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:

• 

  #1 Mom vehicle - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By embeth - March 8 - 8:28 pm

  I have the Black E.B 4x4 5.4L "Expy", and it is awesome!!! There is a alot of room inside, and my 5 children have plenty of room to sit. They love it! Everyday people spin their heads to catch a look at my Expy driving by. It has been an awesome vehicle. I may trade it in for the upgrade of the Lincoln Navigator, but Im not sure because the Navigator looks too much like a suped-up XLT Expedition.

• 

  T for 02 - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By 2002T - March 8 - 6:17 pm

  After waiting a year for delivery, the 2002 T-Bird exceeded my expectations. It is everything a two seater convertible should be, great looking, solid performance and, most importantly, fun to drive.

• 

  Took another chance - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By jeff - March 8 - 4:00 pm

  Had leased a 1999 Windstar - glad we did not buy - as we went through two transmissions - and were on our noisy third. Got an "Early Bird Termination" letter from Ford and got rid of the 1999 lemon after only 28 months of the 36 month lease and leased a new 2001 Leased another one - 2001 Windstar SE - for under $400 per month - fully loaded with leather, power sliding doors, and entertainment center.

• 

  Great Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By George - March 8 - 11:40 am

  I have received a lot of great comments about the looks of this truck and how good it rides. Ive also been told that it seems to have plenty of power.

• 

  Best Vehicle Ever - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By smilin - March 8 - 11:34 am

  . All of the space and towing capacity I could ever want. All of the features of a luxury sedan are standard. I also upgraded to get the Captains Chairs, 7.3L Powerstroke and Rear Seat DVD Player. Added the Limited Premier Group in Mineral Grey. 2-Tone leather seats w Cherrywood grain - fantastic. . Really like the reversible cargo mat in the rear cargo area. Surprised to be getting avg of 19mpg - about 18 in city. . Used to own Suburbans, but no more.

• 

  Economy and Performance, good price! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By sifocus - March 8 - 11:20 am

  Before I purchased this vehicle, I read many articles, reviews and test drove it for a week at a Hertz rental agent so that I could really feel what it is like to own one. Now I have bought this car the fun never seems to stop. The car performs very well and can be economical depending on your driving habits. You can have all of its 140 hp at your disposal or drive and take it easy to get that 30+ MPG your pocket craves for. What surprises me is that no matter how I drive this car, I can get a good range of 20-30 MPGs anyway. The brakes are quiet and predictable. The suspension is excellent for its class. Sporty coupe nice interior! Sirius and Sync rocks!

• 

  Stang It Up - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By A-Bryl - March 8 - 10:49 am

  When looking for my own first car, I was lucky enough to have my Dad pay for whatever I wanted. I got to test drive an older Eclipse, and a Z28. Even though i was pretty torn between the Z28 and Mustang, it was really no comparision once i really thought about it. Sure the Z28 is so much faster, but the inside is pathetic and so out-dated. Mean while inside the Mustang is completely different which included a Mach 1000 Sound System. Stick is more than worth it.

• 

  Ford Designs a Winner - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim N - March 8 - 8:43 am

  Ford has designed a winner in the Freestyle. It is a very comfortable ride with the features of a SUV. I own a Explorer and Freestyle and I would not go back to the Explorer. The back seats provide as comfortable ride as the front. There is great storage space and fuel mileage on the highway has been great at 23mpg. The storage and drink holder areas are numerous and convenient to the driver. You do not get tired driving this vehicle on long trips. I have found nothing I do not like about this vehicle. I drive over 1,500 miles a week in this vehicle.

• 

  1998 Ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By jrstone - March 8 - 2:52 am

  I have been very happy with my 1998 Ranger. Only been in shop one time in 4 years with very minor problem. This is my 2nd Ranger and will probably buy another one.

• 

  the original pony car - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By isaac - March 8 - 2:42 am

  i just recently bought a 96 mustang convertable and its awesome...The looks are beatiful...the feel and handling is great...and with the top down, you feel free. The performance is pretty good too...and the fuel economy is outstanding...these are some of the mosts beautiful stangs ever built.