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 truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By great truck - May 12 - 9:27 am

  my frist truck has been great to me more than enough power and if youre smart you can get 20mpg out of it i love this truck. i had a 6V92 in the back which wieghs 2000 lbs in the box and i drove it 40 miles home

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  owner review - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By proudowner - May 12 - 4:13 am

  Rides and handles well especially on slippery snowy roads. Mileage is better than expected.

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  Awesome - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Happy - May 11 - 8:07 pm

  The title says it all. I LOVE this car! This has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. In nine years of ownership, only one thing has gone wrong: the passenger side door lock has been disabled. This is my second Windstar, as I bought one in 1995. Both were very reliable. These minivans are so comfortable, reliable, efficient, and stylish, that I wouldnt trade one for anything!

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  Pleasing Performance - 2005 Ford Focus
  By T.L. Anderson - May 11 - 11:50 am

  When I went to purchase a new car, I was honestly more interested in the pricing than the actual car. I was used to buying used cars at least 10 years old. By the end of the first month, I was so in love with my Ford Focus that I wished I had made this purchase years earlier. I love the smooth ride, the HUGE trunk space (love to shop) and most of all the 26 miles per gallon (at least) in the CITY! I also love the new clearcoat that comes with the paint job. Even when my car needs washing, it looks sparkling in the sunlight. I will probably trade in my Focus next summer but only for a new model Ford Focus. I am pleased with my purchase and this cars performance.

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  Taurus-Value & Performance! - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Jodi - May 11 - 10:02 am

  We absolutely love our Taurus! We looked at other makes/models and found the Taurus to be a great value for the size and comfort of the car. We recently took a trip and received almost 26 mpg for mixed hwy/city driving. My husband does the maintenance on the car and we have had no problems with it whatsoever. I travel 60 miles a day for work--so, I need a reliable car. I recommend this car to anyone--its roomy for family travels, too.

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  2003 Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dcd - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the smooth, quiet power of the V8. All the EB features are very nice and worth it IMO. At least try one before getting an XLT. So far, gas mileage has been about 16 mpg city and 19 hwy. Only problem (if you call it that) is a slight rattle in the tailgate when going over large bumps.

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  LONG TIME FORD BUYER - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Jim Bustin - May 10 - 2:00 am

  SOME PROBLEMS W/ FORD TRUCKS. HAVE BEEN BUYING FORD TRUCKS SINCE 1974. THE AC TENDS TO HAVE PROBLEMS EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE TRUCK.hAS HAPPENED ON THE LAST 4 TRUCKS. ALSO PROBLEMS W/ THE TRANSMISSION ON THE LAST 2 TRUCKS.

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  New Ford purchase - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By PFP - May 9 - 2:53 pm

  This is this first US auto purchase in over several years. Tranisisition from a Japanese SUV , has been an extremly pleasant experience to date (approx 8K mileage)on the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. The ride quality and reliability has been most favorable and would only improve the current MPS, which aligns with other SUVs in its class (avr. 16 MPG)

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  Go Ahead and Look, U know U want to!! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Robert Bonilla - May 9 - 1:20 pm

  I just purchased my first mustang, she has 78k, and I gotta tell you, the engine matinence fantastic.... I have the Limited Edition, cloth interior, white stripes, modified exhaust (loud),pull down seats....etc....she handles great, shes fast and beautiful, and a 5sp at that. I previously owned a 5sp ZX...and the Mustang LE....just knocks it out of the Park...See one...get one...Im happy I did....zooom ZoOOOM

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  Heavy Duty Smooth Rolling Art - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By All American Muscle - May 9 - 2:26 am

  The Mustang GT is the musclecar buy of the last 40 years! It goes well, stops, idles, and cruises like a dream. It runs on 87 gas and gives all 300 Horses doing it. The car is when driven responsibly the safest sporting car in the U.S.A. The visibility is excellent, the exhaust note is hypnotic. The stock stereo has cheap made in China speakers that sound anywhere from ok to very very poor especially at volume. The a/c is iced cold anytime right away! The ergonomics and controls are sheer simplicity. The retro design of the interior with the satin aluminum package is a work of art. The plastics are thick and affixed very well. The surfaces may appear cheap but they are strong! Wow!