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 THIS CAR THING - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By LOVIN IT !!! - September 20 - 11:19 am

  The good thing that I personally love about this car is, well every thing it has enough power,room,dvd player,even climate control. I have driven over 60,000 kms and still have 4% on the front and 7% in the rear.Now, all my tires are worn more than the other but its not an alignment problem its how much I haul more weight in one corner.

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  New owner - very impressed - 2009 Ford Edge
  By sully - September 20 - 10:05 am

  Styling is great - the interior is well built and simple but classy / refined - no overdone plastic wood - no rattles or excessive wind noises - I have the vista roof - just a great feel and view - it is just like the SRX roof - the Sync system for the phone is a 10 - clear - understands every word - still have not interfaced the ipod yet - I drive a lot 3/4 highway - 22+ MPG - use the overdrive button for getting off the highway - it will downshift - save brakes for the long run - I do 40K a yr - one negative for me is no manual shifting of the automatic. Roof was worth the trade off - so far very quite and firm but car like ride - I test drove them all and when I drove the Edge, SOLD!

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  built ford tough - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By nomoregm - September 20 - 2:00 am

  i owned two explorer sports in 98 then went to a f150 to big for what i need bought a 2002 monte carlo ss what a cheap peice of crap traded in on a 2003 exp sport xlt this is my third one. i love it its a very well built vehicle.i bought the silver birch metallic with medium/dark flint two-tone leather.the 4.0 v6 with 3.73 axle moves this truck with ease and stops with ease with the big 12" brakes. handles very well for what it is. the 101" wheelbase is a little short so ride does suffer a bit. but interior is very comfortable w/heated lumbar seats that slide up easy for back seat passengers. shift on fly 4wd is excellent for bad weather.

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  2002 Ford Focus SVT - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Neil Johnson - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful short throw shifter makes for exciting crusing around town in start/stop situations. Winter package matches need for block heater with the need for heated seats (now my equivalant of air conditioning in summer). Great performance on highway, quiet and smooth even well above speed limit, as expected on a car with this background. I added tinting to the rear windows, which sharpens the stock appearance. This car has the versitility of a hatchback, and includes a storage cover for secure storage behind the rear seats. The rear seat bases fold forward, allowing the rear seat to fold flat if additional capacity is required.

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  Nicer than ever - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By osu18 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The new design of the 2003 Expedition goes inside and outside. The big winner is the consumer with a much improved handling. Much Quieter, Roomier and full of confort the 2003 Expedition is the perfect Family getaway car...

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  Great car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By MadJoe - September 20 - 2:00 am

  So far my experience with this car has been more than I expected. With the 24V DOHC 200Hp engine, it leaves most other "family sedans" (with the obvious exception of the 240Hp Altima) wanting. Its comfortable and roomy with an attractive interior that puts other cars in its class to shame. You definitly get more than you pay for with this car.

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  Ford Mustang GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By rdarche - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive during the summer...hellish to drive during the winter (snow).

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  I get too many compliments! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Rob - September 19 - 1:56 pm

  The only real complaint I have is that Im tired of giving that awkward "thank you" when people compliment my car. I got the Sterling Gray SEL with spoiler and 18" Al rims. I absolutely love driving this car. Sync and other features are awesome. Ride is amazingly smooth and quiet that it rivals most luxury sedans. Has a surprisingly powerful I4 engine as well.

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  Lovin it so far! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By NewOwner-in-Orlando - September 19 - 12:26 am

  Extremely comfortable with exception of the headrests which tilt too far forward. Easily remedied by reclining the seat slightly. Ive had people ask me if they can peak inside the car because they love the outside and need to look further. Always lots of ooooooos and ahhhhhhhhs. Ive noticed I get the best gas mileage by using the setting with the display that shows when Im driving in the most fuel efficient way. I drive mostly in town and get around 14 mpg. My husband on the other hand who is more of a hurry- to-the-traffic light kind of driver gets around 11 mpg. Highway average seems to be around 20mpg.

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  Base Mustang - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Kona Blue - September 18 - 11:40 pm

  Getting 20mpg driving in Northern VA traffic. HWY MPG GREAT - 435 miles on 14 gallons = 30mpg with ac on. FRPP Exhaust installed. Handling is still a little loose, looking at upgraded shocks and brakes.I got mine for just under 20k, 7k less than the GT. The V8 would be a nice option in the base. V6 has a lot of potential - look at the Shelby Terlingua V6 mustang. V6 insurance rates are great - less to insure than my old 2007 Rabbit