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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  Love the Taurus X crossover - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By seumit - June 14 - 11:43 pm

  Chose Taurus X because it is IIHS Top Safety Pick (2007 & 2008) and has better space for the 2nd/3rd seats and its much cheaper after rebates. Very good ride. Excellent crossover.

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  Wow! Whadda great car!!!!!!!!!!! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Larry Rymal - June 14 - 2:33 pm

  I purchased the first Ford Fusion Hybrid in my county and I was like a little boy in a bicycle shop during the old days! The driving experience was amazing, as soon as I left the dealership. First off-SILENCE-as soon as I left the lot. The battery charge propelled the car and I heard noting. The gasoline motor seamlessly kicked in as I increased speed. Performance on the highway is quite good, I think. However, going up hills at 70mph will offer a bit of gasoline motor noise. It is almost unnerving because generally, the car is very quiet. Airconditioning is amazing. While I was "idling" in a parking lot, it used the battery most of the time, gas motor part time. 502A package is mine.

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  still alive - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By still alive - June 14 - 11:42 am

  I was in a side impact accident, rolled 2 times (only from hitting the median). All airbags deployed. We walked away with a few bruises. The Expedition did exactly as it was supposed to. My moonroof did not have a scratch on it!

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  Wish they still made them! - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By FDeMella - June 14 - 7:55 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned, no driven! Awesome quick and handles great. I get almost 30 mpg highway. Interior is comfortable. Four doors made this car the perfect car for me I can fit my family in it and still have a kicking sports car.

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  They hit the Nail on the head - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By BlueEggBoy - June 14 - 6:43 am

  Wow. Having had 3 Tauruses since 98, I didnt know if this would have the true reliability, low cost of operation, and general "fun to drive" characteristics as the Taurus; it does. Looking forward to the offering of the new 3.5 VVT V6!

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  Its a keeper - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Lowkey - June 13 - 1:57 am

  As a Ford man from a family of Ford lovers this is my first Explorer and I must say in the 2 months Ive owned it I love it. Im wising I would have bought one sooner. I had a 92 Bronco 2 it just didnt perform the same. I must say the 92 two door sport is a keeper.

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  zippy toy with lots of room - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Kayak Hike Ski - June 12 - 11:38 pm

  Ive put on two kayaks and stuffed the back full of camping gear. At 88,000 miles, its always started when I turned the key.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By truecndn - June 12 - 9:24 am

  Had the car for a week and have put on a 1000km. Its actually fun to drive! Handles surprisingly well. Good acceleration, very user friendly. Love it!

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  awd Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By escape06 - June 10 - 9:56 pm

  Love this vehicle, it handles excellent in eight inches of snow. Provides plenty get up and go and with 15,000 miles it has had no mechanical problems.

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  Great little car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By amanda - June 10 - 9:18 pm

  Hasnt let me down yet. Fun to drive. Dependable car, comfortable and gets very good gas mileage. Mine has 98,000 miles on it and handles just as well as it did when I bought it 50,000 miles ago. The e-brake cable snapping is the worst that has happened with this car. Of course, it being a standard transmission I use the e-brake every time I park it. Having had 2 collisions with this car (1 my fault, 1 due to lots of slush and ice) I can attest that all the safety features in this car work excellent-as intended. In my opinion Ford Motor Co. built a very good vehicle.