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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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By HappyCamper - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The "new" Explorer is totally different from earlier models. Earlier models were much more "trucklike." This one is as smooth as silk. The engine in my 2004 Limited is a 4.6 liter V8, that is identical to that in the Crown Vic Sport, yet seems even more responsive in the Explorer. Appointments are well thought out and attractive. While I have only had the Explorer a short time, it seems to be a terrific vehicle.

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  My Ranger Review - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Metallica - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck. It drives smooth and it is very powerful. The only thing I would change would to make it get better fuel economy. Other than that I am pleased with my new Ranger.

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  Best car in 20 Years - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Lee Michael - September 22 - 2:00 am

  What an outstanding car, in every aspect! Fun to drive, handles great! Looks sharp.

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  Ford Focus Wagon ZTW - 2004 Ford Focus
  By rweiss - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance, smooth drive and quiet engine, despite the fact that it is a 4 cylinder engine.Superb accelaration

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  It really is fun to drive - 2003 Ford Focus
  By puckhead - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Though ive only owned for a week i have been very impressed with a few things. Like many have said, this car corners like no other. Ive owned a 2000 Mustang and an a BMW. This thing beats them. The shifter is best. Just has a great feel and smooths the bumps. I hope the reliability and longevity are as good as the first impression.

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  Thanks! Ford - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Mable Moses - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Thanks, We have been Ford owner for lots of years, the proud owner of a Ford Focus. Our first Ford Focus was a 2001. But, in June 2003, we had a head-on car accident with the Focus.The car was a total lost. We only had seat belt and air bag damages. After the settement of the car, the value of the car was good, we got more out of the car than what we paid for it. Now, we got another 2003 Ford Focus. My car is a 2001 Ford Escort ZX2, but my next car will be a Ford Focus. I want to thank the "Lord" and "Ford" for the protecting of our lives. Thanks, Mable Moses 492 Odum Road Lumberton, NC 28360

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  New Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By STACY - September 21 - 7:10 pm

  Car is new for us but we love how quiet the motor is and smooth the ride is. With the spoiler and bigger rims, some people ask what model it is; they did not know it was a Focus.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Chris 2 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Eddie Bauer new back in 1998 over an XLT Explorer. The body styling on the Eddie Bauer is 10 times better than the XLT. I rarely see another Eddie Bauer on the road. I used to have concerns about reliability of American cars but my Explorer has never given me any problems whatsoever. There were some annoying recalls but nothing critical. Its super cheap to maintain and I love the acceleration. Sure it wont beat a Ferrari, but its fast for a car its size. I absolutly love this car except for a few things such as the gas mileage, handling on corners, and seating capacity. But overall, its a great car.

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  1996 GTS... Awesome Ride - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By NASCARFAN186 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I had nothing but fun with this ride. I regret ever getting rid of it (for a truck). In the process of saving for a Saleen but, this 96 GTS was a total blast to drive... ran head-to-head with Camaro/Firebirds and just stomped all over the older "5.0s".

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  Explorer as a Tow Vehicle - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Adrian Salzer - September 21 - 5:20 am

  We have logged over 15,000 miles towing our 5,000lb Airstream and this car has been perfect for the job!