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:

• 

  Fun Sedan! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By butterfly - August 30 - 12:50 pm

  This car is fun, safe and easy to drive. I had a 2005 Focus and was in a head-on collision recently. The accident totaled my Focus, but I survived (great seatbelt & airbags) and purchased a 2007 Focus. This time I went a series up and I love it!

• 

  03 Mustang GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By D ROCK - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Great performance, excellent sound w/ Mach 1000. Car is smooth. Reccomend upgrades: Premium package, Mach 1000. This is my 4th Mustang and it blows the others away in every way.

• 

  junk - 2000 Ford Focus
  By dnns691 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Worst front wheel drive car Ive ever owned. Scary vehicle to drive in the winter.......white knuckles from November thru March!!

• 

  THE FUN CAR - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Virginia Cobarrubias - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a very nice and comfortable vehicle it has my kids and my approval. i also think that it will be a very faithful and dependable SUV.

• 

  Change is good, mostly. - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bobadillo - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd explorer since 1998 and Im very pleased with my limited. The improved ride is less bouncy, dual zone climate control works great and the car is a pleasure to drive. The car is heavy and feels substantial but is very easy to control and makes light work of any task you put it to. I moved an entire house full of furniture (including fridge) in an Explorer and I cant recommend them enough.

• 

  a whole lot for the price - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jags4all - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this 2002 Explorer for my wife and we just love it. It has adjustable pedals and the entire is very functional. The v-6 is suprisingly quick and responsive. My wife is 51" and has very good visibilty in this truck. We traded in a 2001 4 dr Tahoe and we really do not see much in the power loss and we are saving a ton in gas. Overall, we are very happy with the purchase. In fact, I have ordered a F-250 and cant wait to get it.

• 

  Sport Trac hauls whole family in comfort - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bayoumelanie - August 30 - 10:00 am

  When I found out that I was expecting my second child, I knew I needed a bigger vehicle. I searched every make and model for the most comfortable, powerful, smoothest ride, and of couse, the most price efficient truck or SUV I could find. I bought the Sport Trac with the rear A/C, which my 6 year old loves, and the hard tonneau cover and bed extender, which makes the bed into the perfect trunk for groceries or traveling. Definately worth the money!! And the estate green is very attractive!

• 

  Responsive Car - 2010 Ford Escape
  By John - August 30 - 4:10 am

  I have found this car to be responsive and comfortable for me. It is smaller than any of my previous cars and I was surprised by the smoothness of the ride. The fuel economy is excellent. Leather interior is as good as and as comfortable as my Lincoln.

• 

  never again - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Ford= unreliable - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is the worst car i have ever owned.

• 

  Good car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By suzi - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car 3 years old for my 18- year old daughter. Now have 70,000 and with hardly any problems. I questioned whether I should buy it due to what consumer reports said, but it turned out to be a good car for her.