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:

• 

  Diesel Baby - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Sir Galahad - February 26 - 7:44 pm

  Diesel mileage and power outstanding. Interior comfort for family of 6 superior. Feeling of security superb. Respect of other vehicles on road unmatched. Keeping this one for at least 10 years. Down side is that intereior is slow to warm up in the cold weather.

• 

  PGT PWR - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Italiasix - February 26 - 6:39 pm

  Great car wish that they didnt stop building the Mazda V6

• 

  Great car ride. - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Joexpedition - February 26 - 5:51 pm

  After driving full-size or luxury sedans for 20 years, I was reluctant to go the SUV route. Decided if I were to go, I had to go all the way in terms of size and comfort. Thats why I chose the Eddie Bauer (XLT is nicely done as well) Expedition. We tow a boat in the summer and ski in the winter. This vehicle has handled both the towing and long drives to the mountains with ease. In fact, the highway driving is more comfortable than most luxury sedans. Definitely recommend this vehicle.

• 

  1999 Mustang GT - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By bdj6020 - February 26 - 5:24 pm

  The only thing I really hate about this car is the cup holder next to the stick shift is all but useless. You cant even put a soda can there as the gear shift hits it in 2nd gear.

• 

  I love this car! - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Car*Guy - February 26 - 5:15 pm

  This is the second one I have owned. I sold the first several years ago to get a rare Mustang. When I decided to get a daily driver I had only one vehicle in mind, another 1993 Probe GT. I have not been disappointed with either of the GTs I have owned one. I love the styling, interior and exterior, the handling and the ergonomics. Ive had good fortune with reliability as mine has been very good to me over the years.

• 

  An attractive, comfortable piece of junk - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By derbarkasmann - February 26 - 4:03 pm

  Looks good. Very comfortable to drive. When it runs. It has been a very expensive mechanical nightmare to get it to 100,000 miles. I replaced it with a Toyota, what a relief. No more Ford repairs. As a used car, a free Taurus is still a bad deal.

• 

  Aerostar: A reliable, if staid, steed. - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By Asher Lawson - February 26 - 1:41 pm

  Bought new off the lot in 1993, traveled over 100000 miles and still going without a complaint, despite neglect and poor maintenance. Small problem with left turn signal, works intermittently. Overall, a solid, if dull investment. Cheap bulk transport.

• 

  Best Ford Ive Owned - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By MikeB - February 26 - 12:37 pm

  Excellent "overall" SUV! Firm handling, yet comfortable ride for the family. My wife likes to drive it when its raining so she can see above the traffic! My gas mileage on the highway is better than the listed MPG of 16 for the 4WD--I get about 19. This is the best Ford product I have owned!

• 

  This is a great car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Marcuus - February 26 - 9:39 am

  The zx2 not only gets much better gas mileage (28-36mpg)once its broken in but it is also quicker accelerating than not just the Focus Zx3 but ALSO the Focus SVT! I mean one wonders why all this marketing effort is going into hyping up the slightly restyled (new edge) yet still old fashioned euro box hatchback style. Brakes from 60-0 in 128 feet. To compare the mustang does in 127 feet. Thats safety folks! The Japanese cars and VWs are far worse than that.

• 

  Dont buy a Ford Taurus - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By jeb - February 26 - 9:15 am

  This car has been a very very high maintance car, 3 starters, 2 transmissions , front main seal leaks oil, power steering hoses leak, runs poorly on low grade gas, Since I owned one I have spoken to many people that have ownd one. We all have the same problems. you would think after the frist few years Ford would have worked the bugs out. Not on this car, the 3.8 l engine is known for blowing head gaskets. This is the car that saved Ford? .