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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  Lariat 101 - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Daytek - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I became a Ford owner in 1992 and never looked back. I use my Lariat to pull a fifth wheel during vacation and put over 6000 miles in 4 to 5 weeks. Not a hitch. I also use it to transport my snowmachine and quad, again no problems. The only negative thing I can say about my truck is that the back springs are not as stiff as I would like. Anyway, I like my truck and intend to buy another within the next year or so.

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  The Biggest and Baddest - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Excursion Lover - January 3 - 2:00 am

  For all those that think the X is a waste of metal, What else can you haul 8 people in comfort and pull a 33ft 9000lbs trailer and have fun doing it, a Honda? I dont think so. So to all you X haters, I say bring it on!!!!!

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  My dream SUV - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Mikki - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my excursion, after test driving everything I found the excursion the only one to fit all my needs. It will pull a horse trailer, carry my dogs to dog shows, carry all my kids to school and there is plenty of room to prevent fights. I am soooo pleased. I love the looks it gets and the feeling of safety it gives my when I am hauling the kids around.

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  Boppers Review - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Bopper - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I haved loved owning this vehicle. It has been very reliable for me...really nothing more than normal maintenance. I purchased it new in Feb, 1998 and I currently have 101,000 miles on it.

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  Splash BAby - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By RangerSplash - January 2 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Ranger is the best investment i have ever made.It runs like a dream it has never let me down.it is my first car and i wouldnt drive anything else but a ford

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  Not all that I had hoped for. - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Oh well! - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Well, how do I say this nicely, its a Ford. Maybe I was spoiled from driving Hondas and Toyotas for so many years, but this 95 Gt is a clunky, noisy, poor handling(especially in bad weather), likely to break down at any minute, type of car. I read alot of articles featuring the Mustang as the "ultimate muscle car", and wanted something with a litle go-fast, so I bought a 95 Mustang GT ( the last year of the 302). Even thought the aftermarket is huge for this vehicle, I would be nervous making it any faster because it might rattle apart. From what Ive seen, this is typical unrefined Ford engineering..oh well.

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  Best Car Purchase Decision Ever! - 2014 Ford Fusion Energi
  By slawik - January 1 - 7:53 pm

  I bought the car as a company advertising gimmick (limo rental), since we had excess solar energy being produced at our offices and wanted to advertise a completely emissions-free car (for its first 20 miles on each charge). I drove it for the first two weeks exclusively and did not want to turn over the keys. I own over thirty cars, including a Mercedes S600 and several classic Bentleys and Rolls Royce, but yet driving this one makes me the proudest. Im actually rediscovering the fun of taking off fast from stop lights, this time in EV only mode, completely noiselessly and without fumes. Why cant they make all cars this much clean fun to drive - I cant stop talking about it...

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  bad front transaxle - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By steve woodman - January 1 - 5:40 pm

  At 4400 miles the front transaxle seals failed. They have had my 500 in the shop for four days. I brought it home for one weekend and had to return on Monday as the seals were leaking again. I am extremely disappointed that I bought a new model in its first year of production. Ive been given every excuse possible as to why they cant fix it. If it happens again Im going to the Lemon Laws. Also 16 miles per gallon is terrible.

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  Great Ride! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Eric - January 1 - 12:26 pm

  My new Ford Flex is turning heads while driving down the street. It is vey roomy inside and is a great package for our family of five. MPG is better than the Expedition we used to drive. The Sync technology is great, gauges are clear and easy to use. Overall a winner in my opinion.

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  It has its problems - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Andy L. - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I am a college student, and if i had it to do over again, i would have bought the exteneded service that the dealer offered with it. It would have saved in the long run. Anyway, my story begins with a broken speedometer, i have had two different dealerships look at it, and neither can give me a good answer to fix my problem. they have both said to replace the cluster, i have put two other clusters in it, and neither have fixed the problem. also it dies when coming to a stop. i would also recommend a different car if you are a college student (i know your not paying attention anymore) because of the high insurance... sorry, thats just how it is.