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:

• 

  This truck can do it all! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mike M - April 7 - 3:00 am

  Ive owned mine for just over 2 years and am the second owner. Truck has been nothing short of perfect. We take it everywhere. Vacation Road Trips, to the Beach, to the Mountains, around town, everywhere!! Ive not yet found the task/chore that it couldnt handle and I do a ton of yard work and home improvement. The bed is approximately 2-3 inches deeper than a traditional pickup bed which makes it a breeze to pack gear into. I take good care of my truck and it takes care of me and my family.

• 

  I love this car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By AzBaseballmom - April 6 - 2:56 pm

  This car is a beauty in all ways. The style, the handling, the interior and the sporty exterior. We ordered our 05 V6 convertible exactly the way we wanted it, with all the bells and whistles. It took 2 months to get here but it was well worth the wait. My husband and I are both enjoying this car like no other we have every had. We ride with the top down everyday (and we live in AZ); we may be hot, but at least were styling and loving it!

• 

  five hundred,yeah - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By marjan ackov - April 6 - 10:22 am

  i got this one new 2007.by far the best car i ever had.i had bmw,mercedes,audi and many others but with this one did not have single issue.all services done in ford dealership,normal stuff, oil and filter.have 149000 miles on the car,i replice tires and the battery ones and thats it.still drives strong,interior is great,paint like new,not a single squik,overall very vell build.hard to find these for sale,people are not selling them because is good car.would buy new taurus.

• 

  MORE BAN FOR YOUR BUCK - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By COPPEERHEAD - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic large car, nimble for its siz and weight. Large cavernous trunk, perfect for travelling. I dont get tired as easy because of the adjustable seating for the driver. All controls are within eay reach and entry and egress is easier than in most cars. My experience so far has me convinced that Ford is doing something right.

• 

  My First Ford! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Nicci - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Ford and I was very hesistant in purchasing it. First, since this is the last year for Ford Explorer Sports, I felt that the value would depreciate quickly. However, with all the nice features, I wouldnt trade it for anything.

• 

  2004 f150: funtional and ergornomic - 2004 Ford F-150
  By fins - April 5 - 10:00 am

  My new 2004 f150 is an outstanding synergistic design .Both ergornomically and funtionality are met with this one.. You can drive in luxury, take your dogs to the beach and haul around everyones wishlist with one vehicle.. Driver vision is unsurpassed!!!

• 

  Me @ My EX - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Carpenter - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Top notch SUV I love it.

• 

  EB Expedition by CS - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By EB Expedition by CS - April 5 - 10:00 am

  The Expedition was the only choice for our family in the large SUVs class. Compared to the Tahoe, the interior is considerably more friendly and more useful. Power compared to the others seems to be very simial although each writed seems to think it is underpowerd, we dont seem to think it is. Fuel economy observed so far is 14 city 17 hwy. Interior looks and feels great without the "cheap" looks as in some of its compeditors.

• 

  More than meets the eye - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By briggleman - April 4 - 12:20 pm

  The acceleration is great, once you get use to the CVT transmission. It handles like a nS80 Volvo. Gas mileage so far at 24 mpg on my 44 mile round trips to work. Lots of room, wish the front seat went back about another inch. (I am 65") Good head room and I love the adjustable brake and gas peddles. Air bags everywhere, even in the canopy. Facts you need to know. The 3.0 duratec engine is from a Porsche designed 2.5 (Ford bored it out to 3.0) the AWD is the Haldex system from Volvo. Suspension is also Volvo derived from the S80. 0-60 is under 8 seconds. CVT transmission is German designed and built from ZF transmission group. Very underrated car.

• 

  awesome Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By tammie word - April 1 - 2:43 pm

  I previously owned a 2002 Ford Escape XLT and have never been happier with a vehicle. Its the perfect size for a non-truck person. There is plenty of space and the seating is great. I am now the owner of a 2006 Escape XLT Sport; needless to say Id rather be driving my Escape instead of sleeping. The ride is perfect and the new interior design is much more to my liking than the 02. Ford has come up with a winner for years to come!