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 Car! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Chandaniwala - March 19 - 5:18 pm

  I have a Mercedes Benz E350, and just bought the Mustang. I can honestly say the Mustang is more fun to drive! Fuel economy could have been better, but the actual fuel costs are lower than the MB, as the Mustang takes regular unleaded (you can make your own comparisons at fueleconomy.gov). Overall, I am very pleased. I am also proud to be driving an American car, and an icon at that.

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  Still a good car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By HHAH - March 19 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this 2000 ZX2 at Sept. 2009, 140K miles, I spent $1800 and another $800 to maintain it, so for so good. I like it

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  I like it somewhat - 1995 Ford Escort
  By i like it some what - March 19 - 2:59 pm

  I have had the car for only a month and the engine ticks and its driving me crazy people say its a wrist pin and then they say its a rocker arm then lifter so I said what ever so Im goin to replace the lifter and I also need to replace the exhaust system to loud but other then that I like it I guess and need to replace the back tire

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  Tailgate Recall - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bob - March 19 - 11:57 am

  They need to recall the tailgate on this model for design defects relating to the crack at the emblem. Dealer says no. If not a design defect, why the design before and after this year include only the glass that would lift. Nearly every vehicle of this type has the crack at the emblem located on the tailgate. Can be fixed to the tune of nearly $800 at my cost.

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  Trust Ford Trucks - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Gil - March 19 - 11:28 am

  I love my truck, rides great. Love the Navigation system, back up camera,Sound system. heated seats & mirrors. Love the leather seats. Only problem that I have with my f-150 King Ranch 4x4 truck is fuel mileage could be better. I get 11 mpg around town and 17-18 mpg on the road. I have owned Ford products all my life. You can always trust ford for making great cars and trucks.

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  Extremely Happy - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By dale1 - March 19 - 10:33 am

  Very good car for the price. Looks great and for a 4.6 L it has great acceleration. The interior could lose the hard plastic but it already did in later models. The transmission should had had 6 gears. The windows do not always go up automatically when you shut the door. I have had no other issues and the quality is very good for a $30K performance car.

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  Best car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By servicechic - March 19 - 9:34 am

  When I saw this car I just had to drive it. Once I did I had to buy it. It feels like a luxury vehicle inside and out. The price for what you get I very acceptable. I think if the salesman can get people to drive this car it will sell itself.

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  Great truck - 1993 Ford F-150
  By green truck - March 19 - 9:28 am

  i bought if off my brother in law in 05, it has the famous 4.9 strait six and at 16 years old it is more reliable then a some brand new cars i have drove. never stranded me and is a daily driver. i see these trucks all over the road as if they never get old.

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  Happy with fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By brad - March 19 - 9:00 am

  The fusion wasnt my first choice, it was a nissan maxima but I wanted to get a ford to make my family happy. Its a really nice car. Reliable, excellent "sharp looking" interior, a ton of options, a little sluggish with the 2.3 but you cant get a 5 speed with the 3.0 engine. I thought mileage would be a little better but Im not complaining. For a guy thats had audis and saabs my whole life. Overall easily a 8 out of 10.

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  "ong lasting - 2002 Ford Escort
  By JACK BLEAM - March 19 - 2:05 am

  Bought brand new back in summer 02 brand new from ac collins dealership. It was fun to drive, loved everything about it too but after about 7 years its time to let go,