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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  love it - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By jniggy - October 21 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive. i want an entire collection of mustangs now

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  Perfect Balance - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Greg - October 20 - 11:42 am

  This car is a great fit for me. I am 62" and yet have sufficient head and leg room. I have two children, and we all can fit. It is economical to operate, but still has a great Fun Factor. It is stylish, but also practical. There are cars with more economy, but that are no fun to drive. There are cars with more horsepower, but are significantly more expensive (and how much power can you realistically use before you get in too much trouble). This car, for me at lease, provides the best of both worlds, and it is disappointing that Ford discontinued this type of production.

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  Very Nice Car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Sniperlg - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This SE Taurus is the second Taurus we ever own. We bought it at very reasonable price. In 2 1/2 years we have absolutely no problem. It is preppy and nice ride. We have leather seat, all power and moon roof. You cant complain for what we paid. I strongly recommend this car for its value.

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  So far, so good. - 2003 Ford F-150
  By C9 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Wife loves it and in fact it was her choice of vehicle over a 4 door car. I like the good road manners and the good performance as well as handling. Keeping in mind that its a truck, but it does handle well. Remains to be seen how its going to work out for towing a 3600# trailer, but hauling the - car - trailer empty (1200#) it seems like its not even there. It has the 5.4 engine. One improvement I would like to see, assuming there is room would be a well in the rear floorboards that would be an on-board permanent toolbox. All in all though, were very pleased with the truck. Especially wifey. Shes finding it difficult to share....

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  Lariat F150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Bob - October 20 - 5:23 am

  I wanted an upgrade from the 1995 basic F150 I traded in. I feel good riding in it, looking at it, washing it and getting numerous complements. I plan on keeping this one longer then the previous truck.

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  Darn good car!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By focuslover - October 20 - 2:16 am

  I have not had any problems with this car. It looks sporty, and I have even had a guy ask me if it was a BWM! The car doesnt rattle and squeak when I go over bumps or anything. I have the Zetec engine and it is very quite!

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  Great Buy - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Richard Awad - October 19 - 11:29 pm

  Yes, acceleration has some noise, and the road bumps arent absorbed as nicely as my Explorer, but I just took two long trips, over 1,000mi combined, set the cruise on 57 and get 31.6 mpg. Car is well maintained, clean filters, oil, etc. New Michelins as the Pirellis were loud and awful. I know that Im not driving a Lexus, so some things are to be expected, but 31.6 makes me accept a few flaws. Near 20 city (never accelerate over 2000 rpm, dont rush to the next red light, etc) and mid 20s overall. Plenty of cargo space, handles very well on tight turns, no sway, holds the road well, has good acceleration, a bit weak when you ask it for more on the highway. A real nice car thats underrated.

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  Ultimate Cool - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Andy S - October 18 - 11:43 pm

  If you want drive a car that is fun and fast, this is it. Ford hit it perfectly with this car.

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  It doesnt stand for fix or repair daily - 2008 Ford Escape
  By MoRich - October 18 - 10:36 am

  I thought I would never go back to American made cars again. I had a 2001 CRV until the trans died a few months ago. The Escape is rugged looking, sits higher, has a very smooth ride and fun to drive. It has a lot of interior room. Lots of head room and a quiet ride. Love the crome grill and the the keyless doors and back latch. Just gettting 18 MPG in city so far. Also brakes are a bit soft. Hope that will improve. Really enjoying the car.

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  I love my car - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Tracy Riggin - October 17 - 11:17 am

  I find myself looking out at it or taking quick glances at it when I am at home...I researched a long time to locate the car I wanted, and I found it. at firs,t I didnt care about the color because I would have been happy with a few other choices, but the color is actually one of the things I like best about it. I chose a dark, sparkly pewter color. It looks understated and classy. The other thing I adore about it is the quiet drive. I can shut everything out and just drive...awesome!