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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  The good and bad. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mr. breeze - September 5 - 2:00 am

  The ford expedition is an exceptional truck.its easy to drive,comfortable,and looks good.

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  explorer as a towed vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By doris leslie - September 5 - 2:00 am

  we previously owned a gmc jimmy. this vehicle rows much better and gives us better gas mileage. I love my eddie bauer explorer.

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  Ford Focus ZX3 Review - 2000 Ford Focus
  By almdtb - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for what is almost 3 months now. I havent had any problems with it at all. Ive recently gotten the windows tinted and added a spoiler, it is a very hot little car. I am very happy to own it.

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  Hanover Ford - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Dick Wolan - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a used vehicle and 2001 (four years old) and was very surprised at the quiet and comfortable ride. It is a pleasure to drive this vehicle. I was looking for an SUV originally but after test-driving this car my search was over. I paid $11,977 in August of 2001 for a 1997 model year car! Was I crazy? A friend told me I should be able to get 150,000 miles from this vehicle. I currently have 103,000 miles on this car.

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  Surprisingly good! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By LarryH - September 4 - 11:26 am

  I rented one in Kansas City and drove across the state getting 30+ mpg on the highway. Very smooth through the back roads. Typical controls (thats a good thing), nice power drivers seat, big trunk, leg room for grown-ups! Good stereo. I like the no-cap gas filler. Total miles driven - 1500 in 4 days.

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  Wild,Wild Horses - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Fun in Fla. - September 4 - 9:33 am

  My first convertible! Coming from an SUV I worried about driving a car. This is fun, fun, fun. Love the retro look inside and out. Although I downsized it is roomier than expected. I can pack up for the beach in no time. Good pick up, glides through traffic, even in the rain.

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  04 FX4 SuperCrew - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Chris - September 3 - 11:03 am

  I had my FX4 for about two weeks and I love everything about it. The styling is perfect, interior is inviting, and the ride is second to none. The truck exceeded my expectations. Looked and compared trucks with Nissan and Chevy, but they were very cheaply built.

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  Mustang "The Legendary Pony Car" - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Styles - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car

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  Fun but Noisy - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Blanston12 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Good performance, comfortable to ride, very stable but corners slopy, interior noisy at freeway speed. Have had some problems under fixed under warrenty, rear wiper (x2), Transmission, gas tank sensor. It performed well but not sure I would buy another.

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  Great Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By S.N. - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Im very impressed with this truck. It rides very smooth for a p.u. and handles nicely. I really like the design (interior and exterior). The 4.0 engine is more than enough power to do most jobs.