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:

• 

  n/a - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Tatiana Hargrave - May 30 - 4:04 am

• 

  I love my Edge - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Dani in NY - May 30 - 12:55 am

  I have been driving my Ford Edge Limited since March 09, and all I have to say so far is that I Love It!! The main reason why I picked it over the other vehicles I was considering was the technology package. You get so much more for the money compared to other vehicles. The exterior designed is powerful and I love the way it drives!

• 

  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Tom W - May 30 - 12:36 am

  Bought from old friend with only 88k last Sept and have logged almost 20k in ensuing months. Worst snow in NW Oregon in years and it soldiered through it, 34 miles each way, to work and back. Jeeps and other SUVs were in the ditch and on their sides, me and my Explorer just drove on as though we were inpervious. Im a big guy, 64 215, and I fit perfectly in the car. The leather seats are comfortable enough althought the drivers is starting to sag. All the electrical is fine except the rear wiper which was a problem during the bad weather and the drivers door lock is frozen, but the auto lock still works fine. Paint and overall appearance is very nice still. Grey/ grey leather. Love it!

• 

  LOVE IT - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Dave - May 29 - 10:05 am

  I had a Mercedes R350 with all the options, and I drove the Flex and looked at the price and said what the heck am I doing driving a Mercedes, I returned the Mercedes 5 months early to get the Flex, I could not find the SEL with leather and Nav, so I settled for the SE and will install the Nav. Best bang for the buck bar none! THANKS FORD!!

• 

  Love the Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Marcoroo - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The car is really fun to drive. The styling is simply beautiful. Comfortable seats, but there could be more head room. Im lucky if I get 15 mpg in the city, but then Ive got a lead foot. No one will beat it once the light turns green. Highway milage is a respectable 24 mpg. Interior storage space is dismal. The storage areas are just too small to be really useful. The raddio and AC area is a little busy with many small buttons, but works well. A couple of trim pieces (lower side of drivers seat and base of parking brake) came loose, but the dealer fixed them at no charge.

• 

  Fantastically built and fun to drive - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Bart314 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The Focus ZX3 is an astonishing little car. It is light and nible and relatively powerful and the interior design and ergonomics are the best of any small car. Sometimes while driving to work I see BMWs and think how close I came to buying a cramped ZX3 and how much overally pleasure I get from driving my sporty Focus with its sunroof.

• 

  Fabulous Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By danielle71 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is very reliable, sporty and fun to drive. Its a great car!

• 

  Great SO FAR!!!! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Moonbeam - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Alot of comfort,and I dont feel over powered by its size.Silver birch is a great color.Handles much better than 2002 sport model but would have been nice to get an extra $1000 rebate but I just missed it.I like the back tail gate set up,top part opens with just a click on the key.Smooth ride,no wind noise alot of room but if your over 6"3 center consoel is to wide and you hit your right leg on it.I think change holder should slide out at the push of a button but you have to open the center to get the change.New saftey features saved on insurance.All and all I am very pleased and I will enjoy my new ride.

• 

  ford truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Donnie Bramlet - May 29 - 2:00 am

  this truck is awesome and fast

• 

  the other truck guys are in trouble - 2004 Ford F-150
  By happy ford customer - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Just one of these to understand how technology and design improves the breed. I liked my old 2000 lariat 4wd, but this truck just blows it away in every department. Even my Chevy friends are enthusiastic about it. The ride is amazing, as is the nice firm seating. And so quiet you cannot believe youre traveling at such speed. If youre buying a truck, any truck, youre a fool to not look at the new F-150 .. if only to understand what a truck can be.