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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  Jims Review - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer Sport Guy - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. With regular maintenance it has preformed excellent. Origional brakes and tires were good to 80,000 miles!

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  Good Choice - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RRMan03 - May 9 - 4:16 pm

  I bought this brand new with 4 miles. I have never had any problems except for the poor quality factory tires and of course the brakes and rotors. I have had 2 sets of pads and the rotors turned at 64000. Now after changing to Mich tires LTX at 30000 miles and new pads and rotors turned at 64000 it drives as new if nor better. This truck has been from TN to Idaho 4 times.

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  Escape Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Marcus - May 9 - 1:33 pm

  Everything is awesome except that the cruise control is overpowered at times and actually reduced fuel efficiency. A good addition would be to have a cruise control that operates based on rpms instead.

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  A good car for the price - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Lawrence - May 9 - 11:06 am

  Although the design is now several years old (2005 "freshening" was insignificant), its functional and offers a fun driving experience. Great for tall folks (Im 62") and super in the Ottawa winter, thanks to traction control and heated seats.

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  Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By KB - May 9 - 6:36 am

  It is so fun to drive and is very comfortable. I love the Fusion, its my favorite car Ive had it years. Its like a sports car with room for my family. The V6 has a lot more pickup than the I4 which was kind of slow off the start. I love it!

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  Wish I had it Back - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By clutch - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Where do I begin? I just had to get rid of my Mustang because I needed more room being a musician and student, and I really didnt want my car to get in the middle of some war path of dents, scratches, and high mileage. (I drive a 2000 Ford Explorer Sport now.) Although this car was a 6 cyl automatic, it was still a Mustang, and it was so much fun to drive. The body style was awesome, and sure it turned heads...I was very "neurotic" about this vehicle it was my pride and joy. I would highly recommend this car to any "car obsessed" person like myself who cant afford the high insurance on a GT. I will own another one VERY soon.

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  Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By bob clavet - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Great on trips. Great off road. Great in city.

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  Blast to drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By continuity - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car since it was about 15k miles old. Beautiful, no problems that couldnt be fixed under warranty. Dont bother with the automatic... why bother handicapping such a wonderful machine that deserves the 5 speed?

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  Awesome Car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By piper1979 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car has been through thick and thin with me. Never had a major problem. It is pushing 200,000 miles and will be with it until it dies!

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  I like my ZX2 ok - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Nicole Jordan - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Well, if youre wondering what the purpose of the ZX2 is and how its superior to the Focus ZX3, Ill tell you... its a great looking car. People look at mine all the time and say that they cant believe that its a Ford Escort. But its performance is limited. But then again, its a very inexpensive car thats obviously made to look good.