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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  We Love It - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Julia R - September 13 - 1:24 pm

  Would recommend the Ford Fusion to everyone.

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  It is fun to drive it! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By L.Castillo - September 13 - 4:00 am

  For starters its the first time I dont see the car I am driving all over! Its unique since I got a rare exterior color one. Unlike Priuses that are all over it seems. But in what matters, it is still an SUV. I fit inside and I am a big guy, and uphill, it does NOT cower. True, one has to learn how to drive all over again, not be heavy on the gas or the brakes. There is assistance there that was not available before. What I cannot understand is why Ford is not gearing that Kansas plant to produce more of these babies. Until Toyota brings out the Highlander (overpriced if you ask me) they had the market for themselves! I love it, period! p.s. I have THE red one.

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  2006 Explorer Limited - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By rateabc2001 - September 11 - 10:50 am

  All experiences are great. Traded in a 2002 Jeep Liberty, which is a much inferior rig in all regards.

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  2003 Explorer 4x4-XLS - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Arlene Harrell - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our third Explorer we have purchased. We also have owned three Ford trucks, ranging from the Ranger, F-150 and 250 Diesel. As we have owned Ford throughtout the years we have never had a problem with any of them. I guess we are a Ford family. I like my new Explorer and feel I will get excellent usage from it.When it is paid off it will be traded in on another Ford Product. There are a lot of features to choose from.

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  More rattle than nerves of steal - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By timothy - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The more I drive it the more it rattles. First is was the suspension that needed to be tightened and now the interior doors and dash. The rear wings do not open consistently. Has Ford forgotten about Quality???? !!!! This is the 3rd XP and my second was clearly the best.

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  Big improvement from old style - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By map - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great improvement from the old style. 2003 has much better handling, comfort and feel compared to the 2000 Expedition. You can definitely feel the difference with the 4 wheel independant suspension. Interior styling is great on the Bauer, very disappointed heated seats didnt come standard on the Bauer.

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  4th one - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Marvin - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Fourth Crown Vic Excellent reliability and comfort

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  Low priced and reliable - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By carsdepot - September 11 - 10:00 am

  My Ford Taurus is a very good car. It has plenty of power and feels wonderful on the highway.

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  Better than a Volvo! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Deb - September 11 - 9:03 am

  I was hesitant to buy a Ford and was test driving and researching Honda, Nissan, and Mazda. But they didnt live up to their accalims and I was deeply disappointed. When I test drove the 500 it was just as a lark. The moment I saw it I was intrigued by its stylish European look. Once inside the roomyness and luxury was astonishing. Then on the road it just continued to impress me. The silent, smooth, fast acceleration; the outstanding handling on sharp turns; and the audiophile stereo is incredible.

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  Pretty Good Little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tink7796 - September 10 - 10:26 pm

  This vehicle handles very well in the snow and in the everyday around town driving. However it is VERY VERY VERY sluggish on the highway or going up hills. Also the cruise control is not very good (you will either go 5 mph under or 5 mph over where you have the cruise control set). If you are looking for a vehicle to commute in, TRY THE 6 cylinder or another vehicle all together! If you are looking for a cheap, reliable SUV to get around town in, this is the one for you.