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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  Going back for service for the 6th time. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rdj84 - August 25 - 2:59 pm

  Ford Focus 2012 was sold to me as the new and improved version of the Ford compact cars. The car has a fair handling and an overall fair driving experience. After 3K miles, Im still waiting for the 28mpg - 31mpg promise. I only get 24mpg on a good day. And then there is the My Ford Touch, powered by Microsoft. That should have been my first clue that I was getting set up for disaster. Nothing really works, when it comes to multitasking. I cant make a call without freezing the system. If I play the ipod (when it works) the bluetooth goes off. I have 19 separate video clips of all the malfunctions this car has.

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  Good value - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By AJ - August 25 - 8:13 am

  Great car with out a family.Decent starter mustang lol.

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  Too many glitches...... - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By jmurray - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought Jumbo w/30k as it came off of Ford Exec lease program. Nice looking EB version. Good thing I got the extended warantee program 6ys/75k as the car has had fairly continual electric and mechanical problems (starter, engine mgmt system, rear wiper motor, etc....) Wife wont drive it anymore as shes been towed to the dealer 2 times. Jumbo currently is running rough and has the check engine light lit and the airbag failure light on, so into the shop we go manana. Might need to sell before winter. Not considering another Expedition. Nice concept, poor delivery. Dealers not too helpful either.

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  great thunderbird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By chris dugan - August 25 - 2:00 am

  this is a grat reliable car to have

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  to buy or not - 1998 Ford F-150
  By popcorn - August 25 - 2:00 am

  It seems to be a nice truck,rides very nice and smooth even with large tires and not have road noise from the tires. Power locks and windows and remote control mirrors are already in. Im concerned about the milage averaging about 18600 per year.

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  A unified bond - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Steve Ferrari - August 24 - 5:50 pm

  Quiet and tight and everything is right!

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  Greatest truck ever built - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Milter1000 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Had a 001 silverado work truck and it was absolute garbage, went and bought the new style f150 and have enjoyed many problem free kilometers

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  The best truck ever - 2004 Ford F-150
  By otoniel - August 24 - 10:00 am

  if you want to buy a real truck, this is the one that you need

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  Maybe not - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Average Joe1 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I had a Focus that I just sold. Before 34,000 miles my fuel pump had rusted - car died on the off ramp of a major interstate. Numerous brake issues. I was told by one of the techs that "Focus just have squeeky brakes." Rattling under the car that no one was ever able to isolate. Wheels were way out of aligment and did not find this out till the 24K maintaince.

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  A REAL SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By boyd evans - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Great tow vehicle, very comfortable and pleased with truck. this is my 5th Ford SUV( 4 Explorers. Front axle replaced at 10k, roof rack collapsed and Ford declined to fix, may be time to switch back to GM.