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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  solid platform and ride. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By dbruneau - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Im driving a 5.4 liter on a extended trip. This is a very refined pickup truck. I was suprised at the intitial assembly quality and materials used for the interior. The sound system is very good and the power train is very smoooth and quiet. Very good ride. Good power, but weight uses up the poneys. No wind noise. Handles well on the turns. Flawless paint and trim. Gas consumption is 15-17mph on the freeways.

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  Martinfans Expedition reveiw - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By martinfan - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Great full size SUV. Handles very well and ride is quiet on most roads.

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  The wifes choice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mike m - May 10 - 10:00 am

  A very comfortable vehicle,good on or off road,great on long trips,and pulls our boat or camper with ease. The interior is very user friendly. Plenty of power in tight situations. I would recommend the Explorer XLT with complete confidence

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  Best economy car on the market - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Stacy - May 10 - 8:30 am

  Ford did a fabulous job at remaking the Focus. I never thought I would buy a Ford, but this car is amazing. This car has great pickup and is not sluggish like some other cars I test drove on the freeway. Several of my friends are considering trading in their foreign cars for a brand new focus. The SE model has tons of features for an incredibly low price. I am so glad that I dont have to sacrifice style and comfort for a low price point.

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  The best vehicle I have ever owned! - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Chuck Truck - May 10 - 12:07 am

  My Ford Explorer is incredible! I have owned it for ten years now! It is a wonderful vehicle. As legend has it "Chuck" was one of the first manual transmission Ford Explorers to come off the assembly line back in June of 1990. The previous owner, a good friend of the family, heard from the dealer that this Explorers manual transmission was hand built. And talk about craftsmanship! With over 200,000 km on him (he was purchased in Canada) he is still on his original clutch! Amazing! Even more amazing considering I learned to drive a stick shift using him! He can haul cartons, kids, groceries and everything in between. And so easy for a do-it- yourselfer to repair!

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  Great economy car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By PWH - May 9 - 9:47 pm

  I bought this vehicle new for the price and MPG. I bought the automatic and the engine has great pick up. No problem entering the freeways in the big city I live in. Ive had this car over one year with not one problem. Great gas mileage and would suggest it to anyone for about any reason. Small but offers big benefits!

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  I still love this car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By juliesincharge - May 9 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my yellow [bumble bee, per my husband] SVT in early May 2004 and have been driving it non-stop ever since. The day "I" drove it off the lot, I did not know how to drive a stick, so my husband drove it home for me. I am now a pro! It is a fabulous car. It still feels new to me. I have had the sunroof motor replace (under warranty), the drivers seat belt (twice under warranty), the clutch petal cover, and the rotors and brake pads at 45,000 miles (for that I blame the Ford mechanics in retrospect, I do not think they needed replaced). There is not another car I want ... until the new model Mustangs come out! Ive read there were only 123 of these made is that true????

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  Fastest Reliable Street Car - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By True American Muscle - May 9 - 11:31 am

  This car is the best in my opioion of the ideal car for the modern age. Mixed in with the best of the muscle of the oldschools. It also has a appealing look to it. And many aftermarket/clubs to get ahold of. It really is a eye- catcher and a rollercoaster at the same time. Its a bit scary going fast until your used to it. Its a perfect learner car because of its safety and airbags which were put in on the 90s models.

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  Buy a Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jackie Grover - May 9 - 11:28 am

  I love this vehicle!!! Have had it for 9 years and I love, love, love this car!!!! I treat it well and it has treated me well for all these years. Ford Explorer is no. 1 in my book. A must buy again, if I could ever part with this one.

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  Quarter Millionaire - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Explored - May 9 - 11:00 am

  Rolling up to a quarter million miles on my Explorer, I cant complain a whole lot. The total repair costs in the last 8 years, since I bought it was $9,108, equivalent to a $95 per month car payment. Ususally there are 2 to 3 repairs per year, about $300 each time. Note that everything went wrong at 175,000, so I spent $3,000 in repairs over 1000 miles (most of that was rebuilding the transmission). The next 60,000 miles were great. At 235,000 another $2,000 in repairs because I messed things up myself (didnt tighten new headlight it fell out of socket and burnt engine wiring and everyting in path). At quarter- million, cracked cylinders - expensive fix >3K, said no. Still good parts