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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  2007 Explorer SportTrac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dr. Dana Miller - July 27 - 9:03 pm

  Have owned this vehicle for about a month now. Looked at other vehicles but decided on this one for several reasons. The V-8 is O.K. but could use more bottom end torque. Runs good up high but should pull better down low. Mileage is disappointing even considering the type of vehicle it is. Good transmission. Quite comfortable. Wish I would have got the reverse sensing. Not easy to back up. Pulls 4200 lb. boat quite well. Overall a good vehicle, but the low first gear in the transmission doesnt make up for the relatively poor low end torque. The 5.4 litre motor would be a better choice if was available. Mileage would be about the same. Still the 4.6 is better than V6.

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  Vail - Value of my crown - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Roy Vail - July 27 - 6:30 pm

  This vehicle is very comfortable, has a heavy feeling, stable on the road; gets near 25 mpg on hwy; has required very little repair (some electronic parts replacement); has some of the heavier features on the police equipped cars.

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  Corolla Killer - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Will - July 27 - 5:10 am

  I wasnt in the market for a new car until I was helping my sister buy her first new car and saw what a great deal the Focus was. I was able to get it for $13,200 out the door and loved everything about it. I had an 06 Corolla CE in manual and hated it. The quality of the Focus engine is well known (probably better than the Corolla) and so far the fuel economy is better. The Focus looks, runs, and drives better. I have to say I love this great American car.

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  My Nice Comfy Car - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Djohan Budhirahardja - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I think my car is a very nice little car,I never experienced any problems with this car. I am a delivery man, that is why I like small sedan.

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  Love (d) my bird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Loved my bird - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Just sold my bird after three years of driving fun. The V8 is smooth, but I think that Ford could have done a little more to peak the performance. The car rode very well, and is a nice alternative to a mustang or the camaro, other V8 2-door cars. It will save you a pile on insurance over those two as well. Hated to sell it, but family commitments ruled.

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  Good for the price paid - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Scott - July 27 - 1:33 am

  I have only had the Focus for 1 month and 1000 miles, so my experience is still limited. I cant speak to its long term durability. However, I can say that the car drives and handles very securely. The 2.0 engine and 5 speed transmission make for relatively fun driving. Acceleration is more than adequate, braking is excellent with good feel, and it is quiet for this class. I bought the car because of the low price and hatchback. It replaced a Honda coupe that was not nearly as practical. Overall, I am more and more pleased with the car as time passes. It seems Ford made some decent upgrades for the 2005-plus models. This car has been around so long it seems to rely on low price to sell.

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  I love it - 2005 Ford F-150
  By joe pal99 - July 26 - 12:46 pm

  It is the smoothest truck I have ever driven.The power, the handling, the turning radius are all real sharp. Extremely quiet also.

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  Ford needs to do better - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Jim Angle - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went out and replaced at 64000 miles. Fuel economy is average at best.

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  Head Gasket and Trans. nightmares - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By nevr by a ford again - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Head Gasket went out at 55,000 miles. Transmission died at 90,000. Speedometer died at 110,000, All 4 ABS sensors went out by 45,000, Rear AC works on occasion. Loud and rough shifts before and after trans was replaced. Alternator, fuel pump, and battery all were prematurely replaced. I BEG ANYONE WHO WOULD EVER CONSIDER BUYING A FORD PRODUCT TO JUST REVIEW THE COMMENTS OF WINDSTAR OWNERS.

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  Ford Should Have Been Proud!!! - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bird_Fanatic - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my 94 T-Bird (v8 interceptor).Ive had a 92 v6 T-Bird (indestructable!) and currently my wifes 97 v6 Bird. The 94 has the special tranny and torque converter...shifts into 2nd at between 55-60 M.P.H, and chirps the tires. It is strong, quiet(until you mash it :) ), and rock solid. My other birds have been very gutsy and very dependable. The 92 had 150,000 miles without EVER being in the shop! Ford should be ashamed of themselves for axing this car...I guess they want the reputation of Fix Or Repair Daily because all they sell now are junky little Focuses and great big soccer mom land yachts!