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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  Best car Ive ever owned or driven! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jackie - January 24 - 11:50 pm

  This little car is a luxury car without the price. I call it my dreamboat car. It rides quiet and solid, standard transmission shifts smooth as butter, and Im getting 38 mpg even without being on any interstate. Amazing improvements from my 2005 Focus--there is no comparison!

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  Was looking for a Hybrid - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sid - January 24 - 9:53 pm

  I went shopping for a hybrid and due to a lack of availability i ended up buying a 500. So far I love the car. It handles well and is very spacious. I traded in a Ford Explorer so the gas mileage is a huge improvement. I see a lot of people saying the car is underpowered but Id prefer the better gas mileage over the power.

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  Love my Pony Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Birdiegirl - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love this car! So much fun! Style and sport with reasonable fuel economy. It just wraps around you.

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  Ford 150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By computerkid150 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Good all a round truck

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  fun to drive - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gnatsum - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The sport trac is very comfortable and gives a good view of the road. It is sized just right for someone who wants a pickup which is not oversized but can get the job done.

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  Wonderful - 2005 Ford Escape
  By PBGrl88 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I really love our little suv. Its better on gas then the regular SUVs and it just fits better. Im not as nervous about hitting something because its in a blind spot.

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  My Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dinahgail - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Its great, I downsized from an Explorer. I bought the car on Saturday and left for a 2500 mile trip on Sunday.

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  Best Vehicle for the Money! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By notch9 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Mine is a base 04, with every option. Very comfortable, very economical, very reliable, and very safe. Sharp looking car, too!

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  94 probe - 1994 Ford Probe
  By p.j.gilliam - January 24 - 2:00 am

  No mechanical problems in 8 years and 90,000 mi. Couldnt have bought a better car.

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  Happy w/ my Ford experience. - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Happy Ford Owner - January 24 - 2:00 am

  My first American-made truck purchase. Reliable truck. No major problems. Mechanically good. No rust. Good value for price paid. Has met all expectations.