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 looking and fun to drive - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mark - December 12 - 6:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle for my wife and she loves it. The new chrome wheels, step bars and roof rack really set it a part from the others. Gets lots of looks, and has the upgraded stereo that sounds great. Best sounding radio I have ever heard in a factory Ford. Had my doubts about the V-6 but it has plenty of power, although if I was going to do much pulling I would go with the V-8, but only 20 or so horse power difference. All the power the wife need to carry the baby and groceries.

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  cant complain yet - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By sean - December 12 - 12:40 pm

  The 05 is my second Crown Vic. I had a ‘93 with 158,000 on it when I sold it to a friend and it’s still running great, I love the cars, I love the space, I love the way they drive, I love the looks I get Im 28 and people don’t know what I’m doing in that car. They are very commanding and posh cars. If I get the mileage out of the new one I got from the old one with the reliability of the old one I’ll have no problem spending $31,000 on another one,

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  Buy American - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Mr. Smith - December 12 - 9:44 am

  I have been on light but rocky 4wd roads in Colorado, cruised the interstates 12-16 hours a day, up and down ice, snow, mud, sleet, rain, 0 degrees to 105 degrees with this 2wd machine and it drives like a dream and is still a beautiful red that looks like it came off a showroom floor. This baby has over 110,000 miles and will outlast any foreign SUV. Ford meant it when they said their trucks are built Ford tough. That means SUVs too. Best auto Ive ever had and I have had a few good ones.

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  Great Value - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By banjo - December 12 - 9:23 am

  I dont know why everyone doesnt buy one of these. Theyre the best value on the market right now. Ive always driven Camrys but for about half the price of a new Camry I can have a larger, safer car thats very reliable and probably cheaper to fix when things do go wrong. Dont get me wrong, this is a very basic car without the fun factor of an Accord or Acura but if youre just trying to get to work every day, get groceries or take a weekend trip, this baby will start and get you there every time and with a fair degree of comfort and safety. These babies show up in bunches at local dealers from the rental companies and they sell quickly. Go get one and save ten grand.

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  Elvira - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By pitbeagle73 - December 11 - 8:09 pm

  As soon as I got a glimpse of the 2006 Mustang GT I knew that I would have one, all I had to do was find one that was black on black. Well, that proved to be harder than anticipated. It took more than a year but we found a dealership that would allow us to build the car of our dreams. I picked Elvira up on Oct 2nd 2005 and she has been loved every day since. We drove her from Ohio to Florida in pouring rain without any trouble and surprising gas mileage. She is garage kept and stored as soon as snow threatens to fall. Our only complaint has been the cupholder position and trouble finding quality after market parts such as the shaker system that my husband suprised me with this past birthday

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  Ford Edge SEL - 2007 Ford Edge
  By ELR - December 11 - 3:06 pm

  My Ford Edge is the best car I have owned. On the road, I get between 24 and 27 mpg when driving 65. I have not had one problem since I purchased the car. Ford has improved the quality and reliabilty of their cars.

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  Great Ford! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Jonathan - December 11 - 10:06 am

  I love the looks of this Ford Wagon design. It doesnt seem to age. The Gold color has grown on me, and now i like it. The car is reliable, excellent in all weather conditions (especially snow). Tons of room for kids, dump and coming home from Home Depot. Roof rack works excellent. It runs smoothly, I aways feel in control, has plenty of power when I need it. Im bummed Ford no longer makes the wagon! Id buy another in a second. Id hightly recommend this wagon!

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  Love It - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By toledo diver - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Lots of room and comfort, surprising how well it handles. Classy with a touch of sport.

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  Awesome - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By christian - December 10 - 10:16 pm

  I bought the GT Premium with all the upgrades. The 1000 watt System is awesome, although the 6 disk is a little confusing to load. The horsepower is great and I find it hard not to want to really hit. The interior is very nice, although my leg tends to hit the center column and I am a small person. The trunk is very large, even with the Speaker box. I love this car and have owned a 1967 fastback, 1990 convertible and now a 2005 and the 2005 is the best yet. Hope you enjoy........

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  3 Year Review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mr. Rick - December 10 - 2:11 pm

  I have owned this Expedition for 3 yrs and it now has 61k. Overall I am happy with my Expedition especially when the weather here in Michigan get rough. The biggest improvement I did was replacing the OEM Continental TRs with Michelin LTX A/Ts a few thousand miles ago. I wished I did this years ago. It makes the Expedition ride like a completely better vehicle. I would also definitely recommend buying a extended warranty for any issue that creeps up. Ive had to have the rear end rebuilt (whining), a brake caliper replaced, a transfer case leak fixed, lower ball joints replaced, & an idler pulley replaced. These were small nuisances but Ive seen worst from other makes and models.