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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  Unique Vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By kevin639 - April 19 - 10:43 am

  Very nice five passenger SUV with the ability to haul a small about of materials. Get the tail gate extender and soft bed cover - well worth it. Only draw back is the gas milage - 18 mpg.

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  Best one yet - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tom - April 19 - 6:16 am

  Having had 2 previous Explorers, this is by far the best. Ride quality and handling are much improved with the new platform. The v-8 gives it a needed power boost and seems to do as well as the 6 cylinder on mileage. The interior is outstanding as well as the new exterior design.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By Ed - April 18 - 6:55 pm

  I love this car. I needed space for the car seat for my new baby so I was looking for a mid to full size sedan. I actually purchased a Ford Fusion, but when I got home, I noticed that the space for the baby car seat was not adequate. So I went to the dealer and changed that vehicle for the Ford Taurus, and I am pleased that I did so. I looked also at the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 and Hyundai Sonata. But none of them come close to the Taurus in terms of the combination of interior room, price, reliability and options.

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  What you would expect. - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Rick - April 18 - 9:20 am

  Right now the deals on these are unbeatable. For the price you need to pay to get into one of these there is nothing out there that can touch it. It has an average-above-average rating as a mid-size SUV at a small car price.

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  Follow Up - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Family Man - April 18 - 1:46 am

  This is a follow up report from 6/11/05. Just got back from sunny California. The trip from WA was a joy. We pulled 28 mpg and a low of 18 in stop and go (the 405 in LA stinks) with the A/C on most of the time. I had the window tinted in LA (35%) and that made the comfort in side even better. My teen age kid had no problem with some of the I5 drive back. This is a nice family car. The car now has 4500 miles on it.

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  Still Getting My Moneys Worth - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By WNYFordGuy - April 17 - 1:42 pm

  My Dad recommended it because of the rebates/incentives/Z-plan discount. I was sold on the 3rd-row seat and very smooth ride. 52k miles later, I havent been disappointed - its been great for hauling kids/equipment to sports events, camping trips, and my short commute to work on our rough winter roads. Its interesting to read the other reviews - how can you complain about fuel economy (I get 15-16 MPG) when you run a heavy SUV with a relatively powerful 4.0 V6? I have no qualms about the tranny (though it whines in extreme cold at certain RPMs), even if it clunks into reverse occasionally. I agree that the rear hatch trim is lousy. For what I paid, its been a pretty good value.

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  Nice ride - 2008 Ford Escape
  By smemch - April 17 - 10:30 am

  Got everything we wanted for $5k less than Toyota or Nissan. Very impressed with it so far. On a recent trip to Tennessee we had no problems at all and were very comfortable for the 3500 mile trip.

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  Crossover - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By acmpam - April 17 - 9:30 am

  This vehicle replaced our 02 Expedition. We have doubled our fuel mileage and seem to have gained room for the occupants. Shopping can now be accomplished without folding down the third row seats (Expedition). Living in a hilly terrain the engine size is just right (not the fastest on the road but considering mpg just right). Ford has a winning vehicle with the Freestyle which we feel is a better buy than the Cadillac SRX .

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  Great car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By J alsl - April 17 - 5:43 am

  This is my first car it is a great car its winter and i live in the country and it does great! Its a 5 speed with a Sunroof that opens with a crank it runs and drives great and easily shifts. I got it with 94k and it has 95k great car!

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  BUY AMERICAN - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By PDB - April 17 - 2:00 am

  XLNT PERFORNABCE ON FIRE ROADS.....AND HILL CLIMBS