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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  Good Truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By fenderdh69 - June 5 - 6:59 pm

  Very solid truck, I love to drive it.

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  Great Car! - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By Josh - June 5 - 4:16 pm

  This car is one of the best cars build in the 90s. I usually only keep a car 4-5 years. Ive had this for 10 years now. I love this car!

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  One Great Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By eastringer - June 5 - 10:43 am

  I purchased the Sport Trac in July 2002 and have driven it 154,000 trouble free miles. I high recommend buying one. Mileage has been very good with an average highway MPG of 23.8 with a full load and freeway speeds. I am looking to buy a new one I hope they are as good as the 2002 has been.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Shemar 3 - June 4 - 7:28 am

  This is my second Expedition. Ive had many, many cars and honestly this vehicle gives you great value and refinements that cars costing $20,000 dont have. Power is always there. Creature comforts are nice.

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  usable vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape
  By DINO - June 3 - 9:31 pm

  I am handicapped and was in need of dependable vehicle for my wife. We looked at several vehicles and the Escape suited our needs the best of all. We are very satisfied.

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  Best Pony Ever - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mark - June 3 - 10:24 am

  Best performance car Ive ever owned, and right at home parked next to my 1964 1/2 Mustang. High performance and great mileage (25.5 mpg at 70 mph). Very comfortable. Holds the road in turns like no other. Shaker 1000 is incredible sound system. GREAT job by the FORD Team!

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  LOVE my new 500!! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By 4thefrd500 - June 3 - 9:16 am

  I recently traded in my Mercury Monterey minivan for the Ford 500. (est drove 4 other cars before buying). Was skeptical at first but I love it more with each day. It is fun to drive, the kids have plenty of room in the back seat and the trunk is HUGE (can fit the kids bikes in the there)! It is also affordable and GREAT on gas. Also, cheaper to insure that the minivan. No complaints here. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Excursion 7.3 L Diesel - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By kevins3 - June 2 - 9:29 pm

  My vehicle has 55,000 miles and is 3 yrs old. I am very happy with it except the problem with the 4x4 not disengaging and the ball joints needing to be replaced already. But driving it to the south is great a joy to drive. Got 18.2 miles to the gallon.

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  2000 Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Brian - June 2 - 1:57 pm

  I really am satisfied with my truck. I have never found a load I couldnt tow. Its comfortable for trips with two children and two dogs. Fuel usage, well it is a big vehicle with a V10, and thats all I have to say about that. Id buy it again!

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  Experience with Edge after 2 months - 2007 Ford Edge
  By goofycow - June 2 - 12:10 pm

  My biggest gripe about my Edge is the interior! Bland to say the least! However, I have been very pleasantly surprised at the gas mileage so far. I have been getting over 19.5 MPG. I have owned many Fords in the past, most of them sedans, although I did own a full sized Ford Bronco. The Edge is fun to drive and handles the mountain roads around my neck of the woods very well.