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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  KIng Ranch - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Sandra McCullough - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellent pricing. After purchase received western blanket and leather notebook to match interior styling from Ford. Fantastic truck! I love my Ford!

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  Love this car !!!!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Blue SVT - February 13 - 10:00 am

  One the most fun cars to drive. I have driven Porsches(924s, 944, 911), Mustang GTs, Camaros, BMWs(540i, 840i,330i) and for thousands less this ranks up there with them. I get looks from Mercedes, Porsche,BMW owners because how original the car looks (yes, it stands out even though there are thousands of Focus cars on the road).

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  SVT Focus 2002 2 DR - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dawei - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. It is affordable and econimcally nice. It should be souped up and it will dominate the competition.

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  Fun Car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By solo - February 12 - 11:27 pm

  Great car. Looks great, performs great, just cant be beat for the price. Only problem I have is that I cant shift into 5th over 75 mph without the gears grinding a little.

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  Enjoyed every mile of it - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Christianne Nunez - February 12 - 3:59 pm

  From the moment I saw it I fell in love with the looks (both exterior and interior). When I bought it and had the chance to drive it, I loved it even more. It has been reliable (great engine power when street lights turn green, and when having to advance slow moving vehicles, which I attribute to the combination of its light body and 6v engine) and it has been fun, making me look and feel younger. Great for outdoor activities (going up the mountains or the beach). Huge trunk capacity.

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  Excellent small SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By bnny911 - February 12 - 3:33 pm

  I loved this model so much that I traded in my 2001 Ford Escape for a 2006.

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  A happy Ford Five Hundred owner! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Christy - February 11 - 6:46 pm

  I have had a Toyota Camry for about five years. It was time for a new car and I thought I would just buy a new Camry. We decided to try a few others and found the Five Hundred. Lucky for us! Its beautiful, everyone looks! The ride is wonderful. If I had to say anything negative at all it would probably just have a little to do with the materials of the interior doors. I feel that for a small amount more than I would pay for the Camry, I got sooo much more with the Five Hundred. Im loving it!

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  Not bad at all... - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Q - February 11 - 8:49 am

  I have only had my Explorer for 3 months now, but no major problems. It has high mileage, so the things that I will need to replace are expected when an SUV reaches this mileage marker. Roomy, comfortable seats, and it is fun to drive. Ford designed these Explorers to rev high off the line if you give it some gas, and that is what they do. Just wish it got a lil better gas mileage, its only a V6. It would be nice to have more horsepower and acceleration too. Ford has got to do something about that, I mean come on ... Pontiac makes a V6 that kicks out 260hp and still gets good gas mileage.

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  Everyone should own one - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By Paul - February 11 - 1:37 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had. I bought the car with 50,000 miles on it and it now has 147,000 miles on it and Ive only had the alternator replaced, exhaust and lower balljoints. When you buy one make sure you have enough money to buy tires.

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  Great Little SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Karen - February 10 - 9:17 pm

  I have the XLT Sport V6 and am very happy with it. I think its an attractive and sporty automobile, and was very affordable. The ride is nice, its very peppy with lots of pick up. Plenty of room for my 3 kids and I and lots of room in the back for groceries, backpacks or strollers. It handles beautifully and is a lot of fun to drive. It had a lot of nice options as well.