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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  The Best - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By jcgwildcat87 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  It is simply the best suv i have ever had. I have tried the Chevys and the Dodges and they dont even compeat with the Explorer.That is a promise

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  OK, but youll want those 4 doors - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By B Newton - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad overall vehicle, but am really upset that I didnt pony up the extra 1500 for the 4dr model. The 2 door really does limit its appeal and resale plummets w/ the 2door compared to the 4dr model. Fun & quiet to drive, but the dinky gas tank always makes you on guard during long trips.

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  Guess I am lucky! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By HappyContour - August 18 - 2:00 am

  My 95 GL 4-cyl. auto trans car has been quite trouble-free for over 7 years and 104,000 miles. The only repairs have been maintenance items, except timing chain replaced at about 80k miles for $185. Cant complain, the car still looks, smells, and drives like new. This is the longest Ive ever kept a car, and my wife really likes it, too.

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  Last of the best big sedans, - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Copper - August 18 - 2:00 am

  great car. Excelaent build quality and performance. Very comfortable and lots of compliments on the black on black color scheme. Looks like a state trooper coming up behind you and the road magically clears. On the freeway I average 23mpg. 25K miles and no problems.

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  Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By deckswabbertimma - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Performance wise this car is awesome. You really have to love muscle cars like a mustang so you dont go crazy over the gas mileage. Overall the car looks great and performs great. I am just worried about the plastic intake manifold in the car. They had a recal on those manifolds in the mid 1990s. MY friend who owns a 1996 mustang GT recently got a crack in his manifold and the car doesnt start now. At least the ford dealership is willing to replace it free of charge since it was a recall.

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  A true pureists sports car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By dk8 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Honestly. Im not an over excited, 20 something year old yelling, "look at the best thing I own". Im older and still enjoy a great sports car. OK just to recieve some validation from you out there Im 40+ and have been a car guy for a while. Ive owned many sports, luxury sport and sporty cars and I must admit this is one of the finer handling sweetest engined vehicles Ive owned.

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  New Ford - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By KevinD - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Smooth ride, car-like. Have only had vehicle for a few weeks and 1000 miles. Kids love the DVD player.

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  Try it - youll like it! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Conway - August 18 - 2:00 am

  We disagree with some of editors review. Even though weve only had vehicle a short time, driving is a definite pleasure; even better than our Taurus. We do have almost all options on our vehicle; most importantly, all of the safety features available. Have plenty of power for both around town and highway driving.

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  Ford Edge - Sport - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Dewey Dunaway - August 17 - 6:36 pm

  Have only owned the car for 3 weeks, so still figuring everything out.

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  2005 Ford Focus ZX4 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bryan - August 17 - 1:16 pm

  The car looks great inside and out. It drives well and has very nice and quick acceleration. So far, country and city, I am not experiencing the fuel mileage on the sticker. Overall, I love my new Focus.