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:

• 

  Hapy with my purchase. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By grandma - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I love the room in this suv. Also, just the base model seems to be enough for me. Stereo/CD player is of good quality and the car handles much better than I thought it would. The gas mileage is not great (15/19) but who expects it to be in an automobile of this size.

• 

  american muscle baby - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ehsbears - June 19 - 10:00 am

  its all about american muscle baby nothing beats this thing and after the extras i put in this thing takes out anything i mean even when it was stock it was great i love it what more can i say except for a person who wants a fun powerful car get the mach 1

• 

  VROOOM!!!!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By pmach1 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  this car MOVES, corners well and is most seriously great to drive!!! get the manual trans------ i bought a 2003 but this wound up in the 2004 slot.

• 

  1 of the best 10 cars - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Yas305 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Its a realy fun car to drive its reliable, has a beautiful style.

• 

  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Shaun Dickey - June 19 - 2:36 am

  I have allways owned a truck, this is the best truck ever as far as comfort with a very quiet ride. Have taken trips from Michigan to Florida. With a lot of gear, bikes,scuba gear and golf clubs. I tried out the GMC and Dodge Trucks, simular to this Ford, Nothing else compared.

• 

  So So...not the greatest - 1995 Ford F-150
  By mc64dart - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Not the best truck I have ever owned, but it is not the worst. It does guzzle gas, but it runs like a top.

• 

  Still going strong - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Reginaps - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable car. I bought the new Michelin tires specifically made for SUVs, and it improved the ride and handling substantially.

• 

  My 1995 Explorer has over 260000 miles - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By jjones5254 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Never burns oil. Only major problem-replaced transmission at 220000 and that is ok with me. Still looks good.

• 

  Keep ZX2 In Production! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By jpeno - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned escort sedans since 1997 for use as a commuter car and they have proved to be the most reliable car I have ever owned with virtually zero problems. I purchased my first ZX2 after driving a friends and find it to be one of the most fun to drive, best looking, reliable, and cost effective vehicle on the road today! FORD - please keep the ZX2 in production at least until you produce a good replacement for the Focus. Currently, the ZX2 beats the focus in every category. Thank you Ford, for the ZX2.

• 

  Taurus : A Great Car That Falls Apart - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Ford Guy - June 19 - 2:00 am

  The 86-91 Ford Taurus starts life as a great car. It has a good ride, seats 6, looks good inside and out, and is relatively comfortable. It is also really fun to drive for an affordable family sedan. For the first 5 years you will love it. However, after 5 years you will start to hate it. Things start to make noise, alternators die every 4 years, and other things go wrong. My advise would be to buy a Taurus with VERY low mileage. As long as it isnt worn out, the 86-91 Ford Taurus is a great car. Just watch out for the higher mileage vehicles.