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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  More than I expected - 2006 Ford Escape
  By zookeeper - September 3 - 12:44 am

  Looked at small AWD vehicles and picked the Escape based on ride, looks and mileage. In the four months we have driven the Escape it has done everything I had hoped for and more. We saved on gas usage by half over our other vehicles and other than oil changes it has not seen the dealer for any reason. The fit and finish on the car was perfect and even with the four cylinder the performance has been great.

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  First Mustang Ever - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Class of 65 - September 3 - 12:36 am

  This is a great car!! I always wanted a Mustang when I was kid and it only took 40 plus years to get one. I love the retro styling and the price for new age muscle car. This is my first Ford ever and I cant believe its as comfortable as it is, for an old guy like me.

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  Just having fun - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By EZROK - September 2 - 5:00 am

  I knew this was my car when I sat in it at the Houston Auto show. I have had problems getting in and out of past models; this one fits like a glove. Everything is exactly where it should be. The "retro" look and feel makes this a really classy ride thats very collectible. As you can tell, very pleased guy here. Go get yourself one!

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  Best of Class - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Leigh - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned and driven sporty convertibles for over 45 years. This is absolutely the finest of any I have driven.

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  This car is the best - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By danhitman - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Once I started driving this baby, I never want to get off of it.

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  JANEILES REVIEW - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By jkdockmomm - September 1 - 6:43 pm

  I am currently on my 3rd Ford Expedition. I have been involved in two accidents with the previous two and just bought my third. In both accidents, one being a 60mph head on collision and the other being about a 45-50 mph front end crash, there was no one hurt in our vehicle both accidents resulted in the Expeditions being completely totaled. The Expedition may be tough on the wallet when it comes to gas and mileage but i have just purchased my 3rd Ford Expedition and would not even think about driving anything else. You feel like you own the road when driving them and in two very serious accidents with no one getting hurt, I think they speak for themselves.

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  Great Car, Awesome Value, Excellent MPG - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mlauer - September 1 - 12:26 pm

  This car is fun to drive and gets excellent mileage. My best mileage so far, over 3 days, driving 440 miles, is 41.2 MPG. Overall an excellent choice for any commuter.

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  From Fusion to Edge! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Wells - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2006 Fusion SEL V-6 to get the Edge. The Edge has the engine ride and style that I wanted. There is the room I need with a child and a dog. Great looks, people stop me in parking lots to ask about it and look inside. They say it looks like a Lexus. All in all it is just what we need and want in a CUV. Also its very fun to drive! I knew I would miss the Fusion but the Edge fills the bill and than some!

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  I really like it! - 2007 Ford Escape
  By First time Ford - September 1 - 9:06 am

  This is my first Ford so I was a little apprehensive and I also went from a V6 to a 4 cylinder, but it has more power than I expected and Im enjoying the gas mileage. Its quite roomy for a compact SUV and the new warranty made the sale. I really like the styling and I like that it handles like a car, but youre riding up high like a truck. As a single person its what I need - the look and feel of an SUV without the enormous price of one.

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  Superb, under appreciated vehicle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By RichardK - August 31 - 12:00 pm

  I bought a fully loaded FWD Limited and have driven 1500 miles with it. The ride is great and responsive; I get 29.5 miles/gal while doing 55/60 mph. There is loads of room for 7 passengers and having the DVD is great. For a fully loaded car that performs like this at $27.5K, this is a superb! I could not want more in a vehicle. I hope it lasts forever. I love it!