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:

• 

  built though build ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By totol - September 15 - 2:00 am

  What I liked the best about this SUV is the new disigned exterior. Another important character is that you could customize the truck without damaging the apperiance of the SUV.

• 

  POOR DEALERSHIPS - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By MAD - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The last Ford I purshased was 1985. then again in 2002. Each time the dealer net work was terrible! Air noise in 2002 air leak under the dash is noisy and very cold on the drivers right foot.

• 

  Always Ford - 2003 Ford Escape
  By zadyl - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have the limited edition. Vehicle is as stated fun to drive, amazing gas milage.Controls somewhat difficult to get used to, particulaly the wind screen controls, back and front.

• 

  Best Truck Period - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Shermstix - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This Vehicle is amazing. It is basically the Explorer SUV with a cut out for a composite bed. Smooth ride coupled with a luxurious interior make this "Truck" feel as if you were driving a Lincoln. I would recommed it to anyone who has a family but still needs to haul large items like when you are landscaping. Plus it is Ford tough!!

• 

  Mustang is back - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Souheil habbal - September 15 - 12:10 am

  good feel inside, responsive and turned many heads

• 

  Mustang is back - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Souheil habbal - September 14 - 11:20 pm

  good feel inside, responsive and turned many heads

• 

  2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Noel - September 14 - 6:20 pm

  I was waiting for a hybrid that really had it all, and the FFH has it in spades. This car is plenty fast, very quiet, comfortable, corners well, has plenty of useful amenities, a wonderful Sony sound system & MS Sync, 3 yr of free voice navigation (in the non Nav equipped model), Sirius radio, many nice safety and monitoring systems, a decent size trunk and has been flawless since purchase. The car goes into electric only mode easily, and can sustain speeds of 46 mph until moving into gas engine mode. I average 41.5 mpg year round (40.3-43.6, season dependent), and live in a hilly area of Northern California. The car is a true 10 of 10.

• 

  Excellent performer - 2006 Ford Escape
  By luvmyfords - September 14 - 10:33 am

  Ive owned and operated this vehicle for just about a year now and its been the ideal SUV for me and how I use it. For being a disabled driver as myself, its so easy to transfer from my wheelchair and into the seats.

• 

  Windshield - 2009 Ford Flex
  By claris - September 14 - 7:49 am

  I have to agree with the other reviewer, I have had my Flex 1 month and have had the windshield crack 2 times! We were only going 20 miles an hour the last time. We dont live in rocky area and we were not going fast either time. Seems like some sort of defect in the glass, I have never had this happen before. I feel like my insurance co is going to start thinking Im doing something shady! :) When we picked the car up at the dealer the Vista Roof glass was cracked and had to be repaired so technically we are on our 3rd glass repair in a month. We love the car other than that.

• 

  First Impressions - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By synnek46 - September 14 - 2:21 am

  Great sound when accelerating. This Torch Red sports car has given me more compliments in the form of teenagers hovering around "gaga" to oldsters knowing it is a 2010 and asking how I like it. Whats not to like? The road feel is superb and the quiet ride is comparable to my Lincoln. 700 mile road trip during first month of ownership resulted in comfortable smooth travel and easy to operate dials for keeping attention to road. I am confident that the upcoming weeks will reveal complete satisfaction with my purchase. The "Wow Factor" of "10" is a pleasure also.