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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  Exellent, solid car. - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Ford Fan - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The CV is a wonderful car on the highway, the ride is smooth, solid and with the optional handling package, firm enough for decent handling. The 5 passenger sport appearance pkg (LX Sport for 2002) makes for a much sportier apperance. For those of us who think that a column mounted shifter is to stodgy, the floor shifter is a nice option.

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  Best Entry Level From Ford Ever - 2001 Ford Focus
  By D Rutan - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned the Focus for over a year now and are driving it hard, nearly 25000 miles in the first year. Im continuously impressed with its solid feel, quietness, and drive train performance. Living in the Northeast, we outfitted with snow tires all around, and find the winter performance outstanding... very stable and sure footed. Ive purchased entry level Fords in the past(Escort/Festiva/Fiesta) and find this model to be Fords best ever offering.

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  Ford Taurus - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By johnwar1 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car has by far exceeded my expectations.

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  Where did you get your SUV? - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By inquisitive - October 9 - 10:00 am

  An SUV is not a mercades benz. If you want comfort, buy a car not a truck. I love my Explorer and have had several in the past 5 years. No breakdowns, no problems and great maintenance plan. As for offroad, it handles perfectly fine and has plenty of clearance. If you want to bounce around like a kangaroo, buy a Monster Truck with poofy tires. I stand 62" and get claustraphoic in vehicles. The Ford Explorer has more room in the cab compared to the Chevy-Blazer and Jeep- Cherokee. As for carrying room. We have 2 large dogs and the truck area is plenty of space for travelling gear as well as dogs.

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  AWSOME! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By spinny02 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE THE MACH 1000 AND IT IS INCRIDABLE!

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  Pure fun - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By bill - October 9 - 12:53 am

  I looked at lots of different convertibles and loved the looks of the new Mustang. Bought it without ever test driving and what Pure Fun this car is. Handles great, great acceleration and turns heads.

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  A Great Bargain! - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Bruiser - October 9 - 12:30 am

  If you can find one of these still left, its a great bargain!! No frills, but a comfortable and functional truck for work and play.

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  So reliable, great investment... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By lincoln224 - October 8 - 3:59 am

  Purchased brand new in 1999, fully loaded gold with tan leather moonroof, 24 V eng. This car has NEVER left us stranded, and has never once been unreliable. The only money put into the car in 10 years has been : tires, oil,brakes,light bulbs and battery/plugs. This car has been driven VERY HARD by 2 teenage boys when mom wasnt using it! had to replace transmission at 98k no big deal. Car has probably been in over 200+ drag races (almost always won) gave car to son and bought a new 2007 Lincoln MKZ :)

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  2000 Ford Focus - Sony Limited Edition - 2000 Ford Focus
  By sfieldi - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Excellent suspension and a smooth ride. I have had no problems with this car. Excellent gas mileage. I average 35-36 mpg highway and 29 mpg city.

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  Safe SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Maddox - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Regardless of what the media says about the Ford Explorer, I stand by its design. Unfortunately I was in a multiple rollover accident in my first Ford Explorer (2000 model) and received nary a scratch! Felt like I was in an amusement park ride as we tumbled over and over. Thats a good vehicle that can sustain the damage that we did with no injuries. My 5-month old infant son in the back thought it was fun. Theres no question in my mind that the Explorer is an outstanding vehicle.