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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  2012 boss 302 - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By s sing - October 11 - 8:08 am

  great car

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  The Bomb Digity - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - October 10 - 11:44 pm

  First car Ive owned, 25 years of trucks. 60 mile commute 5-6 days a week this was the best thing I could have done. 74000 miles, oil changes not often enough, 1 air filter, tires at 55000. Holds 4 sets of golf clubs in the trunk 4 of my buddies and will still allow me to pass anything driving the speed limit. Absolutly no complaints. At 100k will give this to my kid then buy another.

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  Great Car....Second One - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By Amanda - October 10 - 3:27 pm

  If you want or need an SUV, this is the one. Traded a 2002 Ford Expedition for the new 2009. Ford really stepped this one up. The interior on the Limited is a good as you get, performance, handling, comfort and road noise are excellent. Around town or on the road it is great. I wouldnt buy if you are looking for great fuel economy, but what large SUV has it? Great for the family for travel or going out in a nice car. I bought the black on black with all the options.

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  Alloy Pony - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Ed - October 10 - 12:59 pm

  Got new, Traded in 96 mustang I bought new Very good car, Very reliable

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  Good Vehicle w/ some issues - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Linda - October 10 - 12:48 pm

  Purchased my Escape new and loved it, I have had small problems with it. The tires are cupping on the inside. We rotate them when we take it in for service and Ford always tells us that we need new tires but never tells us what the cause is. Another company told us it was the suspension. I also know that the shocks or struts are having issues. When you go across a dip it has a bottom out feel. The vehicle has several rattles and the seats spot w/o any reason. The black moulding around the outside windows raises up when you raise the window up and down and it wont stay down once up.

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  I love my Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By usnguy1982 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle a week ago and I am more than happy with my purchase. I am 21 years old and was looking for a Mustang when I came across this truck. I am very impressed with the performance and sport feel I get while driving it. I am definitely glad I chose this over a Mustang!

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  Never Thought - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Robert - October 9 - 11:36 pm

  Walked into dealer with no thoughts of this kind of vehicle on my mind. Was attracted to body style with the new black paint. Then thought about the price of gas and I was sold! Hybrid engine works great and hardly gives notice that its anything other than a regular internal combustion engine.

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  Will never change - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Blossom - October 9 - 8:06 pm

  I have had 2 Ford Escapes and decided to try the hybrid due to my traveling. It was mainly due to gas prices rising. I cant believe what a difference it has made in my fuel costs.The ride is wonderful and I have enjoyed learning how to use the navigation system. The warranty on both the engine and battery system is super. I havent had a bit of trouble with the 2 previous Escapes and I dont expect any with this one!

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  Sure Glad I Bought the Convertible - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By John - October 9 - 7:49 pm

  Always wanted a muscle car but got married young while my friends were driving Mustangs, Road Runners, and Corvettes. Now they are driving mini vans while I am cruising in my GT convertible. Started talking to my wife about getting a Mustang since the 05 hit the dealers, not really thinking that she would go along with it until one day she said "if we get one can it be a convertible", it was then that I knew she wanted it as much as I did. I hesitated about the convertible since I never had one and I remember the old rag tops leaking with lots of wind noise. I test drove one and found it to be pleasanty quiet with the interior of the roof very plush, hardly looking like a convertible.

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  Its My Baby! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Dot Collins - October 9 - 6:50 pm

  I will probably keep this car until parts are no longer available for it. It handles well, seats comfortably, and rides magnificently. The only thing I would change about it would be a llittle better gas mileage, but I can overlook that for the rest of what it does. Its my baby!