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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  Awesome Power - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jwar - April 13 - 10:00 am

  If you want power,performance, and manueverability this is the one!!It will eat most anything on the road!!!!!

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JimJimmy - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Its looks are so much better than the extreme looks of the competition. Its just an all around great suv for the price.

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  Wonderful Driving Experience - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By William R. Doebler - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I first purchsed a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT and was so impressed that I decided to upgrade to the Expedition. It is larger overall than the Explorer and sits higher off the road. I cant get over the field of view you get with the Expedition. These 2 Fords are the first American manufactured automobiles I have owned since my 1967 Pontiac Firebird and it is a wonderful experience.

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  Bears Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bear - April 13 - 9:30 am

  For the price, an excellent commuter car. I love my Focus, drive it to work 6 days a week, gets great mileage, is comfortable, even for my 260 pounds. Not good for car pooling or long family trips.

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  wedgewood masterpiece - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By paul cardin - April 12 - 11:30 pm

  its been 6 years since i purchased the car, what a great car ,no problems.ford did an awesome job on this one. 110,000miles.this is definately a keeper! buy one!

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  Great Car!!! - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Rodney Winter - April 12 - 6:31 pm

  This is a very good car, I love the MPG I am getting. Very nice car!

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  Thanks for the Memories - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Higgy - April 12 - 4:06 am

  Purchased new in 2002. I have 64000 miles and have had the follow problems: rebuilt transmission twice, two power window motors replaced, two cracks on the back panel of the tailgate, airbag sensors not working properly, cruise dontrol stoped working, paint on the plastic panels between the doors coming off, rear end rebuilt. Currently making noise in the rear end going 45 to 55 miles per hour. Sunroof rattles.

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  07 Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By randyc - April 11 - 3:33 pm

  Drove the Sport Trac on a 3000 mile round trip, it rode very smooth and was very comfortable. MPG avg. was around 20-21 hwy. Got the 4.6V8; has plenty of power and is a very quiet engine. It would be very hard to go back to a car after this ride.

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  Our family car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dano - April 11 - 1:16 pm

  We are a family of 4, two are still in car seats. Lots of room inside, you dont have to worry about kids kicking the back of your seat. The trunk is awesome, lots of room for everything. Just wished the mileage was a little better. We struggle to get 30 hwy.

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  Love my Explorer - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Joe Pifko - April 10 - 1:37 pm

  Great SUV! Love the 3rd row seat. Go Galphin