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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  True Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CT Cobb - September 5 - 1:40 pm

  We love our little Escape. Its initial eye appeal was excellent and what sold us. The V6 performs well except for jumping in and out of overdrive under load. The interior is very roomy but the interior design is bland with lots of plastic. The dashboard instrument pod well illuminated. It handles just like a car; a feature we really appreciate. Although car-like it is rugged and handles off-main-road side trips with ease. We have experienced minor inconveniences. Replaced rear window windshield wiper assembly. Replaced sticking accelerator assembly. Tie rod squeaks. Needs replacing. Seats are a bit stiff on long trips. Added seat padding. Overall, excellent vehicle for our use.

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  Love this truck! - 2000 Ford F-150
  By forkd - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, powerful and it sure will turn an eye when it is clean.

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  lemon - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By joseph washington - September 5 - 2:00 am

  awful ,not dependable,bad gas mileage,strange things happen with car.undetectable problems,.

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  Baby Boomers Dream - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Yello Bird - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Researched this car for a year, finding that all the Ford dealers were asking & getting a premium price. The test drive convienced my wife & I that it was a very credible performer! The dealer came off his premium price & we made the deal. My wife wanted Yellow & when ask why, she said "WHY NOT YELLOW!" We have enjoyed the stares & wonderful coments were ever we go!

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  First Convertible - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Ron Bushaw - September 5 - 12:26 am

  It is everything the reviews that I read said.

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  This is one fun car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Eric - September 4 - 11:43 pm

  I can not believe how much attention this car gets. Wherever I go, I have to tell the same story over and over. Everyone loves it. Mine is Torch red (maroon).

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  one great ford! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By fusion racer - September 4 - 5:16 pm

  Well I did it. traded in my 08 ford fusion. 4 cyl moon and tune sport package. sel. for a 2010 ford fusion 4cly sel. what a world of change. great new dash love it. no more 10 dollar dash. nice center tower. great filling to drive. more power. and a six speed trans. much better gas mileage.

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  First Ford Pickup - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Sam - September 4 - 6:50 am

  Ford continues to have a "Better Idea". It doesnt have the best engine, it doesnt have the most impressive interior or exterior, but in the final analysis, it is the sales leader year in and year out because of the package. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts and that is the key. It offers an excellent combination of comfort, power and styling that aces its competition. My XLT Crew Cab with Texas and Oklahoma Package came with power seat, mp3, 6 disc CD, running boards, 4.6L V8, automatic, keyless entry, 3 interior power points, enough room for six adults and it can tow a small yacht with ease. Its about the package. It is not the best at anything specific, but best overall.

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  after two years - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By zrayrichter - September 4 - 2:00 am

  well worth the money

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  Best looking Suv out there ! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By animallover2 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2002 Explorer Sport for 8 months now and am very pleased with it. The handling is very good and compared to my 93 Explorer Sport it feels like a sports car. The power is very good. There is no comparison between my new sport and my old one on the freeway. I have yet to find anything wrong with it so far except for a few rattles.