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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  WATCH OUT! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By baby - July 21 - 11:31 pm

  After having my Expedition for 1 year I was driving down the road and it went completely dead. I almost got hit from behind. I went to start it up while in my garage and it wouldnt start. I have had this vehicle towed 2 times. I am scared of it. After driving down the freeway and having it just go completely dead with no power I am going to trade it in on a foreign suv. I cannot see out of the right back side you are almost completely blind while you are driving it. It is really fun to drive and I hate to trade it in but I do not think it is dependable. The gas mileage is terrible it cost me $54.00 to put premium in it. I have to fill up every week and half. DonÂ’t work. Stay at home.

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  I Love my Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By John - July 21 - 8:14 pm

  I have had my Explorer for six years and have not one thing go wrong with my truck. No rust, but I always keep it in my garage when not in use. The only thing that I dislike is the harsh ride when not carrying any load in it.

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  2006 ZX5 SES Hatchback - 2006 Ford Focus
  By whicker - July 21 - 2:24 pm

  I love this car. Traded in my Sport Trac to get something easier on gas. I love the way it drives and for a 4 cylinder, has great acceleration...more than I had expected! Its fun to drive.

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  transmission problems - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By meetball1 - July 21 - 4:19 am

  I purchased my 07 FFH SEL in April of 2012 with 33,000mi on it, and I have noticed that the tranni slips when I accelerate from a complete stop, or from 1-2mph. But not all the time. Most of the time its a nice ride. I have to treat her like a baby. And now at 54,000mi they are telling me I need to replace the brakes. I just got this car less than a year ago! I had to sell my F150, because someone hit me from behind and sheered back the steal back bumper. So I got rid of it . But it was a beautiful truck, except I had to replace the transmission at around 95,000-98,000mi. on that one. I have read that ford overall has had tranni problems though. I should have known to check the FH.

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  WANTING MORE - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By WILSON - July 21 - 2:00 am

  SINCE THIS WOULD BE FORDS HALO CAR I WAS HOPING FOR MORE STANDARD EQUIPMENT AND BETTER BUILD QUALITY

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  My little yellow school bus - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Maynardd - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Great Handling, Excelent milage, Fun to Drive, Economical

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  Could Be Better Customer Service - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By SulleySundance - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I had a Chevy Suburban for 10 years and loved it. Purchased a nearly new 2000 Ford Expedition, and missed the cargo room and the third passenger seating right away! We test drove and searched for the right vehicle for 5 months!! I was going back to the Chevy Suburban or Tahoe and realized the brakes have not been impvoved, as the Ford Brakes stop on a dime! No spongy feel! I also liked the idea of having my cargo room when needed, and my third passenger seating for my family who are 62" and need the leg and head room to ride comfortably! Excellent selling point for Ford as Chevy has yet to address those issues.

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  Car is really fast - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By circpro - July 20 - 1:56 pm

  I test drove many other sport convertibles, but liked the ride of the Mustang best. I would have picked the Honda 2000, but it is so tiny, you better be 135 lbs and 55". The Nissan 350Z was nice, but you feel every bump in the road. This car is great except the quality of the interior for the price. I had an F150 Lariat, and the interior quality was far better equal price. The leather seats are very nice, but at 510" I find my knee resting against the center console. The stereo is outstanding for a factory unit, but I could tell no difference in the quality between the Shaker 500 and the 1000 even though the 1000 comes with a sub in the trunk.

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  AWD Eddie Bauer 4X4 - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By GLScott - July 20 - 12:57 pm

  Big powerful SUV that can tow a boat and take the kids to school. A bit tall for kids in car seats (hard to buckle standing outside the SUV) but teens have no problem. Handles well in snow, rain and dry. No problem passing or getting up to highway speed. AWD hurts fuel mileage but 4X4 is nice for deep snow and any off road drive. Running boards and lower ground clearance are not well suited for serious 4X4 off roading. Should use running boards when exiting the SUV or pant legs can get mud/dirt on them.

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  This is it! - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By Whattup - July 20 - 11:43 am

  To me this really is the best of the Mustang designs (Fox). This my 3rd mustang. Had an 86 V6 convertible, 88 GT Hardtop - but too many tickets forced me to get a T-Bird. Found this 93 on a car lot late one night and bought it the next morning. This car turns heads like no tomorrow - it is teal, replaced the white top with a black top, switched out the headlights, tail lights, and exhaust. Also switched out the alloy pony wheels with chrome. Am always getting offers to sell and folks not believing it is 13 years old. This car is awesome, fast, and I will have it forever!