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:

• 

  F-150 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By car man - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my F-150 it has a 4.2L V6, not a problem out of it!!

• 

  f-150 harley davidson s-crew - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Ryanz - March 7 - 10:00 am

  no truck is made better than a ford. Chevrolet is overpriced.

• 

  Great City Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Bob - March 6 - 9:53 pm

  Tight car! Solid, no rattles, more than adequate power and handles well! Love it as city runabout, easy entry, exit, parking and great visibility all around. Hatchback can carry BIG loads, like a mini SUV! Over 30k miles, no problems yet. Have a loaded automatic, sunroof and all extras yet it still doesnt have a rattle it - wife loves it too - Just leave the Town Car in the garage and use the Focus in the city!

• 

  Great car needs more quality work inside - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By neflstang - March 6 - 11:00 am

  The car has been a pleasure to own. It rides really well especially compared to previous years for the Mustang. The interior is a little cheap even for trying to be retro looking. Upgrade to the leather seats. They are much more comfortable. Overall, the car is just what you would expect from a Mustang and it really turns a lot of heads while you are driving it.

• 

  Great escape - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Janice - March 6 - 4:40 am

• 

  PERFECT FAMILY CAR - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dan - March 5 - 2:20 pm

  It is the perfect family car for us. Very smooth and good handling. Low to the ground so it is easy to get in and out of.

• 

  I Love my ZX2 - 2000 Ford Escort
  By John - March 4 - 7:20 pm

  I havent had ONE problem with my ZX2. Its too bad they dont make them anymore. Ive got 116,000 miles on it. I replaced tie rod.

• 

  one of the best cars i ever owned - 2004 Ford Focus
  By martha bowen - March 4 - 7:03 pm

  This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The comfy drive, roomy interior I love the gas mileage and reliability and I drive a lot with no worries. Would buy another Focus any day.

• 

  Wonderful Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By JLUFORTE - March 4 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our 1998 Camaro, and trust me this new car rocks! Tons of mod options... that arent very pricy. I love it, the MP3 player is a definite plus. Thank you!

• 

  this car is awesome - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By chunkles62 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  everything was great interior exterior how the car works ,looks, feels,and rides it is also really fun to drive.