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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  09 taurus x sel review - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By robert - October 2 - 10:00 pm

  The overall experience with this car is that its adequate. I would rate it better, but for a few glaring shortcomings, mostly associated to poor dealer service, which may not apply to those who have better dealers. The SYNC system is complicated and buggy. Does not interface with certain ipods well. The phone feature has glitches too. Can receive calls but not place calls. SYNC phone reps and dealer cannot figure it out. I dont recommend SYNC. Next problem: half way through model year, Ford changed the oil filter size without notifying aftermarket publications. All books in auto parts stores will direct consumer to get wrong filter if their car was made after 1/16/09.

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  my baby - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By mbs - October 2 - 10:00 am

  the car handles like a dream and the v8 really gets up and goes. the body style is what i really love..it reminds me of the old tbird that my mom had..all in all i love the car!

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  Id do it again - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By John Barrett - September 27 - 6:20 pm

  This car is great for what we needed. Its reliable and gets great gas mileage.

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  XLT - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By Ford Guy - September 27 - 1:29 am

  The Bronco XLT is a great vehicle that is fun to drive on or off road.

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  Nice Truck. But.... - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By pielue - September 26 - 7:31 pm

  I bought it new. 3 times is has just shut-off by itself while I was driving both interstate and in town. Now at 96,000 the transmission went out on it. The motor on the windows is bad and the electric door lock had to be fixed. I am a woman I do not drive it hard or haul anything. I love the room and the fact that it is a diesel.

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  Lots-o-room - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Hutchman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  You can fold down the two outer seats in the second row even with a child car- seat in the middle position! I wanted something with three rows and large towing capacity, but still smaller than a suburban (its got to fit in the garage!)

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  Love it !!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By motownking - September 26 - 10:00 am

  so far it is so good. i bought it for my wife and i try to drive it more than she does. excellent vehicle!

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  I too Have Vibrations in the drive train - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Joseph Dellaccio - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I took this vehcle to the dealer on two or three occassions for vibrations at 45 to 50 mph. They checked front end alignment, tire balance, the vehicle still has the vibrations. I even wanted to try new tires but Ford has refused saying nothing is wrong with the tires or drive train I too am thinking of submitting a request for arbitration under the Lemon Law. I have found that Customer Service from the corporate office, customer service and local dealer to be disgustingly indifferent about my unhappiness in the vehicles ride at those speeds.

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  Nice little truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Lubbockite - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Always runs well, designed with ordinary maint (brakes, oil, etc.) in mind. Very simple to work on. Fun for offroading, but fairly low clearance. Several safety recalls, but no problems under warranty.

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  The Best Truck in the world - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ThugsRus - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have no worries about this Truck. Built ford tough is right. I go driving just for the heck of it. This thing is so awsome. And the girls love it. Im the first person I know to own a 04 Lightning. Now 2 of my buddies are going to get one. Good Job Ford