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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  2000 HPP - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By BigJon - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car about a month ago and I absolutely love it. This is my 3rd Crown Victoria(88, 94, and now a 00). This is definitely the best one yet. If you plan on getting a Crown Vic, definitely spend the money and get a HPP or an LX Sport. The extra horsepower and ride feal is worth it!

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  Love the size! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By skirrits - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing my first new car in 1968 (a Ford), Ive also driven Mercurys, Lincolns and Cadillacs. The wife currently drives a 99 Town Car and I traded my 96 Cadillac for this Crown Vic! I like the rear-wheel drive and the handling & power that comes with the Crown Vic.

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  Favorite Car in Senior Years - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By rcoogan1 - January 21 - 10:23 pm

  I had a 2006 Ford Freestyle and loved it, but after about 35,000 miles the CVT transmission started acting up. I had it fixed, but I didnt trust it anymore...so I traded it in on the new Taurus X and Im now in heaven. This car is even better than the Freestyle with new improvements like the better horsepower, 6 speed transmission on the AWD, heated seats in the back, easier access to the third row seats, better styling, and many other improvements. This car is my personal space for long drives to my cottage or any other excuse to drive somewhere. The sound system and navigational system is great and the comfort is the best for my bad back. Ive tried Mazda & Cadillac, and Taurus X wins.

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  Love this vehicle! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By billeedale - January 21 - 3:26 pm

  I have owned at least 10 Fords, but this is the best.. Absolutely love the Edge. Comfortable, convenient, sporty, fun. Cant say enough. Beats the Expedition and Escape by a mile....pun intended!

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  keys - 2002 Ford Escape
  By adamquery - January 21 - 10:00 am

  the ignition is placed really low on the steering column. it would be nice if it was in some way illuminated. you really really take a while to learn where to put the key even in daylight... youll hit above where the key goes about 90 percent of the time. other than that its fantastic.

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  Dont Do it! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Bobby44 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  In the shop all the time.

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  f-150 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By damandan99 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Really love the truck. The 5.4 litre V8 is definately worth the extra money. Wish the sound system was better(i.e. had higher quality speakers/more of them).

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  A Special Bond - 2002 Ford Focus
  By loupie - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Lots of leg room in the front seats and very comfortable with the leather seating option. I tested the front seat for leg room, and it can slide back so far I could hardly reach the steering wheel. The passenger side has plenty of room for my large car pool buddy. I had 10 exterior colors to choose from and the Infra-Red was an easy choice for me. I think the engine has plenty of pep, everything considered. This car handles great, its fun to drive. Ive owned Japanese cars in the past and this car has really shocked me, so far.

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  Its a beauty - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Avcat - January 21 - 10:00 am

  My Ranger FX4 is black with black interior. It gets many compliments plus turns more than a few heads. This Ranger is eguiped with a manual transmission and I especially like the manual transfer case. The shifters are chrome with brushed chrome molding around their base. The 4.0L could still use at least 40 additional HP tho, especially with the larger tires. I love this truck. Wouldnt change a thing...

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  03 Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Coley - January 21 - 10:00 am

  It is an awesome car! Everything I expected and more!