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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  5.4L 2WD EDDIE BAUER - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By KDM - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Incredible full size SUV. I love the style inside and out, only the Navigator looks better. Extremely roomy with the amenities of a luxury vehicle. It handles very well. I feel safe driving it.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By brewmix - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my escape. I have only had it one week, but I love it. I have test drove many but this one takes the cake. It is fun to drive, roomy and very comfortable.

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  A Blast - 2002 Ford Focus
  By USN - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great performance slanted suburban vehicle. The engine /6 speed transmission combination is nearly ideal. The suspension and brakes are even better! You can drive it very fast into corners and off ramps. It is a great second car, but not practical enough for a single car family, with children. I purchased the optional 200 watt sound system, and would definetly recommend that-has a large woofer in the trunk, and 6 disc in dash CD player.

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  St. Louis - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By St. Louis - December 27 - 1:50 am

  Smooth drive, outstanding visibility, lots of room, quiet. Critics say the design is poor. I dont agree with them. The design is very attractive. Hopefully Ford is not listening to the critics. I think Ford hit a grand slam with the 500!

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  Marines Would Rather Drive A FFH. - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By MoTard - December 26 - 9:43 pm

  Im a Marine who drives 100 miles everyday to work. I was in the market for a Hybrid because of that and it was between this, Altima, Camry, Insight, and Prius.. and Im very happy I chose a FFH. The size impressed me immediately, I didnt expect much from a mid-size sedan, a FORD one. Wonderful sparkling black paint. And once Im in, Im impressed by the soft, high-quality interior; And I own a 2001 Infiniti Q45 as well. Saves me so much money and power is most sufficient. A Prius actually coerced me and I left that stupid thing in the dust. Im glad someone made a hybrid that can fit my family, doesnt look stupid. A CAR first + Hybrid.

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  Love this truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Mercedes Owner - December 26 - 3:23 pm

  This is the first American vehicle I have bought since US vehicle quality went down the tubes in the early 80s. I drive my truck on road and off, highway and local, through extremely bad weather (hurricanes) and I have not had a single problem with this truck. Ive hauled lumber in the bed, and pulled single axle trailers with this truck, and it has been great. The sunroof and 6 CD changer has been great, the heated seats are fantastic, and the AC works fine in our 100+ degree summers here. Ford just sent me a letter extending the coverage on the fuel injectors for 10 years....but I have not had any problems. I use premium gas and get oil and tires serviced on time. This is a great truck

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  A solid vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JHarbs - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have driven several Fords over the past 25+ years and none compare to my Sport Trac. I totaly love this truck. I have 2 small children and it handles my family and needs quite nicely. I sometimes wish for a longer bed but I knew how long it was when I bought it right? My wife drives an Explorer also but jumps at the chance to take my Sport Trac every time. The seats are comfortable and the for a V-6 has great power. To every one who read the Consumer Report on the Sport Trac, remember opinions are like armpits. Everyone has them and some stink! Hats off to Ford on the Sport Trac!!!!!

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  Best car so far! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By electricgreen - December 26 - 10:00 am

  So far, out of many vehicles, this is the best. This is not a car for the shy-it gets looks ever where it goes. It doesnt matter what age, or what car they may be driving-just two days ago it got looks from an F-body driver! It is a blast to drive, and comfortable to ride in. I havent had one problem with it so far. The interior has a little to much plastic for me, but I like the set up. The exterior, in my opinion, is much more agressive than the previous body style. All in all, I love this car!

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  my Taurus wagon - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Weshoe - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Taurus Wagon 1 year old with 39000 miles on it. It has performed flawlessly for my family with little exception. The only repair it has needed was to cut the front brake rotors in the 20000 miles driven since I bought it.

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  Awesome first car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Jara - December 25 - 7:34 pm

  I received my Mustang for my first car and I have loved driving it for the past three years. It turns heads, provides the get up and go needed for passing on the interstate and has decent milage for a sports car (averages 20mpg in town and on the highway). I have never had even the slightest problem with the reliability of this vehicle. The only thing that concerns me is that it is totally a warm weather vehicle, in the midwest where we can get a few feet of snow at a time, the RWD and light overall weight of the car just is not safe enough even in town on snow-packed streets. Also, for long drives, even my young back begins to hurt. Even with these criticisms, I still love my Mustang.