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:

• 

  I miss this car - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By galexe - November 5 - 9:05 pm

  I really miss my car. Someone just hit and ran me in a head on collision. It looked like a small fender bender but after the mechanic looked at it they said the bar the transmission is attached to really bent. Making this car totaled. I am so sad. I loved it. Bought it new and drove it for 10 years. Would have lasted forever had this not happened. And it was beautiful. I like it much better than the newer models. Sad, sad, day for me.

• 

  Never a problem - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Richard - November 5 - 5:56 am

  I have purchased 3 Ford Explorers since 2002 and have not had a problem with any of them. They are by far the best autos I have ever owned. I plan to buy new ones when these are 4 years old. Just super autos. All three autos are still working super.

• 

  Excellent Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Carm - November 5 - 12:00 am

  Very nice truck, well designed. New front end. Like the design from the side view. Very roomy inside, enough for six people. Nice ride. Handles the road real well. I have full power seats, windows locks, power mirrors, and even a power rear sliding window, signals in the mirrors, 4.6 motor. Gas mileage could be a little better, I guess, for this size truck. 13 mpg. city and about 17.5 mpg on highway.

• 

  Ford is overlooked - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Greg - November 4 - 3:06 pm

  Low wide and fun to drive, SEL 6/6 speed auto smokestone, leather, moon/tunes pkg. Highly recommmend driving the Fusion before any mid size sedan purchase, 0% 60 months wow

• 

  Still the best little trucks made! - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Gordo16 - November 4 - 12:41 pm

  I have had my latest Ranger for 11 months, now. Averages about 31 MPG on highway trips even going through all of the traffic-jams on I-95 through CT, NY and NJ. My last Ranger was a 1993, which I gave to my son and he is still using it to haul heating-wood. The other brands are more luxurious, but if you need a tough little truck ( not a car with a box stuck on the back) Ford still builds the best. Its probably why the Ranger Plant is staying open, a while longer. Good luck finding another pickup that actually gets over 30 MPG.

• 

  Perfect - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dazziegirly - November 4 - 12:20 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Expedition due to gas prices. I drove the 500 and it was amazing. Feels like I am still riding high. Plenty of room for my sams club shopping. I feel like I am driving a very expensive car. I lowered my payments over $100 a month.

• 

  American Value! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Johann - November 3 - 5:13 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used nearly 2 years ago, with 50,000 miles. No problems at all with this van. 20mpg, powerful engine and tows our folding camper with ease. The kids love it and we all appreciate how comfortable it is to drive, for short or long trips. Test drove the Sienna, but when we asked about its ability to tow our large folding camper, the toyota salesmen told us not to buy the Sienna. We have considered buying a new SUV, but we cant justify it. This van does everything well and costs nothing to own. Best value out there and solidly built. Way to go Ford!

• 

  I love this Crossover! SYNC! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By yardiegirl - November 3 - 12:26 pm

  This is just too cool! I really like the exterior design. I chose the cloth interior. Its not as soft or nice as it could be but, it looks durable and they are comfortable. I would recommend the interior/exterior insurance package if you get the cloth seats. Im loving the SYNC! It was easy to program and it downloaded phonebook from my cell in less than a minute. It was easy to plug my Ipod in and it charges. The Sirius satellite is nice but, I dont really need it. The sound system is great! The space is great. The drivers side window is auto up and down. Parking is too easy with the Reverse Sensing System. I love this crossover!

• 

  Best - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By fh - November 3 - 10:00 am

  FORD RULES, this is the best thing anyone can get from any dealer or model its the best ever

• 

  The Ford Excursion Limited Rocks~!!!!!! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By RLR8682 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Ford hit the nail on the head with the Excursion. From the Homelink to the tough truck look, V-10 power and torque, heated mirrors and seats, power outlets, shift on the fly 4- wheel drive,rear heat and A/C, leather interior, DVD entertainment system, 45 gallon fuel tank, back up alarm, towing ability, six disc CD player, cup holders and interior roominess the Excursion Rocks~!!!