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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  04 Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By PJshagalot - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I recently owned a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, which to date was the best vehicle I have ever driven, which inludes a fleet of new vehicles over the years. However, this Expedition ranks up there as one of the most best vehicles I have ever driven. It has everything I need and want in a full size SUV, perfect for my growing family. I havnt driven the 4.6L V8 for the Expedition, the 5.4L has plenty of power. The 4.6L V8 in the Mountaineer was EXTREMELY powerful for that small size SUV, but I was hesitant in getting the smaller V8 for the much larger Expedition. No complaints here.

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  Love my Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jfbk - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. I have owned this vehicle for only 5 months, but am still in awe everytime I see it or drive it.

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  mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By jacob11 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  it is nice very fast fun to drive

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  TOY - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By DISSOLUTE20 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR I WAS LOOKING FOR A COBRA BUT I DIDNT HAVE THE MONEY SO I FOUND THIS BRIGHT RED MACH 1 FOR A LOT LESS. WELL........NOT TO MUCH LESS . BUT ANYWAY IT HAS AWSOME POWER NOT A NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT TO MUSCLE HEADS BUT ENOUGH TO MAKE ME REAL HAPPY. IT IS A HOOT TO DRIVE IT HANDLES PRETY GOOD NOT LIKE A LOTUS BUT IT DOES ENOUGH FOR MY WEEKEND TRIPS THROUGH THE CRUISING LANE. IT HAS LOTS OF APEAL. ITS A REAL EYE CATCHER. I GUESS YOU CAN TELL I LIKE MY CAR

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  We are impressed more each time we drive - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By FoggHornn - July 30 - 12:13 pm

  Got a fantastic deal on the adrenalin model at Christmas. Had Acuras since 1989, but they were not motivated to sell me a vehicle. Brand loyalty meant nothing to them. We enjoy sitting higher when driving. This truck provides a tremendous sense of security in winter driving situations. The 6-speed tranny is smooth and the V8 is very flexible. The independent rear suspension gives a much more impressive ride over rough roads compared to the Chevy Silverado I rented last year for a weekend. Fuel economy so far is acceptable at 15-20 mpg in winter driving. Im expecting a seasonal improvement to 20-26 mpg when the weather warms up, like my Acura TL does. We enjoy driving this truck immensely. Recommend just adding sunny days and a favourite recreational activity. This truck has style, power and tremendous versatility. Big grins. Its a keeper.

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  Love my 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By JJRF - July 30 - 5:03 am

  I have had a great experience with this car. I got it new as a company car and bought it from the company when I left other than the recall on the brakes in the first year there has been no issues with this car. I live in the northeast and the car is great in the snow. (traction control) on the 2 wheel drive model has never left me stranded or feeling insecure on snowy or icy roads. I love this car! It has 80,000 miles on it and will run for another 100,000.

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  Built on the cheap - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Rudy Smutts - July 29 - 7:06 pm

  The 2006 Mustang must have been built with cost the most important item. It has no under hood light, foot well lights or daytime running lamps. Small items to be sure but should not add to the total cost. The five speed transmission does not shift smoothly. Was told by the dealership that nothing could be done.

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  A horse of a different color - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By G Man - July 29 - 5:00 pm

  This car performers even better than it looks. No squeaks, rattles or cowl shake over bumps. Precise steering and a wonderful transmission.

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  My Wonderful Choice! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Debe - July 29 - 1:50 pm

  I searched for a new car for over 6 months, researching websites and magazines. I then proceeded to test drive a variety of hybrids. While driving the Ford Escape Hybrid (which I had planned to buy) I was deeply disappointed. And there on the showroom floor was a new vehicle, the Ford 500. As a lark I asked to drive it too. I immediately fell in love with it! I had grown up with full sized Cadillacs and a Ford Thunderbird. The 500 gave me all the luxury that I was used to and a price I could afford. I never would have considered a regular sized sedan, but this vehicle truly raises the sedan to a new level. It has no comparison yet on the market. I absolutely love it!

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  Ford Fusion 2006 - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jen - July 29 - 9:36 am

  I just bought my car last week and I love it. It handles great and has a lot of features. I have the SEL and it is well worth the money. The interior has a lot of room. The extra features I got are great especially the Traction Control. Handles pretty well in the snow and ice.