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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  Fun and reliable - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Rodriguez777 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Since Ive leased my vehicle a year ago every time I get in it its like Im driving a new vehicle all over again, its so much fun and comfertable to drive I dont get tired of it like I have with past vehicles...

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  Dumug - 2001 Ford F-150
  By dumug - April 18 - 10:00 am

  A very good and dependable truck.

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  The Best Truck made - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Fordzrme - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. It will go ANYWHERE and do ANYTHING I want it to. In my opinon it is the best made Truck, worth the time and money to be spent on.

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  real escape review - 2003 Ford Escape
  By KWR71839 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Having an escape as my first car, i was a little skeptical at first. But getting behind the wheel makes me feel safe and in control. With the engine of a large SUV and the size of a compact, this car has some definite power if you know how to use it. Not a difficult ride, smooth and enjoyable. The escape is a definite recommendation for a test drive.

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  Great First Car - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Charlie Groux - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my very first car. It has done a great job for my situation. It gets me where I need to go for a good price.

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  never buy another ford - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By chan - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This car with 60000 miles has had water pump($350), 4 altnators($500), heater leak($600)and transmission acts funny. other cars i have owned (Hondas) have never had problems like these. Next Ford I get will have to be 1948 or older.

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  I love this car - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jeremiah Tadpole - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best car I have ever owned

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  Stinks on workmanship - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By xolo90 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my second windstar. It sucks big time. everything is falling apart @ 14.8k miles. Windows dont close right. radio had to be replaced. The a two sliding doors did work for a while. Ford need to stop allowing workers beer breaks some the job.

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  piece of junk - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By never_buy_ford_again - April 17 - 2:00 am

  2 head gaskets, an entire new cooling system, lots of electrical problems and a trans rebuild later, i dont think i would feel comfortable selling this car to osama bin laden. at least ford will fix the head gasket for you till 100k but that fix wont last long. the trans is as big a problem as the head, the aluminum part that they replace with a steel one is as good as an admission of guilt in my book, but ford wont pay for that. never never never buy a windstar. i grew up in a ford family, but my kids will grow up in a honda family, so long henry

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  ford taurus station wagon - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By andymcclung - April 17 - 2:00 am

  the ford Taurus Wagon was a bad purchase the 3.8 liter V6 was taken under extended warranty to a ford dealership for repair of a bad head gasket. The repaired engine lasted less the 30,000 miles before the same problem again. Ford Motor company refuses to do amythng about this recurring problem. They cannont even give a educated answer as to why they cannot fix a head gasket problem on this engine with any sort of resonable relibility to follow. If you own or are contemplating purchasing a ford vehicle with the 3.8 Liter V6 stop. This motor is unreliable.