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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  Crown Victoria reigns supreme - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Broosterb1 - March 8 - 2:13 pm

  Great car! Excellent over the road, high speed comfort. Mine is tricked out, 6 CD, high quality Bose sound, leather, eletronic dash, easy to use auto air and heat, power seats, lumbar, traction control, 4 wheel abs. My last Crown Vic went 167,000 miles. One before that was killed by a drunk driver doing 65, I walked away with out a scratch! Very reliable. Best auto buy on the market. Even better if bought at one year as a low mileage program car.

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  Excellent truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By dale - March 7 - 10:54 pm

  I am the 6th owner and I bought it at 175000 miles. Replaced the rear end and it has been ultra reliable. The truck has been used to tow, haul and off road a lot. I would buy ten more if I could afford it. Its starting to lose a little power but it does have 220000 miles on it and everything works.

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  amazing car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By acemoney0015 - March 7 - 10:46 pm

  This car is really fun to drive. The interior is as appealing as the exterior. I love every feature of the car, from the way it handles around corners, to the built in sub woofer. 151 hp and a tuned suspension and makes driving through the winding mountain roads feel like a roller coaster. And the street appearance package makes peoples heads turn - it looks fast. This was a great investment and the price was just right. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Love this car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By KillyBight - March 7 - 6:56 pm

  LX Sport. Very comfortable ride. Great power. Like the center console shift. nice for downshift braking on hills. Great passing power even with 4 adults

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  Great Value - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Gary - March 7 - 12:32 pm

  I recently purchased this vehicle for my wife and as a family car. Looking for an inexpensive yet comfortable vehicle which is safe and dependable. I recommend this vehicle if you are not looking for a luxury vehicle.

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  New Taurus a hit - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By 76TA89Jeep07MTN08Tau - March 7 - 7:00 am

  Being 6-0" and with two teenagers my wife and I appreciate to full size of this car, along with the great mileage!

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  Unbelievable - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By torinotroy - March 7 - 1:42 am

  A step up from the GT. From the moment I sat in it, I knew I had to have it. This is coming from a guy who owned 2 Vettes in the past! The seat hugs you, the power shocked me. Ive also owned a 1996 Cobra- this thing would maul it. At first glance my car looks like a six cylinder Stang, in fact thats what I thought it was...negative. Also love the fact theres no badges-except for the ponys on the rims and BULLITT faux gas cap on the rear panel. The shaker 1000 sound system is louder than the Bose system in previous cars Ive owned (a big plus for me!). The fact that its 1 of 7000 is reason enough to invest in one, in my opinion, bang for buck, unbeatable.

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  The Best Heavy Duty Family Vehicle Made - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Daniel Jaeger - March 6 - 7:43 pm

  The Excursion is the best vehicle we have purchased. From driving around town, to driving across the country with our travel trailer, this is the best vehicle for people who want a vehicle that seats many people, gets good fuel mileage, is reliable, and is willing to tow anything. My Powerstroke Excursion with Powerservice additive gets 20 mpg city and 25 highway. An Excursion will beat a Suburban anyday. From Towing to reliability, the diesel engine will outlast a Chevy gas 3 to 1. And thats just the beginning. I saw a Ford Excursion towing a broke down Chevy Suburban down I70 in Missouri. The Excursion is the only SUV that can tow 10000 pounds.

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  Fords best car ever made - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Hector Delgado - March 6 - 3:19 pm

  This is car is the best, I have owned 7 dated since the 89 Sc to the most recent 97 LX. I use my car for work, I am a P.I. and have used this type of vehicle for my job. The car is dependable and fast, neither one of the cars I have had have given me problems, do the maintanence as required and the car will last forever. The car has made me money as well, each car I have sold has made me a profit to purchase another like it. This one I have now has all the features, traction control, sunroof and the 17 inch chrome blade stock wheels from the factory. Simply I wont change the car for another unless it is a another T-bird. Thanks Ford for a great car!

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  luv my spotrac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gramma10 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I think over all it is pretty good I wish that it would get better mileage as I do alot of traveling and it is my main source of transportation. It is easy to handle and comfortable riding and alot of room not like other trucks Ive driven. And do I get the looks from younger men when they see a woman driving this vehicle :) It makes me feel good.(incase youre wondering Im in my early 40s and yes I am a gramma :)) I would recommend this vehicle as it has get up and go even towing 2 big Honda Foreman Rubicons be hind it. I cant wait until winter to check out the fun 4wd as I havent had one before.