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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  Van Fan - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Mark Zehnpfennig - June 2 - 10:39 am

  Setting aside a few minor quality issues this is a great minivan.

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  Smooth Ride Just Drive 44.5MPG Cant Complain - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By love4cars2014 - June 2 - 9:24 am

  We got this car for my wife. Coming from rattling Toyota Sienna this was a heaven. We tried Camry but quality was not there. Great car, fun to drive, great mileage - not 47 but 44.5 will do. Have drive 5500 and no problems so far. For all those people who hate MFT>> Please explain what is wrong? The design is great with 4 quadrants. Everything is easily available. I find it way more intutive than my Lexus ES. I love the shockabsorbers and the ride. Just Drive.

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  Excellent! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By cyndeGreer - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car!! I have no regrets! People turn their heads when I drive by!! beautiful car

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  my stx 150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By K.C. 06 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  so far so good .my truck is a great riding truck.good power and great looks inside and out. just wish i could drive it more.

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  HUH - 2004 Ford F-150
  By bailey1547 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  That is usually the look on another drivers face when the Lightning goes by them and there is nothing they can do about it. Appropriately named, it does every thing that it looks like it will do. Too bad it was not around in the 60s.

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  great truck, beats my ZO-6 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By kdittler - June 2 - 2:00 am

  runs & drive great, passes with ease,carries a good payload & boat & golf clubs, not a single rpair service.

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  Simply Incredible - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Andrew Henderson - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This will be my 3rd focus purchase in the last three years. I run my own business and I travel everyday! The Focus is the answer to the ever so rising gas prices. I have gone through such models as the SE, ZTS, and now the ZX3 Premium. I purchased my first focus in 2001 and haev traded them in every year becasue Ford has made imporvements every year on them. It trully the best economical car out there!

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  No power accessories just a truck. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By rfstormchasin - June 1 - 8:47 pm

  Some people have ordinary hobbies, well storm spotting is mine. When I went to find a truck I didnt want all the power accessories in it because I put enough in it myself, but I needed a V8, extended cab and the tow pkg and I got them. No "fanciness", its a truck. And my wife loves it, thats a big plus. I had a 1997 F150 and i loved it. At first I wasnt crazy about the new body style of the 04s but it grew on me. I wouldnt do without it now.

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  Mustang Fan Forever - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By lee7blue - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Most fun car I have ever owned. Looks great,runs great, gotten tons of compliments on how good it looks.

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  Lot of car for the money... - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bryan S. - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car from a private seller with 61,400 miles on it in EXC shape. It had all options other than traction control and the trip computer. It has simply been one of the finest cars I have ever had the opportunity to drive. It rides great, has been stone cold reliable, gets decent milage for a large car (25MPG with cruise set at 60MPH), TONS of room, and it has plenty of power for passing, hills, and towing. I would not hesitate to buy another Crown Vic at all based on my experience with this car. It is a solid BUY.