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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  6000 miles and Quiet - 2004 Ford F-150
  By hogman9832 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Owned all brands in the past but this 04 is so quiet. Feels solid and at last feels peppy. Planned on supercharging but no need to.

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  I Love My Taurus! - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By TeresaK72 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had only good experiences with my used 1991 Taurus! I would recommend anyone to get one.

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  powerprobe - 1995 Ford Probe
  By power probe - April 6 - 2:00 am

  i love my probe,shes easy going, fun to drive, and handles like a dream. she looks beautifull, and feels even better when i sit behind the wheel. there is no place i would rather be, than behind the wheel of my one true love...

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  Zippy, Fun But Extremely Frustrating - 2000 Ford Focus
  By KCM - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Loved car when bought. Still like it, but tired of quirky surprises! Had a cracked AC line 6 months after purchase. It was at dlrshp 3 mths waiting for for the part to come in. Many recalls. Most recent on fuel pump. Car cant be started to move just couple of feet in driveway or critical valve sticks and car wont restart. Dlr says drive around block to avoid problem. Prblm with wires in steering column caused exterior light failure on 2 diff. occasions. Brakes(rotors too) had to be replaced. Crz cntrl would not remain engaged; had to be repaired. Ignition swtch went bad, key would not go into the ignition. Many rpr bills while still making car pymts!

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  Ford 1996 Power Stroke - 1996 Ford F-250
  By patrick p andrews - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I love it. I had Chev 4x4 trucks gas engines carrying campers and pulling boats for 25 years then switched to ther Ford diesel power stroke. Powerfull, comfortable.

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  Careful with this one. - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Mr. Mike - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a big headache. Nothing but problems. 70,000 mile vehicle with a BLOWN HEAD GASKET, SENSORS NOT WORKINGAND A TRANSMISSION THATS STARTING TO SLIP. VERY POORLY BUILT VEHICLE. What is sad is that it is my second windstar that has done this to me. There will be no third FORD vehicle.

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  1999 Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Cornhusker172 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  No problems in 3 years of hard driving. Lots of romm and space for most any need.

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  affordable expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By RSAYERS - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Great price, after rebates and advertised price I got it for under 23k less tax and liscence. Great for large families, hauls 9 people. Many standard features on base model. Super alternative to minivan when hauling a trailer is required.

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  Never Again! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By mutsye - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Interior door panels - all plastic - crack and break under normal use - door handles fall off, engine leaks oil at 70000 miles despite routine oil changes, oem brakes, mastercylinder and front suspension all replaced at 80k mi, engine does not hold compression when pulling my boat - 3400lbs - vehicle rated with 5000lb tow capacity - No Way!!

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  Good all around suv - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Nathan Lutz - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the ride and it handles very well and is great in the snow.