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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  My Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Vetdoc - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I got my mustang for my first car! I have had it for a month and I love it. It has the V6 engine and the mach stereo system w/ the in-dash 6 disc CD player. It is bright red and automatic transmision. The spoiler is my favorite part.

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  wonderful - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Maeghan - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE FORd!!!!!!!! GO FORD Mustang!!!! GT all the way

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  It is awesome - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By undrdg - July 18 - 2:00 am

  It is awesome. It is fast,fun to drive, and at a good price. My brothers drove it too. They say it is the best.

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  Luv my Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By UFree03 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I love the way it looks and the way it handles. I feel very safe behind the wheel of my Escape and have been very pleased so far. The only problem I can think of, is that the gas tank is too small. I understand that SUVs arent that great on mileage, but if the tank was larger, I wouldnt feel like Im at the gas station every 3,4 days. Other than that...I LOVE IT!

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  my car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By jim mc cool - July 18 - 2:00 am

  i especially like the rear wheel drive and performance of the engine and the roominess inside and also the large trunk

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  focus family - 2004 Ford Focus
  By slkfocus - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I currently own 3 Focuss- 2 that are 2003 and 1 that is 2002. We just bought a 2003 for my daughters birthday. I also owned 2 2001s which were traded in the newer cars when leases were up. It is a fun car to drive and I have had no major problems with any of my 3 cars. Its a fun car to drive, reliable and sporty looking. I have a bad back and find the seats very comfortable.

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  FORD EXPLORER - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By PJKEDK - July 18 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE. I FEEL VERY SAFE IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER.

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  Disappointing - 2013 Ford Escape
  By crd1029 - July 17 - 9:24 pm

  I had been researching small SUVs and hatchbacks for months, anxiously awaiting several of the new offerings. One was the 2013 Ford Escape. My wife and I arrived at the dealer the day their first base S Escape arrived. We really liked the exterior look of the car and were excited to drive it. After 20 min., we were very disappointed. The levers and knobs were cheap plastic and the seats were very hard. The ride was extremely stiff and we felt every ripple in the road. The engine was buzzy and loud starting from the rest position. We quickly realized this car may be all right for zipping around town, but would tire you out on any longer trip. We ended up buying a Nissan Rogue. MUCH nicer- fun

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By kerrie - July 16 - 3:16 pm

  After test driving the Accord, Camry and then the Fusion, we liked the Fusion much better. The leather seats on our SEL are extremely comfortable. The Fusion is fun to drive and makes turns so solid, you feel very little sway. We have 17" wheels so the turning circle is wide, which bothered me at first, but now I am used to it and it does not bother me at all. Also, it is much better looking than the Camry and thousands less than the Accord.

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  Luving it.. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Icefan - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with my 2002 1/2 Explorer. The exterior design is very sharp, and the interior extremly well thought out. Abundant cup holders, two power points, big center console. Third seat is comfortable and useful. Vehicle defect free with 1500 miles on it. The automatic four wheel drive system kicks in immediately when needed, tested it off-road and it worked great. A very good vehicle IMHO!