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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  Hot - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Chrys - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Great, need I say more?

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  SHO ME - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By JimJRJ - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my 95 SHO and I love it so far. Leather, JBL audio, cassette/CD, moonroof, auto temp., wonderful car. People are so surprised when they think you have just a regular ole Taurus and you blow them off the line. This is my first American car, always had Nissans and my last car was a 98 Maxima SE and this SHO is quicker. Not as fast as the newer Maximas though, since they have 155HP. I plan on pumping up the horses though.

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  Dino - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dino - September 9 - 6:46 pm

  I got the full loaded limited. It is roomy, quiet, and many considerate designs. Lots of features with limited amount of money.

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  I love my new Ford Explorer! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Renee Clemetsen - September 9 - 4:43 pm

  I bought a 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum trim SUV this past June and LOVE IT! There isnt a single option that this car doesnt have in it. The vehicle handles very well and is extremely comfortable to drive. My two daughters love it too (ages 8 & 10). They especially love having a console between their two captains chairs. The 3rd row seating is descent in size and comfort. The interior is luxurious and appealing. In terms of controls, everything I need is right at my finger tips. My previous SUV was a 2007 Mercedes GL450 and it was no where near as comfortable and did not have all of the extra features I have now in my new Ford. My Mercedes was also extremely expensive to maintain and repair. One impressive new feature I have now on my Ford is the park assist. Its amazing to watch the car literally park itself in either a parallel parking spot or back itself into a perpendicular spot with minimal effort on my part. I also love the key-less entry feature and push button ignition start. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a new luxury style SUV.

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  Stereo/DVD not worth money should be FREE - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Sweet - September 9 - 11:13 am

  Good ride -- not sure on power, typical Ford lurch at slow speed, steering terrible; hit pot hole steering wheel goes crazy, hard to control. Stereo/DVD does not work well; if you do not want to listen to the movie this truck is not for you. Very difficult to get dual zone listening, no directions with DVD, dealer made photocopy; not very professional. Ford sent wrong remote after dealer insisted it was correct, cannot hook up amp on stereo.

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  Saved from a minivan! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jason L. - September 9 - 8:36 am

  A great all around family vehicle. I hope Ford decides not to discontinue it. Ill be leasing another in three years if they dont!

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  1991 Mustang 5.0 Reliable and Fast - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By MustangMan1111 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Bang for your buck you cant Beat a 5.0 225 ponies Stock. With So many easy upgrades your near 300 Horespower Before you know it. Now a days you pay 1,000 dollars a horespower. Cant find a 300 horespower car for less then 25,000. Get a used 5.0 for 2,000 gut it and put a new motor and tranny worst case and your still only at about 5,000 or 6,000 and you got a legitimate sports car that will blow all those new imports and hopped up wanna be high sticker sports cars. Horespower with a Budget. Cant Go wronf. A+++++++++ Awesome vehicle

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  Mustang Convert 1994 - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By dawn - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car last year as a make due car. Ive been driving it for about a year now and have high hopes to still drive it in the years to come. Ive had some problems with the top but as far as performance its a dream car. As a female owner I must also say this car is easy on the pocketbook as long as you keep up yhe basics (Oil change and Tune ups. Highly suggested as a statrter car for thhose going off to school.

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  Great Road Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Mr. Mo - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car, especially as a road or touring car. The car feels glued to the road. It has been a one owner car initially used for my sales job. The gas mileage has been excellent 35 mpg highway/28 mpg city. I have servied this car every 3000 miles and it remains in great working condition. Black exterior and grey interior.

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  aero great value - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By dave skinner - September 9 - 2:00 am

  only real problem i had was with burnt out sensors, evrything else was basic maintenance. i used mine for work approx. 40k year. fuel efficent and very dependable.