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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  I love my Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Becky - January 31 - 7:16 pm

  I have always loved the way Explorers hold up. I just recently purchased a 2006 XLT. The experience was great and I love my new truck. I will continue to be a Ford person for a long time to come.

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  Its a Bus. - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By serve - January 30 - 11:38 pm

  Compared with Tahoe and Sequoia. Expedition won out. My wife drove them all and choose the Expedition. The comfort and ability to "see" the road were the selling points. Very roomy and comfortable. Leather seating and comfort package a must. 4.6 V8 has plenty of power. Big but remarkably easy to handle and park (Tahoe was too.) Coming off owning two minivans, this is a bus!

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  Truth about the Mileage Debate - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By saw67 - January 30 - 11:05 pm

  First, after 6 months of driving my C-Max, I can safely say that its one of the best cars Ive owned, in quality, fuel efficiency, and features. Ride is smooth, and theres power when you want and need it. People used to driving Prius and other brand hybrids WILL NEED TO ADAPT, because the C-Max behaves very differently, and makes different choices than other hybrids. Once we learned how to drive it, were averaging 37-45mpg, which is actually higher than we expected (nobody expects to actually make the "published mileage" because we dont drive in computer controlled conditions. Turn off the climate control, open the windows, and we get over 50mpg! Ignore the naysayers!

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  Everything I Was Looking For - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Ray - January 30 - 1:13 pm

  Its the perfect vehicle - especially in Western NY. Great to take camping/fishing in the summer - holds all the family gear. The 4WD is awesome in the snow heading to the cabin for hunting. Got it brand new when they came out and will drive it into the ground - hopefully not for a very long time. Runs great - never had a problem with it.

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  Michelles Review - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By MM25SBFreak - January 30 - 1:06 pm

  This car has been an absolute dream to own and drive. For a woman who has always loved Mustangs, this is possibly a perfect match. The handling is great for cruising, it really hugs the curves. All 300 horses, given the room to run, performs wonderfully. For people who love to listen to tunes, the system cant be beat.

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  Dont hesitate - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By davro48 - January 29 - 9:03 pm

  Ive owned 9 mustangs since 66 including 3 Cobras. The 2005 Mustang GT is a great car. Excellent performance, roomy front seat, nice exhaust sound and the car is great to look at both inside and out. If you are thinking about getting one do not hesitate.

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  The Import - Beater - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By conhig61 - January 29 - 2:30 pm

  I traded an 05 Sport Trac 4.0 V6. The 08 w/ 4.6LV8 is far superior and fuel economy is 1 mpg less in town than the 6; same on hi-way. The ride is like that of a much more expensive truck and the handling and noise levels are top-notch. Sync system can be a problem at times (mine has gotten stuck in a RING cycle that forced me to pull over, shut everything down and re-start the car. Rear seat legroom is improved over previous model too. This truck is a sleeper, and Manf incentives are great; better check it out!

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  American Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By OlDaag - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I finally decided I wanted 1) A truck and 2) Lots of power. Thats when I drove the Harley truck. Yeah baby! This thing has supercharged power like crazy, solid build, lots of cab room, (supercrew in 2003) lots of Harley Davidson styling, excellent chrome and Harley badged exterior and good quality leather and actual chromed steel interior. This truck gets lots of stares and plenty of "thumbs up" attention. American cool.(Harley and Ford: doesnt get much more American than THAT!) Pricey? Yep. But rest assured; you get what you pay for and every third truck on the road will not be the same as yours.

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  Safe!!! Reliable. - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By PolishPaul - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Weve been buying CVÂ’s for many years and owned at least 4 or 5. We currently own 2. What makes it great is its safety, it is constructed on a metal frame/foundation. My mother was in accident in which she was rearended and smashed from the front. The other cars were wrecked, the CV was fine and no one was seriously hurt. My father will not drive any other car and i definetly agree with him. Best part is people assume youre a police cruiser and tend to get out of your way. Id reccomend this car for anyone in the market for such a vehicle. The only negative is people who get car sick will get sick quicker due to its smooth ride.

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  great but a few problems - 2003 Ford Escape
  By johnboy - January 29 - 10:00 am

  i love my escape but transmission went at 15,000, bearings at 30,000, back winshield wiper broke after 20,000.it is fast strong engine, always willing, strong feel to truck and perfect,size. feel bad i have so many miles on(30)it and Im not sold on how reliable its gonna be from here on in. (although first car i ever owned that i havent had to put on break pads, etc. with this high milleage. it has never let me down but im still leary about reliability. will not keep it past warranty! also it was great in the snow!!ok now i think i talked myself into looking at another one.