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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  Awesome little beast - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Connor - December 23 - 7:47 am

  Fastest sports car that doesnt look like one!

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  2007 4x4 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Ponyblanket - December 23 - 3:26 am

  Totally new driving experience. Much smoother than expected. Great sensation of gearless transmission smoothness; like a snowmobile. Power really comes on strong! Easy to quickly pass. Mileage is averaging 31; 34 mpg on flat freeway at 60 to 65 mph. No odd noises...yet. Headlights great in deer country. The graphic displays are educational for power flow study and mileage display reads at 1 second, 1 minute and 15 minute intervals. Driving through public recreation areas on battery power is fun; no stinky exhaust; little noise...actually too quiet. Wife scares me pulling in the driveway when Im working on the Explorer.

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  My First Pickup Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By JerseyKev - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck is very,very clean and fun to drive. I bought the 4 cyl.,so,the power is a little lax.Next time,Im going to get one with 4 wheel drive,simply because typically,pickups have no rear weight,and it can be a real hassle in the snow and ice.The interior is quite tight,but I only use it for back and forth to work,so it doesnt really matter.But,I really love the way it looks.It is easily the best looking pickup on the road,and has Fordsreputation for solid trucks.

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  SEL - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By dyrsannas - December 23 - 2:00 am

  A great car!

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  Magnificent - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By chacho - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Is by far the best SUV I ever drive! Suspension is the best!!

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  Favorite Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Ashley - December 23 - 12:10 am

  Love the way this car rides and handles on my back roads where I live. It is a blast to drive and is a head turner. The interior is great to look at and the Shaker 500 audio system will let you hear things you have never heard before.

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  Tell it like it is - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Outfront Guy - December 21 - 6:00 pm

  Good car for older driver...not real sporty looking.

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  96 GT. Wonderful car - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By TheChief - December 21 - 9:02 am

  This is a very wonderful car. Mine is a V8 4.6. Its not the fastest of the Mustangs but it definitely gets up and moves. I recommend this vehicle

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  Ford Focus rating - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Gwyn - December 21 - 8:26 am

  The Ford Focus Is a very quiet and smooth ride, and Is very economical on gas.

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  So Far Toooo Good - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By bdalepa - December 20 - 9:10 pm

  Looked at the Toyota, Honda and Cadillac. Much more "Bang for the Buck" with this car. Great ride, great look, great mileage. Only time will tell, but so far so good.