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 good car for kids - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By leonard - September 18 - 8:30 pm

  Just went through the Ozarks on vacation, no problems, engine ok on hills but a good drive around the curves. Check engine light came on about day 5; local dealership in Bull Shoals checked it and it was fuel cap. 1 hour delay due to my error, but no cost to me. Fun to drive easy to move seats.

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  Slightly Tinted Windows - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By VCD - September 18 - 11:56 am

  Ive been a loyal for over 16 years and Ive always had SUVs and this is my first car and I really like this car. The design is what attracted me to this car. Great Job Ford!

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  Ford Edge AWD SEL+ = Best vehicle 4 me - 2007 Ford Edge
  By autofan2 - September 16 - 2:06 pm

  Spent 3 months looking for CUV. Tried the Edge, CRV, RAV4, Pilot, Outlander, VUE, CX-7, & CX-9. Came down to the CX- 7 & the Edge. After driving them back to back, the Edge came out on top. Not as "sporty", but V-6 feels stronger than the Turbo 4 & burns regular. Vista Roof is incredible. Its like having a convertible CUV. Nav & Sound system are great, along with SIRIUS. Got Black/Black with the 18" chrome wheels...fantastic looking vehicle just adds to great driving experience. Contrary to a magazine review I read, brakes work very well. I may even buy a few shares of Ford stock - the Edge is that good. Great follow-up to the Fusion/Milan/MKZ. Proves they can build best-in-class autos.

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  THIS IS WHAT I CALL A SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By DAVID2389 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I have 3 kids, and we espend a lot of time in the highway. thats why i buyed the ford scape. whith this truck I feel like I want to go outside more and more.

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  My Explorer! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By BevAnn - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV! I recommend it to all shopping for one!!

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  MY SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MURPHEY - September 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE IS WONDERFUL NOT ONLY TO DRIVE BUT HAS ENOUGH SPACE FOR ME AND MY PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED FIANCE. IT IS VERY COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE AND ALL THE CONTROLS I NEED ARE VERY HANDY.

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  glad we did it - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Judee - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, this vehicle has plenty of get up and go,great handling on highways

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  M - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Sunni7032 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I got this 2004 mustang for my 16th birthday! And I love it...it drives great and gets great gas millage! Thanks for a great car!

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  Enjoy the Pony - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Beach - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Quick off the line, too big of gap between 4th & 5th gear. Shifter could use some work. Could use nicer wheels

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  Red Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By LilredFocus - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many Ford products from the Bronco II, Thunderbird, Bronco, F250 Super Duty 4x4 Truck. As you can see we are a Ford family. I bought the Focus ZX5 four door because I really liked the look. I love my car it is great on gas mileage and driving it is a pleasure. It is sporty enough that my 15 year old son wants it when he turns sixteen to paint on hop it up. It is also roomy enough for the whole family to ride. We do alot of traveling and it does great.