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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  Glad that I bought the 08 Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By jcwilliamsjr - December 23 - 3:50 pm

  I have had my Focus for about six weeks and already have over 3000 miles. I am very happy with the decision to purchase this car. Fuel mileage is over the Ford rating and at times is bumping the 41+ mpg and is a fun car to drive. Great car by Ford for the money it can not be beat. I looked at the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra prior to buying the Focus.

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  2001 Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By cookfr - December 22 - 7:43 pm

  Handy vehicle for family use. Seats 5 and can haul quite a bit.

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  Happy with the Eddie Bauer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ExplorerMom - December 22 - 10:48 am

  193,000 miles so I am not complaining! Second Explorer and the first got this same type of miles - just change your oil regularly. Some problems with the rear hatch - glass struts were recalled. Hatch cracked and was replaced at my cost although every other explorer Ive seen out there has this same kind of cracking. Very comfortable car and got decent mileage - 16-18 on average.

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  Very Satisfied - 2007 Ford F-150
  By PELON FX2 - December 21 - 8:40 pm

  This is my 2nd new F150 in 4 yrs, just love this trucks everything from the Power to Design both exterior and interior. Even though its just a 4x2 has great traction off roading and recently just made one of my 2 annual trips to Mexico and of course it did great on the Mexican Highways cruising at 95 m.p.h non stop it got about 17 mpg not to bad. What only bothers me and have been told by my selling dealer that the clunking noise that it makes when holding down the brakes and steering is normal even though I dont think it is normal, did not have that problem 03 F150.

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  Fords Best Kept Secret - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Kim - December 21 - 8:16 pm

  I traded in my gas-guzzling Expedition for a Freestyle. Walked into the dealer looking for an Explorer when the Freestyle caught my eye. Went home, did some research and came back to the dealer for a test-drive. Convinced I made the right decision. Compares to a Volvo XC70. Could use bumper guards on the door panels. The thought of a late-model Caddy pulling in the parking space next to you is little unnerving but Ive read the Ford 500 door guards work well as an aftermarket item. Also for chrome tip exhaust ,the Audi A4s are compatible and save you money when it come to upgrading the "look"

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  Toyota owner...now Ford owner - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Frank B. - December 21 - 8:06 pm

  Ford Fusion Hybrid is a grand slam! Vehicle is very well engineered (an engineer myself), very well built and looks great, not to mention great gas mileage. Long term reliability remains to be seen, but I love this car. Still have my Toyota, but now Im a Ford fan also.

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  Monis Pony - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Moni - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a Mustang convertible since I was about 15. It is fitting, then, that my first Mustang is a 40th anniversary model as I recently turned 40. I love the car, from top to bottom.

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  great car!!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By alecsgurl12304 - December 21 - 2:00 am

  i love this car my man has it and i love to drive it all the time!!

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  damn good truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By g_man - December 21 - 2:00 am

  the truck is solid and built tuff. best truck Ive ever owned.

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  Awesome - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By josh - December 20 - 7:06 pm

  Great truck. Awesome 4 wheel drive system. Amazing in snow. Not what I expected at all. Best car I ever owned. Love it. Used to hate Ford until this