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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  Love My F-150 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By thealleyband - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Have been driveing F-150s since 1990 and will never stop!!!!!!

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  My third nearly perfect Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By jmhansen - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I have just completed my third 2yr lease of a Windstar, all of which have been excellent experiences. Only one warranty repair - odometer computer module on this latest SEL - in six years driving 3 Windstars. All have been easy to drive and practical for my business needs. The SEL is especially comfortable and a pleasure to drive. Other than some extra engine noise after cold starts at low speeds, this van is quiet and comfortable. I would not hesitate to get another one, although I am switching to an Explorer for a change of pace.

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  Just a Couple of Mistakes - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Marcuso - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Put a CD player back into the base model. Nobody uses tapes much anymore. Secondly, Where is the second power point? I had to buy one at Radio Shack, drill a hole in the dash, and wire it up myself.

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  Happy with my ford - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tmoney - February 16 - 10:00 am

  very reliable and i am a happy customer.

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  First hybrid owner - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By TONY M. - February 16 - 9:03 am

  It was the price that got us in the door. Then it was the vehicle, and good salesmanship that kept us there. We drove our Escape Hybrid from Spearfish to Rapid City, and we knew that we had made the right decision. My wife says "It is quiet & relaxing like Grandmoms Studebaker".

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  Focus SES - 2008 Ford Focus
  By tk - February 15 - 2:00 am

  My Focus handles great, has great power and I am getting 34mpg on the freeway at 65 mph. This little car is actually fun to drive. I have over 5000 miles in the first 5 weeks and have not had any problems I am 53 years young and considered this car for the economy. My F350 King Ranch has all the comfort I need but the fuel costs of 140 miles a day commute was killing me

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  own 2 Broncos - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By own 2 Broncos - February 14 - 12:47 pm

  Driving west on I-94 in WI, a semi-truck slid into the rear end. Independent repair shop wanted to replace rear bumper which didnt appear damaged. Ford repair person said bumper was fine but when he opened the rear tire carrier the tailgate was pushed in where the carrier attaches to tailgate. I normally dont go to the dealer for repairs but was glad I did as the body shop foreman knew exactly what to look for. 25 years of experience does count when you want your vehicle repaired right.

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  05 Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By cdlafaver - February 13 - 12:56 am

  I have been anticipating the arrival of the 05 Mustang for about a year and have been checking with various dealers now and then as to "when will they be here"? After being told "in a few weeks" by most everyone I was shocked to walk into a dealership that had one that went from their showroom floor to my garage floor in just over 1 hour! I am very please with this car except for one thing. On acceration (worse when cold) I get somewhat of a rumble from the transmission(5 speed). Their service department said it was gear lash and nothing could be done about it. Has anyone else noticed this? Where should I go to get help? Thanks for any comments.

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  I love this Edge! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By kim - February 13 - 12:53 am

  I really love this Edge. I have about 1100 miles on this Edge and have had it two weeks. I have had no problems with my brakes they are just fine! The back windows do shake however if you crack the front windows they shake no more. This Edge has more power and rides just as nice as my previous 525I. We bought this Edge because of the leg room in the back seat!! I read about the noise coming from the engine and yes I heard it too however I dont hear it as much now since I hit 1000 miles, probably have to brake in the engine. Gas wise I cant really comment, I live in the mountains and have to climb to 3000 feet 4 times a day! Tank of gas is about a week for me. This Edge is so comfy!

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  02 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By blmackin - February 13 - 12:36 am

  I really like my Explorer. I just dont like how hard it is on gas. I also do not like how hard it is to have access to the 3rd row seating. Having to lift that latch and the seat is a pain. I have also had a leak in my rear end already and my transmission is starting to slip at 70,000 miles.