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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  A Dream Fulfilled - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By tamkmd - June 25 - 2:00 am

  ...if you have to ask, you couldnt possibly understand. Ive been looking at classified ads for 57 Tbirds for years. This car is as close as I will get, and Im embarassed as to the extent to which it is one of the great joys of my life.

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  SUV replacement - 2007 Ford Focus
  By SUVreplacement - June 25 - 1:33 am

  With the ST 2.3 liter getting 26 m.p.g. city/some hwy. Very good performance. I think interior is very good. Has lots of extras for comfort. Compared to my stolen Jeep Liberty, it drives like a sports car. Stick shift is easy, saves gas,weight, and mechanical complexity.

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  Great Ride! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Chicago - June 24 - 11:03 pm

  My first SUV and I love it! Its roomy, smooth and quiet ride, nice display, great sound system, everything that I wanted plus more at a great price. Size looks bigger than it really is. I was eyeing the CR-V for 9 months and then looked at the RAV4 - couldnt push myself into purchasing one. I think the 2008 Escape beats them both! The Escape was equipped with everything I wanted - many were standard. CR-V would need to add so many options which should be standard. Im happy I held off. I rode in a 2007 Escape as a loaner and there is a huge difference in ride, noise, comfort, steering, display, and many other features. I just hit 1300 miles and and up to 19.2 mpg.

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  ZX2 - 1998 Ford Escort
  By adam okay - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I love it!

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  Decent SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By emvikings - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this suv to use the 4 wheel drive. I ski a lot and it has been fairly reliable. I have had to replace the tires as you all know (firestone). The part on the vehicle that I have had problems with is the paint. My whole hood has little cracks in it. I probably wont buy another explorer.

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  Ford Explorer Sport - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By lily3p - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Overall this is a well build SUV with good pick up and comfort. However, I dont think this vehicle has very good handling. Especially in the rain, hauling a load and emergency situations. I wouldnt recommend the Ford Explorer Sport to new drivers, i.e. teenagers. I dont think this is a very safe car. This will be our first and our last ford explorer sport.

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  Love My Stort TRac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By joedirt - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Since I have purchased my 2001 Sport Trac I have not been dissapointed at all. I love the way it rides and handles on the interstate and in town. It is even comfortable on long trips.

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  There Greeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaat!!!!!!!! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By alias - June 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is great everything has been trouble free and we already have over 70,000 miles on it it still feels like new. Everything works correctly and we havent had any problems. I would recommend this dealer: Cella Ford of New Bern,NC(they gave us a great deal we never even had to go listen to a salesperson speil, test drive what you want at a different dealer then call them up and tell them what you want they gave us invoice and low apr with no down at all (4.9 apr) great car!!!!

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  Love to go fast in a . - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By SVT - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Independent rear suspension makes all the difference. Turns heads and perks- up ears. Makes me smile just seeing it in my garage.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Eddie - June 24 - 7:33 am

  Ford has designed and built a great sedan. If they can get folks to test drive this car they will buy it. The Fusion handles great, has plenty of room, decent economy and is one of the most stylish vehicles on the road. This car can definitely go head to head with the Accord and Camry and come out on top.