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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  96 Probe GT - 1996 Ford Probe
  By bill - April 3 - 4:02 pm

  My GT was bought new. Have had little problems outside normal maintenance. Had to have a new engine put in at 187,000 miles, thats right 187,000! Due to a teenage driver not checking oil. The car now has 210,000. I have a 5 speed, be nice if it was a 6 speed.

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  Great MPGs, Fun to drive - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Bailey - April 3 - 1:44 pm

  This car has excellent fuel economy and is so much fun to drive. For being a four cylinder its pretty zippy and definitely stylish. Great car for work, school, or play. Definitely worth the money.

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  What a beautiful car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Scott Purvis - April 3 - 11:36 am

  I just bought my 2006 Mustang GT. This is an amazing vehicle. Mine came with an after market intake and Ford racing exhaust. These two mods make a huge difference to the performance. I would highly recomend them. I can say I get looks from everyone when I drive by. The fuel milege is pretty good for a V8 with 300HP. The Shaker 500 stereo is very good for being stock. The only thing that I would like to see is a more race inspired bucket seat in the front. Other than that wouldnt change a thing.

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  Best new car I have ever owned! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By smily720 - April 3 - 11:20 am

  Ive only owned it about 3 weeks now. But have yet to find anything that I DONT like about it! Its an awesome car. Beautiful stylish family car. I actually had someone in a BMW at a red light next to me ask, "is that the new FORD FUSION"? He said, "awesome looking car"! I would recommend it HIGHLY!

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  Great truck - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rudi - April 3 - 11:10 am

  This is a great truck. The only problem weve ever had with it was after 2 years we had to replace the alternator, and a few months ago we put a bad tank of gas in it and it ran badly, but once we got fresh gas, it runs great. Pretty peppy, even with the 4.6l v8.4wd works great. Tires stunk, replaced with Michelin xlt. Interior is nice, and roomy. Got a nice ford 9.75" rear axle and a ford 8.8 in the front sweet. Could use a cv joint in the rear driveshaft instead of the u-joint, but no biggie. Can handle mild off roading pretty well. Just hit 44,000 miles, still running great. Towing is fantastic.

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  Very Happy - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By MC1 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  We love this SUV. Enough room for the whole family, comfortable on long trips, great interior design and finish, easy to drive, incredible turning ratio, comfortable seats, impressive sound system and comanding view of the road. MPG on highway got up to 19.5. We are very happy with this purchase. Way to go Ford!

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  Mach On - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mach Man - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Car is a blast to drive, the Torch Red with the shaker are attention grabbers.

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  I Love!!!! my 35th anniversary mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By catwoman - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2000 35th anniversary special mustang GT Coupe. We purchased everything extra. This car is loaded. I love it. I have never had to have it serviced to date. I love driving it. Wouldnt change it for the world.

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  Great truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By ckbass - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful truck! Very capable! Really do like the look and improvements for 2004.

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  king of the road - 2003 Ford F-150
  By nathan25 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I owned a silverado prior to buying this truck and the ford wins hands down. More room, comfort and capability makes up for what little difference there is in performance. My wife steals it at every possible opportunity.