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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  I love this car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Chris - August 28 - 11:00 am

  This is the first sports car I can fit into comfortably. Being 67" I can fit into most cars but would not want to ride in them for hours. The Mustang I could drive all day without my back getting sore. The ride is better than I expected and I have had no problems with the car at all. I looked a WRX also but it look so econobox and the STI version was too expensive.

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  best truck - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Jas - August 28 - 10:00 am

  i think this vehicle is the best

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  2002 Ford Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Francies - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Great car, I used to owen Honda (accord), Toyota (corolla), Subaru (legacy). The price and preformance, build quality is much better for this car

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  family suv - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By herm - August 28 - 10:00 am

  the truck drives much better than the 2000 expedition we traded for our new suv our kids like this one much better

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  Great Sport/Race Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By LightningBoy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have no regrets buying my 2001 Ford Lightning. It has all the handling and performance one could ask for from a 35,000ish dollar vehicle. You also get the functionality of a shortbed truck that can haul a 16 ft. trailer or another vehicle. I also own a 2002 and its just as good! Thank you.

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  F-150 rocks - 2001 Ford F-150
  By jjj - August 27 - 11:53 am

  Never had a day of trouble with it. Looks great with high quality fit and finish. People still compliment me on its great looks!

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  Pleasantly suprised - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Former Pickup Owner - August 27 - 10:48 am

  Back to the blue oval after about 12 years. Overall build quality is good, but interior has a little too much plastic. Seats are comfortable and handling is very good, reminds my of my old Honda CRX. Love the blazing copper color. Miss the power and height of my pickup, but not the gas mileage.

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  Good truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By coreyfeil - August 26 - 9:50 pm

  This is the 2nd Ford supercrew I have owned in the last 5 years. the last on I drove 176,000 miles and cost me about 800.00 in repairs, I think this one pulls better and rides better looked at all models and stuck with Ford.

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  Great Ride - 2010 Ford Escape
  By John - August 26 - 8:40 pm

  I have already logged about 2500 miles on my 10 Escape. I also own an 04 and the improvement in comfort and quality is significant. There is very little road noise and the vehicle handle smoothly. The Sirius and sync packages are a nice feature. The 2010 Escape feels roomier than prior models. Were very glad we bought another Escape. Ford has done a real nice job with this one!!!

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  Cruise Liner on Wheels - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By agateland - August 26 - 5:29 pm

  My wife and three kids can travel all over without the usual cramped feeling and without any fighting amongst the kids. Can also load up our toy hauler (10,000 lbs.) and go over any mountain pass with ease. Feels very safe when driving in any kind of traffic. Overall a great vehicle. Bought new and have had it for six years.