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:

• 

  Good Performance - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By mustangboy - January 11 - 6:12 pm

  I love driving this car it is a dream come true. I have loved Mustangs since I was a little kid. I had a 97 v6 but it just wasnt enough so I got this one and it is amazing. Soon it will be able to run with its bigger brother the Cobra.

• 

  I love my 3rd Expedition - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Binder - January 11 - 3:16 pm

  On my third Expedition. This one is a 2WD EL Limited and I must admit I like it better thatn my others, it has a softer ride, feels heavier and is a little better on gas ( maybe the 6 speed ). Only issues are soft shifts but for 18 mpg hwy Ill deal with it. Hope I can afford to buy it after lease and get the Supercharger and chip

• 

  Newby to 4x4s - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Blondy - January 11 - 2:58 pm

  Ive only had my 02 Explorer Limited for less than 2 months but I love it! I went from a 90 Firebird to this. Its like going from a jonboat to a cruise ship. I decied I wanted a 4WD cause of the Nebraska winters. My family is predominantly GMC but they all like it a lot. My husband keeps trying to get me to swap him his 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee for mine. No way! I just like driving it. I dont care where. Who knows, maybe Ill encounter some probs but for now I like it a lot!

• 

  Is Excellent Car - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Rene Cristales - January 11 - 10:16 am

  We bought GL model at 6 y/o w/115,000 on it. I must say it has always been very reliable. Started up every morning. I dont recall it ever breaking down on me. The engine on this is a vehicle. For a van, it has great power. The transmission too, has great power and pickup. My only problem with this van was its A front heating system and ac front system. Interior lights go on, wont go off. A short in the abs system it ding with the key out. I have to punch the steering wheel to make it stop. Slide door dummy light stays on for a while after its closed. But it was a comfort ride with room to spare. Great for a family and the van has 250,000 milles and still working fine

• 

  Love My 09 SE V6 - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By virioncr - January 11 - 12:05 am

  I bought a blue ink 09 v6 se in late Dec 08 with sync and I love the car, and sync. I have about 500 miles on the car and have no complaints at all. The car handles very well after two fill ups i am avg about 20 mpg in combined driving. If you are on the fence about getting SYNC get it. SYNC is amazing and hands free driving is nice as well as being able to use your ipod with the SYNC feature. Take a look at this car if in the market for a similar car.

• 

  Just Love My First Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Mustanglover - January 10 - 11:37 pm

  I first drove a 05 Mustang V6 and after that I just had to own the new style Mustang. My 07 GT convertible is a real blast to drive. Cant decide whether to listen to the exhaust or the 500 watt stereo. Like other comments the gas mileage, acceleration, and handling is superb in this car. This is a true muscle car in my opinion. The 300 HP v8 engine has plenty of power. Mine is the torch red color with the hood scoop option. I get comments all the time about the looks of it. No rattles or problems since I got it new and its just over 2 years old now. Will keep this car for a long time. Paint quality is super on mine. I have keep everything stock on it for now.

• 

  Just the right size SUV. - 2007 Ford Escape
  By John in Kingston TN - January 10 - 9:22 pm

  Ive been shopping for an Escape for a couple years now and finally made the plunge. I was going to buy the 07 new, when I saw the re-designed 08, but it was too late to order one as I wanted a 4x4 with manual 5-speed. Found a clean 07 4x4 stick 17K miles and love it. Very comfortable, excellent visibility. Mileage 23/27, and absolutely fun to drive. Handles great with lots of power for a 4cyl. The 2.3 has 25 years of refinement and it shows - especially with the stick. Interior is basic, but very functional.

• 

  Glad I bought this - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By wiiz - January 10 - 2:19 pm

  I rented a Ford Aspire once and decided it was the car I wanted to buy. Ive had this car 10 years. Replaced a clutch (60K miles), and have had the front end (outer tie rod, and L ball joint replaced just last year. I give it regular oil changes and keep the tires inflated. Except for this last year with the front end work, this has been a dream. 41+ mpg highway, 34 city. Quiet, and small enough to fit into even the smallest parking spaces. The hatch is roomy - its like a clown car on the inside! I can get so much stuff in it its crazy! I can drive in the snow when bigger 4WD vehicles cant. Its 13 (near 14) years old, and I dont intend to get rid of it any time soon. Yay for me.

• 

  Go For It! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By tenderloin - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Focus is a fun to drive, reliable automobile that is AFFORDABLE! Dont listen to hacks that say it is not reliable...build quality has greatly improved over the years and for sometime now is excellent! New larger engine even improves the experience without a drop of gas more. A+++++++++

• 

  Would Purchase Again! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By akireeap - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I looked at other smaller SUVs and this was the only one in the same price range that had a lot to offer, without feeling like the inside was a "fischer price" inside. I test drove a bunch, and the Escape road smoother, less bumpy, very comfortable, and sturdy. It also doesnt feel so "top heavy"