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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  Excellent car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By earlbarr - May 28 - 10:23 pm

  I really enjoy driving this car. It handles well and is a very comfortable ride. The gas mileage is very good both in town and on the road.

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  Wow -- why didnt I buy this sooner! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Elexis - May 28 - 6:50 pm

  Ive been a Mustang owner 2 weeks now and wow, asking myself why I waited so long! Jet black V6 premium convertible with upgraded interior (black leather, black top and exterior sports package. Cant forget those side airbags and the active anti-theft for the insurance break. With the new body style it is a head turner from its shiny black exterior to its trippy old style rims. The driving experience is wonderful, hard to put into words really, but you could judge by the big grin on my face each time I drive it. The MPG advertised was accurate; I get about 17 city and up to 25 freeway... the main difference is I WANT to drive it and I take the long way just so I get to drive it more.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Andy - May 28 - 2:50 pm

  The looks and ride are second to none. I drove the Tacoma, and the Silverado before I bought this one. Just cant say enough great things about this truck. I get compliments from neighbors and coworkers. The interior is laid out nicely, with very user friendly controls. I almost look forward to going to work just so I can drive it there.

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  Excellent van - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Tom - May 28 - 1:31 pm

  We are nearing 200000 miles. This van has given us great service. Other than a clock spring, alternator, and a few sensors, this van has performed well. On a long trip fully loaded, traveling at interstate speeds, we averaged near 27 mpg. It has a 4.0 engine, autotrans with overdrive. On highways at 55 mph, we get 29 mpg.

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  So far do good - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Don - May 28 - 10:50 am

  I just got the vechicle last week. And this is my first car. I love the exterior, the face is so cool. Compared cars on the market Ford fusion offer the best deal among the most mid-size sedan. I really like spending time sit behind the wheels. Im a tall guy(6.5),when i sit in the car there still have a lot of room overhead and leg. Personally, I think Ford did a good job on this new 2010 sedan.

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  The Great Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JaLester - May 28 - 8:50 am

  We really love our Escape. It has been nothing short of amazing, and I am so glad we didnt buy something else. The Escape is very reliable, handles great and looks good.

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  2000 Focus SE Sedan - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Stewart - May 27 - 4:52 pm

  I bought this car back in 2005, with 23K Miles on it. It now has 63K miles. I had the coil spring on the driver side snap. In 2007 I had the ingition go out, I wasnt able to turn the key to start the car, that was around $300 to replace. But to be honest, thats the only thing Ive really had go wrong with the car, well.. the paint on the side molding on the pax door came off, I have no idea why, now its just a black strip. Overall though, I would buy this car again, its very well built

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  Cool... - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Arvissers - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Have had many people very interested in vehicle after purchase. Fits my dad with headroom to spare and he is 6- 4"... The only bad things about it is the fuel economy - to be expected - and wouldnt mind a small V-8 in the engine bay. Really make this baby hum. Other than that, I love it. Great SUV/Truck.

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  best car I ever owned - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By stranger 150 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is the best car that I have ever owned and there have been alot of them. This car by far is my overall pick for quality as well as sporty look.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By M. Goodwin - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle for road trips. Three of us drove to Kansas from Virginia and back and all were very comfortable. It sits at just the right height and handling in general is very smooth and easy, especially when cornering.