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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  Thanks Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bosco99 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  First rating was low due to rear end noise, Ford fixed the problem, out of balanced drive shaft, surprise, surprise. This is a well built SUV just get underneath and take a look at it,looks like a tank and can pull a mega load. Looking for better gas mileage, but what do you expect with a vehicle that weighs over 5000 lbs. Best SUV on the market.

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  not a good car - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Stepan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  has a weak engine, no interior room, bad suspension, ugly exterior design, and is not manueverable at all. Whats the point of a 2 door SUV?

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  Ford Explorer/the best - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By terry730a - November 4 - 2:00 am

  It is the best driving, best handling SUV for the money. None better. You get more smiles per mile than you can imagine. Learn how to execute a maniacal laugh as you drive in ecstasy.

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  Great Explorer Sport - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By LifeGuardGuy248 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my explorer for only a week and love it. Ive put 500 miles on it so far. The gas milage isnt that great, but the power and looks make up for it. Ive got the optional sunroof and cloth seats that will be perfect for going to college. The ride isnt as smooth as my moms Crown VIcotira, but her car cant pull 4000 pounds.

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  Good Lookin - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mamudo - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We think our truck is a "looker". It is great to have a smaller truck with people space and cargo space. Few things can be improved upon, and that is the brakes go really fast and the door lock pinches if you have your arm resting on the edge when the truck is put in drive and the automatic door lock engages.

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  Ford Review 02 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By dan - November 3 - 3:43 pm

  Comfy on highway. Great in high snow. 210hp is a little weak, high revs, transmission slip, smooth ride, oil turns black faster than normal.

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  My personal Batmobile - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Reggie T Davis - November 3 - 2:14 am

  I love this car! After driving my father-in-laws 2015 Fusion SE, I fell in love. At the time I was driving a 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited with check engine light (bought it brand new mind you) Chrysler was never able to fix the issue or figure out what it was. With it in the shop more than on the road I had time to learn his Fusion. I purchased my 2016 Fusion Titanium Fwd on July 25 with all the bells and whistles. It as a demo, so I got a pretty good deal on it. LOVE THIS CAR!!

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  More than meets the eye - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Ryan - November 3 - 1:40 am

  This is a 35mpg (wring out a few more, if you pay attention to the MPG meter) economy car that doesnt make you feel like you are driving an economy car. The motor has plenty of pep for accelerating into freeway traffic, although, it doesnt have much left after 65mph. The car handles very well right off the lot and the ride is surprisingly quiet and comfortable. If you can sacrifice a bit of that quiet and comfort for a greater improvement in handling and style, I would suggest going with the 17" wheel option with the 215/45 tires. I purchased mine after I took delivery of the car and paid almost double. The car overall feels well-built and reliable. I am very satisfied.

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  AWD Limited - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert - November 2 - 11:20 am

  Very pleased with the overall appearance and quality of the new Ford 500. The vehicle currently is getting 19.3 mpg in city driving. I recently drove a 300 mile trip and averaged 25.6 mpg. A very solid heavy car; there seems to be adequate power with the CVT transmission. The 203 hp V-6 is quiet and very refined. The brakes are great with large rotors. I especially enjoy the feel of the car behind the drivers seat. The new system Ford calls "Command Seating" is very nice, vision through the windows is perfect. Leather is of good quality, and the numerous comfort convienences are very nice. Heated seats, 6 airbags, fog lights and so much more make the car appear so much more costly.

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  I love my pony - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By bosoxbabe418 - November 2 - 8:40 am

  We recently purchased a 2006 Mustang Coupe and instantly fell in love with it. Mustangs have been my favorite car since I first rode in one when I was a kid, so owning one now is incredible. The new body style is gorgeous and the ride is unbelievable. It handles like a dream and is very responsive. We bought a 5 speed manual so that makes it even that much more fun to drive. I mean come on...its just wrong to drive an automatic Mustang...takes the fun right out of it! I love this car and Ford did a great job redesigning it!