford did a great job on this one. Highly recommend.

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  Tough Little Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By llibst - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Six years and almost 90,000 miles this 97 Explorer Sport has been on of the most bullet proof vehicles our family has ever owned. Even survived a roll over collision in west Texas snow. No major mechanical problems, the single overhead cam engine just keeps running, no problems with a/c, electrical, sound system. Tires even seem to last longer than other SUVs weve owned

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  No More Ford Vans for Me! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By AntiFord - June 25 - 2:00 am

  This car had no pick-up! Suspension was horrible. It ate oil. It had to be brought in for servicing several times because of recalls.

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  My Focus Experience - 2005 Ford Focus
  By S. Howe - June 24 - 2:16 pm

  Since purchasing my Focus Wagon my great-nephews (in a car seat and boaster seat) have had a great time traveling about in our area. There is also enough room for my niece in the back with the boys. Everything is so easy to get to and to get the boys in their seats.

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  Love the explorer - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By keithsndebs - June 24 - 2:00 am

  We bought our explorer used from friends of ours, and were really unsure about owning an SUV. But now that Ive had it for 2 years, I will certainly buy another one once in the car market. It has been very dependable, fun to drive and a handy vehicle in the snow. Ive driven it everywhere from the upper east coast to deep south, and it has always got us where we needed to go.

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  1996 Ford Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By tomkeith - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been a great vehicle. I would buy one again, and plan to. I would also recommend to others

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  Great - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By maryh36 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV. I commute from Beaumont to houston everday and drive about 115Mph. Each way (go texas drives) and the explorer will even get up and go at those speeds it is an excellent SUV. With The V8

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  Great van - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Josh Carter - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I got this van new at the age of 16. This van has endured 8 years of young/teenage driving hell. So far the only thing starting to go is the trans. It has held up real well, and probably has another 100,000 to go. I does feel a lot more top heavy than it is. It is also very hard to drive in high winds, but it is the tallest mini- van around. And it is the most comfortable inside since the seats are higher than most.

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  great truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By joelord - June 24 - 2:00 am

  love it. The truck is just what I needed and has proved trouble free since I have owned it. I would strongly suggest one if you are in the market.