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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  Wish they still made them - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By TET1909 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought it brand new. Great buy for the performance -- I wish they still had made them. Great acceleration and handling and a good sized car Clutch wore out every 30-40000 miles and I had a recurring problem with heater core breaking. Added performance breaking system which made stooping as good as moving

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  New Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mark - November 1 - 4:40 pm

  This is a smooth transition car. It doesnt have the big jump when you step down on the gas but it accelerates very quick. The ride is great for both driver and passengers. Everyone appreciates the leg room, both front and back. The trunk space is almost unbeatable! On my drive across the Midwest in 90 degree weather, I still was able to drive 500 miles between fuel stops. It is not a car for high-speed, tight curves and the rear end will feel slow through those tight turns.

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  needs more power - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By niagara - November 1 - 2:00 am

  purchased a 2002 which was delivered on 05 of 2002....paid 1500 over msrp.most dealers returned premium charge because of low intrest (not basil).drive under 500 miles a year and take to some car shows along with other cars i own.an enjoyable car to drive...ron

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  Great SUV - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By DK5 - October 31 - 1:00 am

  Bought new in SC with a dozen miles on it. 11 Years later, have just had to replace the clutch at about 80K. Extremely reliable. Not really any problems to mention. Just a great all-around dependable SUV.

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  Good Car for me - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By kari74 - October 29 - 11:23 am

  I have always liked the Ford Mustang. My first and second cars were both Mustangs. Although I am somewhat unhappy with the 2004 (I could not afford the GT), I have more good to say about it than bad. I enjoy driving it daily to and from work. Acceleration is quick with the manual transmission and gas mileage is still pretty good for a V-6. The seats arent the best, but Im not uncomfortable in them.

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  GREAT FOR A WOMAN THAT WANTS A TRUCK - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TERESA - October 29 - 8:50 am

  I am woman with children and hauls a lot of kids around. It is great for hauling flowers and taking kids to the football game all at the same time.

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  wish they would fix it now! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By syndy67 - October 29 - 6:26 am

  Wow, we just did a 420 mile roadtrip last thursday and couldnt get past 28.7 mpg and that was mostly interstate driving. took it in to dealer and they said its just still trying to figure out your driving habits. WTH! and I dont like the jerky take offs we were told to drive it another1000-1500 miles and if its still doing it to bring it in. it is alittle cramped inside compared to my 2005 focus. But otherwise I like the car .

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  Very nice vehicle - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By JayJervey - October 29 - 2:00 am

  2wd Limited with Cashmere clearcoat option (very nice color). Minimal options -- power rear seats, Homelink, and limited slip differential. Very roomy and tall -- this baby is big -- barely fits in the garage. A behemoth - - but it rules. Handles almost as well as my Lexus IS300 that I traded (well, not that good but...not bad either). And its plenty fast with the new 300hp V8. I love this thing. By the way, get the Ford ESP warranty on the web (Loman Ford) -- dont buy from dealer (unless you need to finance it).

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  Sporty old 2 dr explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Rosy - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This little thing has done very well under some rather tough usage. Its actually quick and fun to drive - not at all like its 4 door big brother who turns like a boat and rocks and rolls over bumps like an elephant -but he does hold more stuff! Keep up the maintance and little things do go wrong, but.. it will hang in there.

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  Tested TUFF - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jeffjax - October 27 - 2:00 am

  VERY GOOD TRUCK 107027 mi ADD OIL GAS AND GO