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 Value - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By FordConvert - August 5 - 1:23 am

  My Fiesta replaces a Civic Si sedan. Before, I had a Passat followed by a GTi. The Fiesta is down on power and size, but it is the equal to those cars in all other respects. I got way more for my money than I expected. It is quiet, comfortable and good looking both inside and out. It handles great and feels substantial on the highway. I chose the Fiesta because I planned to give it to my oldest child eventually, but I really like it for me. It is small and a modest performer, but it does not feel like budget transportation in any way. If you are looking for a small car for your commute (rather than the family), I sincerely recommend the Fiesta. My SE hatch is an outstanding value.

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  I love my Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Miss Mary - August 4 - 9:25 pm

  I love my Expedition. It runs good, could have a little bit more power. Its a beautiful ride that I feel so safe in. It goes in the snow so great! It had high mileage when I bought it and at 148000 miles it is still going strong! I am the 2nd owner and the only thing I have had done to it is put new tires on it and a new alternator. But over all I would buy another Ford Expedition. My husband has been wanting me to trade my expedition in on another expedition or something else, and I say "No Way"! Buy a Ford Expedition you wont regret it, I promise.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By John - August 4 - 8:32 pm

  I bought a 2003 Ford Taurus SES in May 2004. It only had 16,000 miles on it. It has been a great car and very reliable. Never needed anything other then one set of brakes and oil changes and I now have 80,000 miles on it. I never got the great gas mileage a lot of others I know did but still reliable. Its got the v-6.

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  05 GT Convertible - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By sporto7 - August 4 - 11:23 am

  As a long time Mustang owner and lover, the new GT convertible is a perfect blend of the old and the new. The styling is undeniably Mustang and the modern components make it a safe, fun car to drive. The convertible is built from the ground up as a convertible and the car handles like a coupe. For a potent, fun to drive car with solid performance and build quality - the original pony car rocks!

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  I LOVE YOU MUSTANG! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By its just better - August 4 - 10:00 am

  i have always dreamt about getting a mustang since i was nine, and it has finally happened, a beautiful black mustang gt convertible, all mine, a dream come true. I have loved every minute inside this car, i cannot get enought of it, i will own this car till the day i die, i will never buy another car, and if i do, it would be another ford. There is no car on the road that is like the mustang, it is a car that women and men alike love and respect, and there is so many things you can do to it to make it your own, i love this car!!!! sure the interior isnt upscale, but its not meant to be, and it serves its purpose

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  mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By sk8zero354 - August 4 - 10:00 am

  fast, good looking, comfortable, and the only surviving american muscle car...what else can you say

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  Awesome - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mauijewels - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I really love my new ford escape. I tested the jeep liberty, and the Xtera,the escape definately drives alot better. smooth ride. The All wheel drive (4 x 4) works really good too. It is a very comfortable car. We have a new baby, and I feel very safe in this vehicle. I would have really liked to wait for the hybrid, but I needed a new car for the summer.

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  Beautiful car, worth every penny - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Eric Ricci - August 3 - 7:00 pm

  This is easily one of the best looking and best performing stock Mustang GTs Ford has ever made. The looks you get in this car, and the sound of one roaring by you is breathtaking. With a 0-60 in the 5.1 (manual) / 5.2 (automatic) ranges, it easily blows out most competition in its class and some out of its class. this car gives 80,000 Porsches a run for their money! For 26 grand, its a steal.

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  This is the car of my dreams, - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By t-bird lover - August 3 - 12:02 am

  I am in love with this car!It drives like a dream, yet has the power of a jet planeI have never gone out without at least 2 or 3 people telling me that I have a great car. They yell over to me at traffic lights ,stop signs and parking lots. I feel like a rock star! I think so highly of this car, that I have included it in my will. I never want it to leave the family.

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  07 Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By becky norton - August 2 - 5:32 pm

  Really like the AWD. The CVT transmission took some getting used to but satisfied with its performance. The mpg is actually better than estimates