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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  Why not? - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Sage289 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought my Escort, no one seemed to like it! I was called a traitor (I used to have a Honda), and I used to hate Fords. The Escort really brought me around. It had low miles, and it was at a good price and it had everything I wanted! Sunroof, 5-speed, 2-door, power windows and locks, and keyless entry. Its a cute car, and it has really good pick up. I really like this car, and they really dont get the credit they deserve.

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  We Love This Car - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By RoyBoy - November 5 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new in 1996 and have had it since. It has caused us no real trouble other than a couple warrantee visits to reprogram the computer. It handles great, always has but is even better now that I put Michelins on it. The MPG is unbelievable for a V8 and it has plenty of pep. The car still rides like the day we took it home. If you are looking for a sporty car with style and class that will prove to be reliable, then this car should be something to consider.

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  I Still Like It!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By JKC-2004 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I got this car in September as my very first car. I freaked out after reading the reviews on it - they are very discouraging. But...its been 6 months and it hasnt given me any problems whatsoever. I have driven Neons, Cavaliers, and Accents. All three can not compare to the Focus.

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  LOVE OUR F-150!! - 1995 Ford F-150
  By DAVE - November 5 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM 2ND OWNER WITH 48,000 MILES, HAS THE 5SPD MANUAL TRANS 4.9 6CYL. ,GOES ANYWHERE IN 4WD !! SUPER SHARP GET LOTS OF COMMENTS ON APPEARANCE,BUT OUR BIGGEST GRIPE IS FUEL MILEAGE!!! 15 MPG IS THE BEST I HAVE GOTTEN!!I EVEN PUT MANUAL HUBS IN, NO CHANGE.ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED!! MIGHT HAVE IT PUT ON COMPUTER?

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  Ford Explorer Sport - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By P.A. Nardi - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Have not had a problem with this Explorer. IM driving it to work daily and through the snowiest of conditions in the Upper Peninsula of Mighigan.

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  Ford Did a Great Job! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jakpro - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my new truck. Fords redesign of the F150 is outdtanding! I had a 2001 Expedition and this has more back seat room than it did. I have the bench seat and it is very comfortable. The ride and handling are unbelievable for a truck.It is so quiet that the power of the engine is understated-it is going faster and pulling more than you realize. I looked at a Chevy and the new Nissan Titan and this outs them to shame!

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  Almost passed it by - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dace - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Started looking last summer to replace my aging truck and took the 2003 Ford off my list. Glad I revisited the completely overhauled 2004 Model. Outperforms everything else I drove.

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  Love this Taurus SEL Premium - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Ponderosa Pine - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 1997 Audi Quattro wagon for the Taurus. You might ask, why get rid of an Audi in favor of the Taurus? We owned a 1987 Taurus for 12 years and put 153k on it. We loved that car! As far as Im concerned, the new Taurus drives better than the Audi and is more reliable. We got the 24V Duratec engine and it hauls!. Were getting better than 24 mpg in mountain driving (we live in CO). Fit and finish are beautiful.

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 Ford Escape
  By passand - November 4 - 10:00 am

  if you want an SUV with performance and a great ride...this is your ride. If you want an SUV that is pretty good on gass....then this your ride. I would also like to say that it is pretty good in the snow too.

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  Was never on my radar Screen - 2002 Ford Escape
  By RLDahle - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I had been researching, shopping and test driving for about three months to repalce a leased saturn. I drove everything from an Acura RSX to an VW Passat. Three weeks ago I was shamed into visiting a Ford dealer by my Brother-in-law who makes a living building the Explorer. I drove the escape and much to my suprise it was almost everything I was looking for. With 200hp it preformed very well It has more than enough room in the back seat for even my 63" frame (my sons will all be at least my size in the very near future). and it has an impressive supply of after-market accessories to make it stand out in a crowd.