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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  Where did you get your SUV? - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By inquisitive - October 9 - 10:00 am

  An SUV is not a mercades benz. If you want comfort, buy a car not a truck. I love my Explorer and have had several in the past 5 years. No breakdowns, no problems and great maintenance plan. As for offroad, it handles perfectly fine and has plenty of clearance. If you want to bounce around like a kangaroo, buy a Monster Truck with poofy tires. I stand 62" and get claustraphoic in vehicles. The Ford Explorer has more room in the cab compared to the Chevy-Blazer and Jeep- Cherokee. As for carrying room. We have 2 large dogs and the truck area is plenty of space for travelling gear as well as dogs.

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  AWSOME! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By spinny02 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE THE MACH 1000 AND IT IS INCRIDABLE!

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  Exellent, solid car. - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Ford Fan - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The CV is a wonderful car on the highway, the ride is smooth, solid and with the optional handling package, firm enough for decent handling. The 5 passenger sport appearance pkg (LX Sport for 2002) makes for a much sportier apperance. For those of us who think that a column mounted shifter is to stodgy, the floor shifter is a nice option.

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  Wow First Ford! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Marionaps - October 9 - 5:06 am

  I am 6"3 and loved my Mazda 6 until I started getting lower back pains. I decided to purchase a CUV (need some kind of handling) and well when I saw the new Edge I was hooked! Great exterior design (by far best in class). The drive is not like a sport sedan but for a large vehicle, 4000+ pounds, I was impressed. I purchased full load with Nav which improves the interior look, still not very impressed with interior design and materials. The biggest + is how comfortable and quite this Ford is! Rides like a much more expensive vehicle. The new Duratec is a gem, smooth, quite and powerful. Mated to the 6 speed tranny this Ford is quick! Conclusion: Great value! Great comfort!

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  Pure fun - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By bill - October 9 - 12:53 am

  I looked at lots of different convertibles and loved the looks of the new Mustang. Bought it without ever test driving and what Pure Fun this car is. Handles great, great acceleration and turns heads.

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  A Great Bargain! - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Bruiser - October 9 - 12:30 am

  If you can find one of these still left, its a great bargain!! No frills, but a comfortable and functional truck for work and play.

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  So far so good - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By JanaG - October 8 - 8:36 pm

  I had a 92 Ford Taurus, decided to try the modern Taurus for my self. The car seems much bigger than its predecessor. But the handling of te car has improved. Got this car a bit over the MSRP which was about $25,170. Two very critical things, hopefully the car will be reliable. Especially in the transmission department. And secondly, the interior design is still not quite up to par as the rest of the auto industry. Since Asia makes great components now, I know for fact that GM, Ford, and Chrysler use cheaper, higher quality, interior components, the same ones Hyundai uses in fact to be installed on their cars.

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  What you see is what you get - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jack Miller - October 8 - 5:50 pm

  Very happy with the car but not much to look at. Wife had to have car. Got from showroom at 1% under invoice. It is quickly obvious the mechanical design and interior design where very well thought out. There is so much here for the money. Very comfortable, very functional. From cup holders to safety features, every thing in place without fault. A lot of car for the money. Very much recommended if looking for value.

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  Not all its cracked up to be! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By dana - October 8 - 11:47 am

  After trying to find the good in it, I have come up with nothing. I am a previous Toyota owner, and I feel very short-changed by the Escape. The inside is very cheap. The apolstery irritates my legs, shows every single water spot, and the foam is hard as a rock. Overall, the interior looks like a 6 year old designed it. When I am on the highway, the engine noise makes it sound like a semi-truck from the inside. Also, I know I have a 4 cylinder, but I cant do more than 20mph uphill, unless I gun it. Then at that point, the engine sounds like it is going to fall out. They should not even make a 4cyl. I do like its auxilary jack for my iPod

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  So reliable, great investment... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By lincoln224 - October 8 - 3:59 am

  Purchased brand new in 1999, fully loaded gold with tan leather moonroof, 24 V eng. This car has NEVER left us stranded, and has never once been unreliable. The only money put into the car in 10 years has been : tires, oil,brakes,light bulbs and battery/plugs. This car has been driven VERY HARD by 2 teenage boys when mom wasnt using it! had to replace transmission at 98k no big deal. Car has probably been in over 200+ drag races (almost always won) gave car to son and bought a new 2007 Lincoln MKZ :)