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 it so far! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Derek_02Sport - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I really cant complain about anything so far. I think its a great SUV for the money. Too bad they are stop making this vehicle after 2003.

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  Great Deal - Poor driver comfort - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By rel7997 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I got the SE model without the adjustable petals. I find that the seat, pedal distance, and pedal location all add up to make my ride uncomfortable even for short distances. There is just something about it that isnt right. Maybe it is my height (I am 58) but still, it doesnt seem that it was designed to completely put the driver at ease. I have to prop my thigh up with a small towel to give me the distance and height that I need. Besides this, I do feel that the car is a great deal. You get a whole lot of car for not much money. You may not get the performance and build quality of others cars, but it is worth the price.

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  oh, the ambivalence! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By readyiv - November 16 - 10:00 am

  There is so much to laud about my Splorer. To wit: Firm, contoured and supportive seats with terrific leg support. Easy control placement especially with the controls conveniently placed on the steering wheel. Responsive auto temp control. Tons ocargo room. Idiot-proof AWD system that chuckles at snow. The heated seats are fantastic. In the "humpf" category - A jarring, teeth- rattling ride on most surfaces. A voracious fuel appetite for its strong but unrefined V8. Shoddy rear wiper system. Overall - good value for the money but be prepared for a trucklike ride combined (assuming a V8) with the fuel economy of a 747.

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  Solid Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By KJ - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I paid dirt for this car new over 2 years ago. I have had absolutely no problems with the car in 44,000 relatively hard miles beyond the recalls, which you kind of have to expect from a first year car. Easily one of the best investments I have ever made.

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  Four Months with my Ford 500 Limited - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By L Jackman - November 16 - 2:46 am

  Im happy with the car. I had an SUV for 6 years, loved it. This is a nicer ride, smooth; I love the high seating---good road visibility and comfort. I never thought I would buy a Ford---Im totally impressed and recommend this to anyone looking for a larger vehicle.

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  top out - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Lee Scroggins - November 16 - 12:20 am

  This car has been great, good to drive and good gas mileage. Drives good on the highways and mountions.

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  The Best Truck Yet - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Kevin - November 15 - 6:13 am

  The new 07 F-150s are some killer trucks! I have pulled over 10,000 lbs with this truck. I tow things about 2 or more times a week, each being about 2000-5000 lbs. The truck is very comfortable and has lots of room for me, and it can fit 4 people with no trouble at all. The 07 Ford F-150s out pull all the competition.

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  junk - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Rose - November 15 - 1:47 am

  Only 25k on my vehicle and I continuously have issues with the car not starting/no power. Go to unlock my car, alarm not working; Manually unlock my car. Turn the key in the ignition, nothing. No power. I would not recommend this vehicle to my worst enemy.

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  Best F-150 Yet - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Michael - November 13 - 11:16 am

  This is my 3rd F-150 since 1998 and each one just gets better. The ride is car like and interior better than most cars. The new exterior design is very attractive and packaged right, (I got the Texas package). Looks and feels good. Ford always seems ready to deal at the right price. I saved thousands over what Dodge or Chevrolet would even talk and got more truck. Size feels like a F-250 with the nimbleness of the 150. The quality keeps getting better. This is the best truck yet.

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  Hunk of Junk - 2002 Ford Focus
  By milleragain - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Focus for nearly three years. I have replaced the tires twice. I have had two brake jobs. The wheel bearings have been replaced on every wheel. CD player was replaced, steering rack and steering pump replaced. Now it sounds as though the frame is falling apart. I am so fed up with this car, I am going to trade it in. Oh yeah, resale value stinks!