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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  Crash Review - 1998 Ford Escort
  By KarenRottie - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I was involved in a 60 mph crash and the design of this vehicle saved my life! While the car was totalled in the accident, I walked away with only some serious bruises.

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  American Muscle is Fun! - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By MustangT - May 20 - 2:00 am

  The car is a ton of fun to drive. Power is always right there, but a little more is always a lttile better. So far a couple of mods (exhaust and intake) have awakened the car better than I expexted. Gas mileage isnt great, but if you want 40 miles per gallon, then this is not the car for you. The Mustang is all about power and looking good! I love it!

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  F250 HD Diesel - 1993 Ford F-250
  By Amsoilguy - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Except for the underspung front end, which is corrected on mine, this truck has been great. It starts in the dead of cold, and gets between 16 and 19 around town. The body has held up well, for a 10 year old vehicle. They typical spots, over the wheel well and the extended cab are just coming through now. The interior still looks like the day I bought it. Gonna buy another. Best vehicle I ever had.

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  Bronco - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By Dude46633 - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I Like it a lot

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  escape xlt 4wd - 2002 Ford Escape
  By fl wh - May 20 - 2:00 am

  had a few kinks when new. power mirror(drivers side) window squeeked after half year and rear window wiper needed more tention to wipe. dealer fixed all promptly.

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  Yeaha - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By Ian16 - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Good Car!

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  02 T-Bird review - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By richkpat - May 20 - 2:00 am

  We have only had the car couple of weeks, however, we live in St. Louis, MO and purshased the car in White Plains NY over the internet. It was over a 1000 miles back to St. Louis. We drove through four hours of storms during the trip back and the car handled well under terrible driving conditions. I look foreward to our next road trip in the T-Bird.

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  My best Ranger!! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By The Old Man - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger having owned a 89 XLT 4X4. More features and runs better. Fire Engine red, VERY sharp truck. I put 225,000miles on the 89 hope to do the same on the 01. id buy anothe in heartbeat if I needed one.

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  FUN, FUN, FUN - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By MAG - May 19 - 8:14 am

  Im 54 years old, and with the ST Im a teenager again. I have owned 50+ cars, and this one is by far the best handling car I have ever owned. If you like small cars that have great handling, accelerate quickly, and get decent gas mileage - this is your car. The Nav. and Sync are easy to use. The Recaro seats hold you in place really well.

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  Unexpected Choice - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By M. Tillman - May 19 - 5:46 am

  Although I have driven just over a thousand miles, I am very impressed with the Fusion. Its quiet, comfortable, and fun to drive. The V6 with six speed automatic always seems to be in the right gear and the leather seats fit me better than either the Accord EX or Camry. The driving position is great with good forward visibility - unfortunately, vision to the rear is not as good due to the high decklid which adds to the trunk volume and probably improves aerodynamics. Steering is superb with no kickback; its difficult to tell its FWD. I started out to buy a Honda Accord EX but ended up with the Fusion - its that good.