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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  Best Little SUV Ever - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By FORDMAN - August 18 - 1:23 am

  Ive owned my 2001 Explorer sport since 2003 when I was in college. Since then Ive clocked more than 100000 miles in it. Aside from a trip to the dealer for a bad air flow sensor shes been good to me. Never let me down, always started, still runs like a champ. I love the interior layout, while small I always seem to find room for what Im hauling when I lay the seats flat. Sadly I will soon have to part with her as Im about to have a baby and will need to upgrade to another Explorer (this time the sport trac) to have 4 doors to fit the baby.

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  My Sweet Bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By broncobabe4u - August 17 - 11:57 pm

  I bought my Bronco used at 2 years old. I traded down from a newer vehicle but my test drive sold it. Two weeks after I bought it, I had it at the Silver Lake Dunes and while many trucks were grunting and backing down not making it to the top, I had no problem walking right up. Its never given me any major problems in the 10 years Ive owned it. I get compliments on a weekly basis and offers to sell. It will never happen. Shes getting old but I will continue to drive it with pride until it dies or I do, whichever comes first. Never have I owned a vehicle this long and will never again. Shes the best thing thats ever happened to me and at 200,000 and still going strong, why would I?

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  Heads Turn - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By MMR - August 17 - 10:06 pm

  When I first saw this car online I really didnt care for it, but I must say that up close and personal was a whole nother story. I fell in love. The Fusion is sleek and sporty, my kids love it. I had been driving a 4x4 for years and thought that I couldnt go without it, but I must say I have no problems in the snow. I live in upstate Pennsylvania where we get a lot of snow, and I dont think twice about going out in a storm, handles great. No matter where I go, I am always being asked what I think of this car, people in a parking lot always seem to stop and look. The car is awesome. There isnt another car out there that can give the performance and style for the price.

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Mikey - August 17 - 8:18 pm

  Had the car for just over a month. Love the feel, drive, Sync, well everything about the car. My parents own a Buick and they like the ride of my Fusion better.

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  It outbeat my Saturn SL2 - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By loreen corona - August 17 - 1:56 pm

  All is say is vah vah voom! It is very comfortable. I took a road trip to Palm Springs, 1 hr drive, it didnt feel like 1 hr and I even took my time It was a stress free drive. I had my Sirius radio, sync and cd and thats all I needed. Thanks Ford!

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  Happy thus far - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By SRE - August 17 - 9:36 am

  Less than 1000 miles, but Im impressed. Wanted a fun to drive car and for less than 27K very happy. Have the big wheels and a few more options including the interior upgrade package. Deffinitely handles and feels more like a muscle car than sports car. Tough choice between 2.9 financing and cash back incentives. Suprised at how smooth the ride is.

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  My Millennium Falcon - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By William Blake - August 17 - 12:57 am

  Very reliable and comfortable with traction in deep snow as good or better than my explorer. Around town, less than 40 mph, the electric motors give smooth, quiet, gas free acceleration and all braking refills the battery. Room for the skis, snowboards and boots in the vehicle while seating 4, or on top with room for 5. In 118,000 miles the drivers front wheel bearing has failed twice and the lower ball joints have been replaced once. Other than that the engine/motors and "Continuously Variable Transmission" and body and drive train have been flawless.

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  Great Vehicle. Will Purchase Another - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Dennis B - August 16 - 5:12 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Only problem we have had was the rear air conditioning motor, which was covered by the warranty. We love this thing and it seems to love us and what we put it through. From dirt roads to snow and pulling our boat, it does it all, without difficulty. The only thing replacing our Ford Expedition will be another (EL Version), once were free of payments for a few years.

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  The Bullitt rocks - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By frank bulllitt - August 15 - 11:14 pm

  I love the retro look and Ford did a great job on this style. I drove 1000 miles on a trip to see family and what a dream to drive, the handling is incredible. I thought that with no badges, no stripes, this car would not be a head turner. When I pulled into a gas station, someone asked, Is that the bullitt? I said yes, and all he could say was nice ride

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  My 01 Focus was great, just bought 08.. - 2008 Ford Focus
  By new 08 focus - August 15 - 3:10 pm

  Cant say anything at all bad about my Ford experience with regards to Focus. After owning an 01 since new with well over 100k mi and superb reliability I gladly bought a new 08 Focus and its head and shoulders better than my beloved 01! I havent sold my 01, what does that tell ya. Great fuel mileage and comfort not to mention quite peppy even with smallest 4cyl motor choice. Great car for 1st time buyer as well as older frugal guy like me,