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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  2009 Expedition Limited - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By RajaReMax - January 19 - 7:24 pm

  I bought the new 2009 Limited Expedition 1 week ago and love it. The power, luxury and features are all wonderful. I compared the Tahoe, Sequoia & Expedition and without any question, the Expedition was the best value and most luxurious of them all. The Tahoe drove & sounded like my dads 1976 Caprice Classic from 33 years ago and the mechanics seemed about as old... The Sequoia looked and felt like a huge grey elephant, although had the typical Toyota quality feel to it. The Expedition had it all and was the best when it came to power, luxury and comfort. The 2009 Nav/Sinc system, stereo, and complete list of amenities was unbelievable, not to mention it feels solid as an LS430!

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  Seems good so far - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Leon - January 19 - 4:46 pm

  I had the car for about a month. Bought it from an elderly lady. Took excellent care of it. Rides very smooth and have no problems and has a quick V6.

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  Experience With New 2008 Ford Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Rom Buescher - January 19 - 11:20 am

  In nearly 11,000 miles, I have found the car to be excellent. With 60 yrs, +900,000 miles, of driving experience in all makes of automobiles, I consider it one of the best cars I have ever purchased. It is comfortable, roomy, quiet, smooth, reliable, safe and peppy. I get >27 mpg hiway, 23.3 overall & Im not a slow driver. Appearance - very good, finish - superb, both in & out. Im baffled how your review can be so negative. I disagree with almost every rating, e.g. brakes are not mushy. I find them to be quick & very effective. Same for steering - precise with litle body roll & stable on all road conditions.

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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By firecrew1 - January 19 - 10:00 am

  I have the Street edition in blue. I havent had any problems and now have 17000 miles.

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  How I out smartad the Mother Nature - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Kay Jay - January 19 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 97 ranger (2wd) and it was a great car.So I Sold my old Ranger to my boss and pechased a new one ,well I love it. It gose through snow ,rain,mud, gravle and ice greatly and fast.

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  An awesome car overall - love it! - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By csports786 - January 18 - 11:50 pm

  I got this car about a month ago and have been thoroughly impressed so far! I went with the limited edition one and Im very happy I did--the navigation is one of the best in the industry, not to mention to helpful fuel economy screen and Sirius information. I believe Im on my 4th tank of gas, and my last one got 31.5 MPG overall. You can cruise to 40 MPH on electric if you dont accelerate too hard, and the Econ AC is a huge plus. One problem is the interior design--the doors are made of cheap looking plastic material that gets scuffed easily. But dont let this fool you, the car is amazing, and if you hurry you can still get a pretty nice tax credit that helps offset the hybrid premium.

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  Chicks love the new mustangs too! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Regina S - January 18 - 8:36 pm

  I love my new Mustang! Its the first new car i have ever bought, so the Mustang was a perfect choice. I have only seen 8 other Mustangs like mine on the road, so everyone I pass looks at my car. All my friends are jealous, and I dont think Ford could have done a better job remaking the classic Mustangs we all love. The 2005 Ford Mustang is the best model since 1972! Any woman who isnt afraid of horsepower should buy this car; you cant beat it, on the road or off!

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  Great SUV - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By Happy Okie - January 18 - 10:32 am

  I love this SUV. Great steering and control. Very easy to drive. Impressive interior design and great looks. Very smooth and quiet. Love it.

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  The Beast - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By MikePineapple - January 17 - 6:20 pm

  Ive owned my Thunderbird now for almost 8 years. Actually bought it off a brother in law in need of some quick cash. Has been used as a daily driver to and from work now ever since. Now keep in mind I dont really keep up with this car, its just pretty much get up and go. Ive taken it on long trips to several towns and could honestly say Ive only changed the oil on it about twice since Ive owned it. It rattles(suspension) and drinks gasoline like a beast but Ive grown very fond of this car. This year was actually planning on selling it but instead have decided to give it some TLC and repaint the car. This car doesnt ask for a thing, and even if it did. Id bet itd keep going till it exploded.

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  A nice surprise - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Lisa - January 17 - 1:16 pm

  We were down to the wire for a new small SUV. We test drove the Freestyle first. We test drove other SUVs after (CRV, Element, Mazda Tribute, etc.), but they paled in comparison. We did nothing but talk about the Freestyle for a month before we bought it. It is a lot of fun to drive. So far, it does great in the snow. I am surprised not to see more of this vehicle on the road. Ford needs to get the word out how great this SUV is!