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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  5 Months with the 06 XLT - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Katz - February 18 - 11:23 pm

  Ive had this 06 XLT for almost 5 months now. I had an 04 before, and I can tell you the 06 is a vast improvement. The ride is better, interior comfort is better, and the build quality is much superior. There are some quirky features on the interior that you have to put up with, but I understand that some of these (the door handles for one) will be corrected on the 07. My highway gas mileage (21.5) is substantially better than the 04 (17.5), although I think my 04 never did run right.

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  Run the other way! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By artista - February 17 - 3:44 am

  Dont buy this car. Has been in the shop more times than I care to count.

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  N/A - 1999 Ford F-150
  By W.Kidwell - February 16 - 7:18 am

  Drive it.

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  Super Crew FX4 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By bowhuntwi - February 16 - 5:56 am

  I have a little over 7000 miles on my Super Crew with no vists to the dealer except for regular maintenance. Its a pleasure to drive in town and on the highway. Due to the step in height, I would recommend some sort of running board.

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  Best car Ive owned! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By webbcam - February 15 - 9:13 pm

  Ive owned Explorers, Expeditions and various Mazdas. This car is near perfect. Great handling, good pickup, smooth, and comfortable. I cant believe that Im getting 21 mpg driving in the city. The third row with the theater style seating is perfect for the kids and the availability of the safety canopy that protects all three rows is vital.

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  First American Car out of 16 So Far - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By asdfasd - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The car is slow, falling apart, blown trans, (replaced under warranty) looks okay but interior is bad. Will never buy a Mustang again!!!! I will stick to Nissan, Mazda, or any German car!!!

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  So fun to drive!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By sasteroy - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Never had such a fun car! Ive only had the Mustang GT for a month, but I cant imagine my joy of driving changing much. I would recommend that everyone looking for a fast car or an American classic look into this car.

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  great - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By ufuit - February 15 - 10:00 am

  a excellent car onbe of the best i have ever had

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  Rattle cause by BAD TIRES - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bessie84 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY EB EXPEDITION. The tires SUCK!!! If you have rattle go to your ford dealership and get your tires tested for "road force". I was getting the rattles and I took it in to get them balanced and said I had "road force" That meant my tires were not wearing properly. So I have had 3 new set of tires in 6500 miles!!! CRAP TIRES. I am fighting with ford to get a different brand of tires...BEWARE!!!!

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  Former Skeptic - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By AbbeyC - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I just recently purchased the new 2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition. I have been very pleased with the vehicle. I was initially looking at the Toyota Sequoia but with the current incentives available from Ford on the Expedition its the best value around. I am very impressed with how the vehicle drives and the enhanced features.