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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  Enjoying new Escape - 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By john - January 13 - 5:40 am

  After owning 97 and 03 Explorer XLTs I downsized to an Escape and upgraded to a Limted with Nav and auto park. Im happy with the choice. I do notice less cargo room, but Ive adapted. AWD is like having the Explorers in 4WD high all the time. No slipping then gripping. Sync and Nav is still fun after a couple of months. Mileage has been great aroung 30mpg. I mostly do around town driving. The tires were filled with nitrogen. I dont know if the dealer did that or the factory.

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  SWEET CAR - 2002 Ford Focus
  By MaterialBoi21 - January 12 - 6:40 pm

  Car handles great ... altough compaired to the VW Jetta it rides a little rough

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  Safe to drive ... - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fraff2 - January 12 - 1:30 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 5 years, but it was just totaled. I believe the side airbags prevented injury to driver as truck was rolled on its side. Truck was totaled and wheel even came off ! Driver walked away with minor scratches. Sorry to see truck go to salvage, I really liked it ! Drives like a truck that it is. I believe newer 2007+ models drive better (revamped, newer platform ?).

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  So far so good - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By WilliamVegas - January 11 - 5:26 pm

  Bought the car as a family sedan. We have been delighted with its comfort, performance, build quality, and safety. The 3.0, while not a screamer so to speak, does provide enough oompf to get motoring on the surrounding super highways. Have nearly 10K miles and not experienced any problems to date. The only down side is we expected the fuel economy to be a little better, but being a car of this size, its not really that disappointing. Overall we would buy it again.

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  cheap ride - 2001 Ford Focus
  By sigjuliussen - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Focus and I love the way it handles. It has ran good for me. NO problems

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  Explorer Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By BiGBaDBoB92979 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has the best ride and the best look. That I have ever had.The Sport Trac handels great in the rain and snow.I bought it for the four doors. The Sport Trac handels the small loads that I carry no problem at all.

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  Gotta love it! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By lizpercell - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Mustang is truly a fun car to drive! Even with the automatic V6, Ive got plenty of pick up for highway driving. Mine is a real head-turner in bright red.

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  03 Cobra - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By bcpd118 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  great car and fun to drive

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  Among the finest weve ever owned - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rodbwright - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Weve found the quality and comfort of our Expedition to be truly superior, even when compared to luxury class vehicles like BMW and Mercedes. We were drawn by its new styling and added features, like the power fold- down rear seats and reverse warning. But after we purchased the vehicle, we really fell in love with it after taking some long trips and its superior ride and handling characteristics really became evident. We now have about 35,000 miles on it, yet it still seems like new. The leather and carpets are holding up very well, while wear to components like tires and brakes is excellent. We expect to keep the vehicle for several years.

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  Rattle Trap - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TimN - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Expedition and by far this is the worst in quality. This is a complete rattle trap. We have had mirrors replaced, motors replaced, ash trays replaced, front ent taken off - reassembled and re-installed, insulation added to doors. Molding in rear replaced due to coming apart. Re-tweeked and re-tweeked and still cannot fix the passenger side doors from rattling. When speaking with sales and management at Ford, all I get is "Yours must have been made on either a Monday or Friday". Now Ford says that it could be a hot/cold flexing problem which may not be repaired. After the 5th time in the shop, Ford Corp wont even call me back.