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 Truck!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Joann Stubbs - May 17 - 10:00 am

  We love this truck, even though it is a little expensive filling up the gas tank it drives like a dream and the entertainment system keeps the little one nice and quiet. This truck hugs the road great...I feel safe when we are taking long trips.

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  2003 GT 4.6 V8 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mustangs forever - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 1987 GT 5.0 V8 that I though was faster 0-60 untill I hoped into this 2003. Lights out the best GT I ever owned. Rides like a dream and handles GREAT. Thanks Ford...keep up the good work!

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  Muscle Car reborn - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By gamessmer - May 17 - 7:56 am

  This is my first American Car purchase in over 20 years, and I am very pleased with my decision. I owned a couple of Muscle Cars in the 60s and loved them despite their many flaws. This car is a true muscle car without the flaws. Comfort, conveinience and power, with a factory warrenty. This is one amazing car for the money. The sad thing is that these wont be available for long. The same thing that killed the original high output V8 vehicles in the early 70s is killing this car today ( oil and its availability and cost). I know that EPA issues were also involved in the 70s but oil was the main cause. So enjoy it while you can!

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  Easy Choice for New Truck...Ford is #1 - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Cole - May 16 - 4:24 pm

  The styling, the comfort, the handling, the ride, the sound system, the power is all perfect for a pickup. I test drove Chevys, Dodges, and the Toyota and the Ford beat them out every time! Best truck by far! The GM products dont even compare in the looks/trim department the Toyota is very cheap looking, and the Dodge wasnt even close to the other three in any category! I spent lots of time driving all of these trucks and easily a simple decision. When it comes to value, comfort, appearance, ride, its hands down the F150. Plus my wife looks great standing next to it!

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  Always gives me a smile - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Adam - May 16 - 12:04 pm

  When the new design Mustang came out in ’05 – I just loved the looks. Well, I decided to build one just the way I wanted, and ordered an 06 GT convertible with every option except the auto trans (how dare you !?) and the 1000 watt stereo (I wanted as much truck space as possible). Well, I love it. The build quality is great. The performance is exhilarating. And it is always fun, fun, fun. A few issues were taken care of by the dealer - he bent over backwards to them make right. The car just works. And looks great doing it. I’m even surprised about how well the resale value has kept up.

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  This SUV rocks and rolls with life - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Dee - May 16 - 11:08 am

  This Ford Escape hybrid is big enough for 5 and is really sporty and comfortable. We travel to Vegas very often in it, and arent thinking we may get stranded in the desert. Its super reliable and gets more than 32 mpg on the interstate! We save more than $290 a month on gasoline with our normal driving habits for family and business. Very cool!

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  Great value/fun car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By T - May 16 - 7:56 am

  This is the best Ford that I have ever owned as far as quality and satisfaction are concerned. We chose it over the 500 and Escape mainly for its tight feel and zip. I wish Ford offered a stick shift in the V6, I would have jumped all over that. The only negative I see is the analog clock in the middle of the dash. Oh well, great car!

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  The little red car that could! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By pickleman - May 15 - 5:21 pm

  Bought this car new, and paid only $10,000! This car has paid for itself so many times over, I ought to build a shrine to it! This is the 4 door sedan, the LX sport. It came with special sport seats with rear headrests and different fabric than the base model, plus a better radio, a wing on the trunk, nicer alloy wheels, spoiler, etc. 170,000 miles with only wear and tear items replaced (belts, engine mount, catalytic converter) the front head light lenses fogged over and replaced, several sets of tires and brakes and oil changes pretty much it!

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  New Ford owner - 2008 Ford Edge
  By jgrau - May 15 - 11:37 am

  First time Ford buyer. Loved the looks, the comfort, the performance. Sat in other SUVs including Lincoln and Lexus, no difference. I actually liked the Edge better. After 1,000 miles, I like it even more. Who knew I would become a Ford believer. What a solid vehicle!

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  Performance - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Bo Baker - May 14 - 10:44 pm

  One great van, one great motor, 178000 miles and going strong. Will clean it up, put some new mats in it and keep it for another 12 years.