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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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mike - September 29 - 4:36 pm

  I have had my 500 a little over a year, and had very little problems with it. It is a great road car and the easiest car I have ever had to get into and out of. Just an outstanding car.

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  Love this Ford - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By vicratz - September 29 - 1:59 pm

  I have had zero problems with my Excursion and Im impressed! It drives as well today and it drove when I bought it. The steering wheel leather doesnt hold up well but thats about it.

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  Not A Bad Choice - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Brian - September 28 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this vehicle because I wanted the functionality and style of a SUV but the gas mileage of a car. I have been very pleased so far. The air conditioner only works well when the engine is running, so in the hot summer days of the South you must leave it on max and forgo the electricity. But as the engine is supplemented by the battery you still get great gas mileage with the air on max. It averages about 27.5 on the highway at 75mph. In the city I get about 30 to 32 with the air on max. Overall I am happy with the purchase, but since it is hard to find, dealers WILL NOT give you a deal. You MUST pay the sticker price -- *OUCH*.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By LOVE THIS CAR!!! - September 28 - 4:23 pm

  I bought my first 2000 Taurus in 05 and feel in love with this car! Drove it for year and a half with no mechanical problems at all, my first one got totaled this winter, and I bought another 2000 Taurus because I loved my first one so much, you cant get a better car for the money! Its got tons of room for hauling my dogs and my kids around, and I love the third seat!

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  Awesome Ride - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By mustang123 - September 28 - 10:16 am

  I love this car. Red leather seats and the ability to change the instrument panel lighting is way cool. I get looks all the time and everyone says they love it. You can definitely feel the power but the comfort in commuting to work is good too. The trunk space is large enough to go on vacation and the back seats fold down to make it larger. The stereo system is excellent too, with all the power your ears can handle. I love the torch red.

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  I call it my Expialidocious! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By TheRealSoprano - September 28 - 7:42 am

  I love driving my Expedition. People still are impressed by all of its fabulous features. The adjustable pedals are a must for me because I am short. I love sliding into the comfy seats after a long day on my feet, and it is so fun to drive! Thats why I call it my "Ex-pi-al-i-docious! When I first brought it home, my teenage son offered to give up his bedroom and move in to my car. He called the third row seat "stadium seating". I have never had a moment of trouble with it, and it still seems new even though I have put 100,000 miles on it.

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  Best car yet - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By m wilson - September 27 - 11:45 am

  This is one of the the best cars Ford, or anyone else, ever built. I should know I have bought over 20 new vehicles in my lifetime. It is a cross between a Ford 500 and a Volvo. This car will holds its own with anything built in Europe or Japan. Has the ride of a Lexus, the handling of a small car, and the horsepower of an Audi. The biggest plus is it is huge- as big as a Crown Vic inside- and sill I am getting 27.5 MPG in combined driving. It is like paying for a Ford and being given a Lincoln.

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  Good Little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By olcrank - September 27 - 10:34 am

  Always impressed with handling, acceleration,and visibility. Drove on road and off road for five years never had a problem. Of course seldom "beat" the little bugger, and maintained as prescribed. Not as tough as a Jeep,and a little shy in the ground clearance dept. but all around a great little SUV.

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  Fun Ride - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By goseaski - September 27 - 6:53 am

  One nagging problem with moon roof leaking, three times to dealer for repair. Better then it was, still drips on a few occasions.

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  Escape Now In Panama - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Ric - September 27 - 4:00 am

  The Escape Rocks! I purchased it new the first year it came out. My reason purchasing the Escape was for the ease of placing my windsurfing boards and equipment on top. I have taken this SUV on many of windsurfing trips with a lot of gear inside and on the top. I have had only slight issues with the Escape. Clutch master went out on a road trip to New Orleans. Went to the auto parts store and fixed it myself. Steel trending came off of the rear tire and broke of some of the trim. Problem was the tire not the Escape. I have now retired to Panama and have taken my Escape with me. We have great roads down here but the gas is a little high down here, the highway mileage is great