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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  2001 XLT sport package Explorer - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Rex - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the 1st 4x4 Ive owned, and so far its been 100% reliable.. no rattles, squeaks etc from it. Ive had it on a few off road excursions, ranging from graded gravel roads, to gooey mud.. The stock tires leave a little to be desired in the mud, but were still able to get me through a mudhole that covered the hood with mud/water. I do wish that Ford had installed a torsen differential in the rearend on it, but since they didnt I plan on installing a ARB air locker..

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  My GT - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Joe Zitelli - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car. Great Acceleration, Very good handling, Very Good Brakes. Interior could use some leather on the door trim and better padding on arm rest. Other than that, very solid car. Seats are somewhat uncomfortable on long drives

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  Still acts and looks like $30,000+ - 1997 Ford Contour
  By DGray - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I ordered this black SE in 1996 and have been completely impressed for the $19,000 I paid. It has all the features you a "semi-picky" person would want and more. The styling and the handling are right on target. The price is incredibly low and a testimony to the lack of "cache" American cars have...even if they were developed in Europe. I think the first review score of 1 was a mistake by the reviewer...thus the low over-all rating.

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  93 Taurus LX - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By LineNoise - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Although the 93 is a alot nicer and has alot more power I have already paid more to repair it then I did to purchase it. The 87 I have had a lot roomier interior and its more comfortable. I do enjoy the 93s, but the 87 has a more comfortable interior. I like everything else about the 93 better than the 87, other then the seats.

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  Should have went GM - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Corey R - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I just purchesed a 98 Ford Tauras 3 months ago, and i just hate it, their are no special options like a GM product would have at this price range. I have a tip for Ford, completly re-design that POS tauras.

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  Never thought I would buy a FORD - 2005 Ford Focus
  By chevyfangoneford - May 19 - 11:36 pm

  I was shopping for a car to replace my 2003 Chevy Cavalier. I wanted something sporty yet with good fuel economy. I was waiting for the new Chevy Cobalt to come out, wow what a disappointment. It was too small. The Ford Focus is so much bigger plus it had more to offer - power, fun to drive, better styling, and better performance all around. I like everything about my Focus ST; been happy with the car since I bought it. I recommend this car to anyone who wants performance, styling, and fuel economy all in one car.

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  My New Toy! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Richard - May 19 - 3:50 pm

  With four children, a dog, and an SUV to haul us all, my wife and I needed a break from our chaotic daily routine. We decided to do something for ourselves, and bought our Redfire 2006 Mustang Coupe. Still, being the conservative middle aged parents we are, we opted for the V6, but dont let that fool you. The 210hp rear wheel sports car is like nothing I have ever seen. Not only can it run with the big dogs, it sounds the part as well. The design will take you back in time, but the performance is truly futuristic. I can honestly say, and my wife will back me up on this, this car truly brought a little FUN back into our lives. The hardest part now is getting her to let me drive.

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  Lil Red loves his Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Lil Red - May 19 - 2:50 pm

  I special ordered my Sport Trac with 95% of the options to include the Chrome Package, reverse sensors, Class III/IV tow package, V8, leather interior etc. The ST fits comfortably in the garage so you dont have to leave it parked out on the driveway. I will be using my truck to pull motorcycles trailers and for any other utility need that we might have. My only complaint is that it would be nice to get slightly better gas mileage but you cant win em all.

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  BEST CAR DEAL - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By JAYF63 - May 19 - 12:03 pm

  Car is well put together. Ddriveline is very smooth and handles great. If you do a lot of interstate driving, forget the 4, get the v-6. Tennessee interstates demand you do 80 M.P.H at the end of the acceleration ramp. I could not find a better made vehicle with a v-6 for the amount of money I paid.

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  my new hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By dave - May 19 - 9:10 am

  Really glad we got it. Good for the environment (eventually we will all have hybrids). Wanted an suv but not the lousy mileage. Getting about 29-30 mpg in the first 1500 miles (pretty much all city stuff). The technology is unbelievable. Could only get $1k off sticker but even that was good comparatively. No hesitation about getting this car.