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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  Worlds Safest Mini-Van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By macuser - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best mini-van I have ever owned, having previously owned a Chrysler Town & Country, Pontiac Montana, and GMC Safari. The Ford Windstar has the best of everything all in one well priced package.

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  Versatile, fun to drive vehicle ! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MKirk - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The SportTrac is a pleasure to drive and feels comfortable on the freeway, on city streets or off-road. It is versatile enough to perform like an SUV, a small pickup or a car with a huge trunk space (with the optional tonneau cover). It has a smooth ride and a roomy interior that can comfortably accomodate a tall driver. It has enough engine power to accelerate briskly on the freeway and to tow a small boat or trailer. It is easy to climb into and has a functional interior design. The exterior look is distinct and eye-catching.

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  great car - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By matt ackley - August 28 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car

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  Top down - sunglasses on - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By houston - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a weekend toy, really an excuse to buy a 3rd vehicle. With the SUVs in the driveway, we wanted something a little more fun to drive. We priced and test drove the European convertibles such as BMW, Volvo,Saab and Mercedes. Dealers are pretty proud of these cars in Houston, TX. Just couldnt convince myself that these cars were worth 45-55K. It hit me, why not a Mustang GT convertible. Test drove a GT coupe that afternoon ( no convertibles in stock ) and was hooked. Convertibles came in next week and took one home with us!!! Sweet car and half the price of the Euro boys!!

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  I like my Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By mmazik - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I put a lot of miles on my vehicles. So far the Explorer has done well. The quality and "feel" are very solid. I feel safe when driving it because it is an old fashioned, heavy truck chassis with front and side airbags.

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  Lovin it so far! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Escaping with it - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it only a few weeks, but Im loving it. No problems so far. Great power, handling, space etc for a small SUV. Mom has a Tribute ES-AWD, and I think the Ford is quicker and handles better (feels much lighter w/o the AWD). Also, the 02 Escape gear shifter is not in the way of the radio (as it does in the 01 Tribute)!! My gas mileage so far has been a little dissapointing, though.

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  Outstanding SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By brs - August 28 - 10:00 am

  We tested lots of the small SUVs and picked the Escape. Very glad we did. 30,000 miles so far and everything has been great. Highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Wow Ford puts Fun back in Driving - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Drivin Happy - August 28 - 12:40 am

  Wow, the F in Ford finally means FUN! Test drove two of these just to be sure, and the Ford Fusion is fun to drive. I bought mine 3 weeks ago, and dont regret it. Comfortable seating position as well as seats, excellent handling in any traffic situation, great controls, excellent fuel economy, already getting 24mpg and the engine isnt even broken in yet, Looked at the Camry, but too boring and pricey. Got my fully loaded (every option on the list) SEL on the road for just around $25 grand, great price! THX sound system is fantastic!

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  Fortunate 500 Owner! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Fortunate 500 Owner - August 27 - 6:30 pm

  If theres a heaven on earth, youll feel like youre in it when driving this car. Luxurious...every comfort I every wanted and some I didnt know existed (power brake pedals, height adjustable, speed sensitive volume - who knew!). I love this car and everyone asks me, what kind of car is this? Very nice and worth more than the price...but dont tell Ford that!

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  200,000 still my favorite of all - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bamawayne - August 27 - 7:13 am

  Our Crown Vic has been the most enjoyable automobile we have ever owned. The only thing that has been replaced was the plastic intake manifold. I took it to the shop last week to have the front end aligned, it had been 5 years since it had been to a mechanic, they told me there was nothing wrong with the suspension. It still has all the original parts, nothing has been changed. I have kept it serviced; oil changed every 5000 miles, 4 sets of brake shoes, transmission serviced 2 times, 2 sets of spark plugs, my wife has totaled her minivan and wants another Crown Vic.