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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  03 Crown Vic - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By JayB - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The new Crown Victoria has several design and mechanical innovations for 2003 that improve its ride and handling, but it will always be what it has always been - a large, traditional, body-on-frame, rear-wheel drive sedan that comfortably transports 5 or 6 adults. It is excellent value for the money it costs, and maneuvers in city traffic more nimbly than one would expect of a car this size.

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  Perfect City Car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By DCdupont - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Great value for the money. This vehicle is perfect for urban driving in Washington, DC...its size and reverse sensing make parallel parking a breeze. Maneuverability in traffic is awesome. Build quality is first rate and on par with the Japanese and German makes. My only complaint is that seating comfort on long trips leaves a bit to be desired. Bought from Academy Ford in Laurel, MD. Dealer sales and service experience has been first rate.

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  fun car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By tmk - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car to look at---fun to drive as well. Lots of power, even on the v6. I have to say that there is one major issue, and it involves the cupholders. They are placed in a horrible spot--behind the gear shifter. So every time you go to change gears, your arm/elbow smacks the cup. I dont know how ford let this one fly.

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  Appropriate for all ages - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Parkway Cruiser - December 26 - 9:31 pm

  Yep, old enough to remember when the first Thunderbird appeared in late 1954. Got my T-bird fifty years later after testing a Z4, Corvette, and S2000. Never fails to bring a smile during sunny days on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fifty years gets you a five-speed shiftable automatic, refined interior, understated lines, and one of the highest-tech V8s on the planet. A daily driver with mileage in the 20s, until you press the loud pedal. Goes fast,fast. Best of all, everything is fixable by your local Ford dealer at Taurus rates. The power top operates easily, with only one latch needed to snug it up. The cloth top is lined and quiet, but it is a shame to drive this car with the top up

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  Just got my 2008 Expedition XLT - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Rags - December 26 - 9:25 pm

  I was looking at getting an SUV. I went and test drove a new 2008 Expedition XLT model and fell in love with it. It rides great and handles like a car. I bought it the same day. I have been getting 12 MPG around town and 22+ when I drive only freeway miles It comes with many great standard features for a base model and has the same engine and transmission as the Eddie Bauer or Limited versions. I also like the looks of this vehicle a lot.

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  Ford is Back! - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By Ford is back! - December 25 - 10:51 pm

  Wow! Is this car a hidden gem, owned it 2 months almost, 3k miles so far. Im so impressed I encouraged my mother in law to drive when car shopping last week. She was sold and traded her 00 Honda Accord. Big on inside but drives like smaller car. Super comfortable, and upgrade stereo and AWD are very nice options. Drive this car and you will see!

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  2016 Ford Explorer Sport - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tim Holt - December 25 - 10:20 pm

  Above the average price of an SUV. I love all the room the driver seat has, and power the sport has. I also love the rear seats that fold on their own. Too much to list.

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  Ford Has Turned it Around! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By carlman - December 25 - 8:54 pm

  Ford has turned it around! After looking at cars for months I found Ford is back and matches up with any car company out there including Honda and Toyota. Great car smooth and quiet. Handling super. Great value and with rebates I think I stole the car. Ford might be the only American car company to survive!

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  Outstanding - 2008 Ford F-150
  By JOG - December 25 - 8:46 pm

  Well my first truck was a 2008 Toyota Tundra with the 5.7 liter, 381hp, I traded the Tundra in for a 2008 FX2 F- 150 SuperCab 4.6liter, the Ford by far in my oppinion is the better truck, I love the smooth quiet ride, steering, the leather captains chair, Ford has been making trucks a lot longer than Toyota, Ford knows how to build a reliable truck, I paid $24,000.00 for a truck that MSRP at $34,500 and it is loaded, Thank God for Ford. Long live Ford trucks. God bless America!

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  MY REVIEW OF THE FORD FREESTYLE - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bob - December 25 - 4:16 am

  My purchase of the Ford Freestyle was consummated in June of 2005. I have been pleased with the performance so far. My previous car was a Ford Windstar van; my wife did not like to drive it. She felt boxed in and did not have good viewing of other traffic. Now with the Freestyle she is comfortable and is ready to drive at any time. My only complaint is driver room. I am 63" and weigh about 230 pounds. I feel a little cramped. The seat needs to go back a little farther and the console feels a bit confining. Otherwise we are very satisfied. I am a little disturbed by Consumer Reports that they always seem to have it in for Ford, saying the reliability is not good.