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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  Go test drive one - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By tommybot - February 6 - 7:46 pm

  Get the appearance package. The faux leather seats fool everyone and are quite comfortable.17"rims,lower profile tires are well worth the extra price. Rear spoiler is subtle, not a big wing. Spoiler has led lites. 6cd mp3 radio is very good. No need to upgrade unless youre an audiophile nut! Handling. This is where the suprise is. It is by far the best riding and handling $20K car out there, period. Even more expensive cars cant compare to the ride. My wife says its just as comfortable as any BMW. Getting 29 mpg mixed driving when driving like grandma. 35mpg all highway with cruise set at 65. 25mpg when driving like a typical NJ/NYC person.

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  Fun Factor - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Kilokid - February 6 - 6:14 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 3 mos and I can tell you I love it. I drove a 1998 Lincoln Mark VII before and it just wasnt for me. Im retired and I needed a vehicle that would take four guys with golf bags to the course. Well this Ford Edge is perfect for that. We all sit in comfort and quiet. We can have a normal conversation at 70 mph with having to raise our voice. Two of my golfing buddies drive the Lexus RX 330 and both say their next car will be the Edge.

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  The Best SUV in the market - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By ptyexplorer - February 6 - 11:05 am

  Enjoy the driving of the car. I drive long distance, it is comfortable, excellent acceleration, handling is great. Drives similar to my Mercedes Benz. Great improvement from the previous model. Dashboard is elegant, and instrument panel are easy to read. Great features, such as suede, heated seats, memory seats and on-board computer.

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  Good Vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By James H - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car a year ago and have almost 30,000 miles on it. It has been a very good car and I take it everywhere. Will definitely drive it until it cant be driven anymore.

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  Improved Design and Ride - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bill Stauss - February 6 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have been driving our new 2002 Ford Explorer Ltd. for about 1 1/2 months now. We think it is a winner. The new design in which it rides lower and wider is safer and gives you more control and more of a big sedan like ride. We traded in a 1999 Explorer and have the earlier model to compare it to. We liked the older model, but the 2002 is much improved.

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  Satisfied - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By simsropp - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Love the 3rd row seats. They have come in handy.

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  Mustang kicks *** - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By joey - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a better car in my life. OK, sure, Im a little Mustang bias, since my last car was also a 1991 Mustang, but I wouldnt keep buying the same car if it wasnt satisfying me. The ride is smooth. The power is supreme. The look is dashing. What more could you want?

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  Ford Explorer 2003 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ballestero - February 5 - 8:23 pm

  I have this Ford XLT 4x4 since 2003 and never had to repair anything. I currently have 80,000 and all Ive changed is tires, spark plugs and serpentine belt, oil every 3,500 miles. I can not ask for anything better...great truck. I feel very safe when I have my family with me. I believe that some things happened because of driving style and care of any car. My only problem is a development of squeaky noise in the front end and Ive found what was, nothing of inportance, easy to fix. It is the lower control arm bushing that dries with the weather, WP40 did the job

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  This Ford Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Mindy Mullen - February 5 - 8:57 am

  Bought the truck from Palmetto in Miami, with 20,000 miles on it, untitled, salesmans demo. We are very rough on interiors. (Kids,dogs,motorcycle dirt)and after 120,000 miles it is still in very good condition, no rips. The paint is still almost perfect and very shiny. The seats are very comfy for grown-ups and kids...full back seat. Back seats fold down, some storage behind seats. Good ride. One of the best vehicles we have ever owned.

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  Awesome Truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By PaulThePianoman - February 4 - 6:41 pm

  I bought it used with 30k miles on it. I have 81k now with no problems. I did all the standard maintenance. I hate to sell it but I need I need more seats with a growing family. Was rated a best buy by Edmunds when I bought it and they were right