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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  Love my Expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By dsnylndmom - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I recently traded my 1999 Durango SLT in for the Expedition, its a 2001 Bauer I bought it with only 5,500 miles (yes thats 5 thousand)for $26,900! Got a GREAT deal! There is so much more room than the Durango, adults can sit in the back with no problem! And I love the captains chairs in the center row and the way the captains chairs fold flat when not in use. The gas mileage is actually alittle better than the Durango, which was a bonus! The leather interior is plush and comfy, great for a long drive. We added an aftermarket dvd entertainment system which really helps on those long drives!

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  Very reliable car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Genorama - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 7 years and have done nothing to it but routine maintance. A/C still works, all power accessories still work, doesnt smoke or leak oil, still has good power and mileage, interior still looks good.

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  A treat to drive - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Jim Dorr - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Opt for the 7.3L.Diesel with 3.73 axle ratio. Excellent fuel mileage. Not uncommon to achieve 20 mpg plus, solo. 13 to 14 mpg pulling a 31 foot Holiday Rambler travel trailer. No significant repairs made or required so far. 37700 miles currently on the odmometer. Excellent performance. Would indeed, buy another one. Fits in my standard size garage. No problems parking it. Handles well solo or pulling the trailer

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  Fun car!! - 1996 Ford Probe
  By gene-o - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car handles great, gets almost 30 mpg around town, and has fair acceleration. With a manual transmission you will knock drinks out of the single cupholder. Interior materials are cheap. I have had a few annoying repairs such as the oil sending unit but nothing major.

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  Fun car!! - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Gene-O - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car handles great, gets almost 30 mpg around town, and has fair acceleration. With a manual transmission you will knock drinks out of the single cupholder. Interior materials are cheap. I have had a few annoying repairs such as the oil sending unit but nothing major.

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  SUPERCHARGED COBRA - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By scott 23 pa - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is for real.GM has got nothin for it in this price range.Makes the import boys do a double look as u smoke em.

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  BEST OF THE BEST - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mike maser - March 19 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR...best bang for the bucs...no need to spend 50 - 60 thousand dollars for a quality convertible

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  Love that Little car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By cathee - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My husband purchased this car for me for my 40th birthday. I love that little car. The rear wheel drive is awesome. I handle this car with ease, and am very very satisfied with it. The convertible is one awesome little sports car. I hope to have this little beauty for a long time

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  love my truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By shortiedu - March 19 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, tons of power

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  Sweet Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Stemmer98 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new truck. It handles well in the snow as well as off road driving. The one thing that you should be aware of is the fuel economy in the winter months. I am currently averaging about 10 miles per gallon, which was not expected when I purchased the truck. The summer months and warmer times makes the economy average around 16-17 miles per gallon. Overall the truck is a great buy and I am very pleased..... The truck must be reliable....there is some reason that you cant go a mile down the road and not see one of them.