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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  Very Pleased - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By rcopeland - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great value for the money. Got 105,000 on original tires. Get 21-22 MPG

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  Needs refinement - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Marty Johnson - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Needs refining in some areas including interior fit and finish.

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  Bobemakk Review - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bobemakk - January 27 - 10:00 am

  It is one of the very best vehicles I have ever owned. A few minor problems like squeaky brakes and now a squeak in the front end are the only problems I have encountered. Plenty of power, extra comfortable ride and awesome design on one of the safest American cars built.

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  Silver Bullet - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By datmobile - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car a few days, but what a ride. Still breaking it in, so no racing yet. Expect that Ill have to buy a radar detector soon, the car is only getting started when you hit 70MPH. The 3.0 DOHC motor is the way to go, just remember that its not a muscle car, so dont expect to kill cars from stoplight to stoplight. What this car is great for is passing those hotrods when they hit 55MPH and have to slow down because they attract so much attention. My silver with black leather sleeper doesnt raise any eyebrows, but thats fine with me. Very quiet, nice ride, lots of room, and massive trunk.

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  Go for It! - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By ciaobassman - January 25 - 8:16 am

  Been driving fast cars since 1968, and figured this would be the last chance to get a real Shelby. It is an absolute blast! If I hear a complaint about this car I just figure its either somebody whos never driven one, or somebody who cant (or wont) get one. Very smooth to drive (I only burnt rubber by accident once) but nearly violent at hard acceleration. I used to drive the old Mustangs, and I like that they didnt make the insides all cushy. As is, its as cozy as youre going to get for a car that goes like this one. Exceeded my expectations in every way.

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  Great Buy - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By EJ - January 23 - 7:04 am

  This was a used purchased. 2016 with 22k miles on it. Research price thoroughly. If you know your price range, salesman cant high ball you. Edmunds.com was a big help with their website. Do not deal with corner used car dealerships. By corner, I mean that you will be able to tell once you walk thru the door. The facility will be basic and poorly maintained and salespersons would be obvious. CARMAX is good for no haggling. They are very professional, but prices will be slightly higher than dealerships and will sell you warranties while some of the dealerships will give them to you with the purchase. For instance, I purchased my vehicle for $800 under Carmax price and received the 7yr 100k mile factory train warranty with my price. Carmax and corner dearlerships would sell it to me with purchase.

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  Ford Convert - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WMcClure - January 23 - 1:40 am

  Ive never been a Ford fan, always preferred GM or Toyota products. Test drove this and was impressed with how solid it felt and the quietness of the cabin.

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  svt - 2004 Ford F-150
  By djnice76 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  The ford svt lightning is a wonderful truck with plenty of power. i give it a 10!!! I put street slicks on it and out ran a corvette Z06 in an 8th!

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  best truck ever - 2004 Ford F-150
  By FORD buyer - January 22 - 2:00 am

  this truck is awesome. the triton is way better than a hemi and its exterior design is beautiful. Dodge is too gaudy and chevy looks like its front end is squashed in. Japan trucks cant even compare.

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  I Like It - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mdmcdougall - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth Ford that i have owned and i am enjoying this one the best. i love its towing capacity, its snow capability, and its great looks.