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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  Mikes Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By MJS585 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by the new 2005 Escape...it has good pickup and a newly revised, high quality interior. I would definitely recommend it to those in the market for a compact SUV.

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  Fantastic - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Officer nimintz - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Great machine ! mine looks just like CHP car

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  Explorer 2004 v8 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mkirby - February 22 - 10:00 am

  nicely put together and incredibly safe

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  Key doesnt start this vehicle. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By rickyb - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Gas mileage is poor. Turning is unsteady as front wheels thump when sharp turning is necessary. I have had to have this vehicle towed to the dealer because the key lost its program. The key needed to be reprogrammed. The tow truck driver had towed other 2004 Explorers with the same problem in my area. Otherwise it is very much functional for my needs.

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  Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Luis C, - February 22 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has been reliable, comfortable. It has a wonderful turning ratio, a good sound system and an overall smooth ride.

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  Fun for the whole family - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By FGaustin - February 22 - 10:00 am

  A lighter foot on the pedal and smoother acceleration for better gas mileage. On average Im getting about 13m/gal. On long halls about 16.5m/gal. A feeling of modest luxury with a sense of practicality, so an active family of five and the dog can travel in comfort on those sking, biking and camping trips. And dont forget the entertainment center so while the boys play Game Cube, their sister listens to her favorite tunes.

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  Great So far - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jimmy DeLoche - February 22 - 10:00 am

  There were some problems when I first got it with the timing. After two computer upgrades, its running stong. Fun=value=10

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  excellent ride - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By glenn - February 22 - 10:00 am

  lets just say when you need the power to go its there like in trafic you need to get out of walmart and the traffic is heavy and not alot of space between cars coming. well thats just to easy. bracking is excellent sterring is awsomelets just say it gets a 10.0 rating

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  <3 my Fox - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By Amy - February 22 - 8:59 am

  My 1990 LX convertible is my baby; Ive had her for about 4 years now. I get about 9 miles to the gallon with the top down (about 21-25 with it up). She needs constant cajoling and almost weekly repairs, but I have been able to do most of them with no training and very few tools, and theres nothing better than putzing on a car in the afternoon. I swear Ive replaced half that car by now, but parts are cheap and the repairs are usually easy (quarter windows are miserable, avoid at all costs). There are no atheists driving her in the rain, Ive skidded sideways through more lanes than I can count. The one airbag is a nice thought. The engine is so big it barely charges the battery during city driving, and I have to get her on the highway at 60MPH once a week for a 10-30 minutes to recharge her just so she starts up every morning .... I know, poor me. Compared to modern cars, the controls are spartan - and this is the LX, with cruise, power windows, mirrors and locks. But every time I start that 5.0 up and hear that roar I smile. Every time I leave jerks driving Hondas in the dust when the light turns green light I grin. Handling that car is epic (as long as the pavement is dry) and the sound and feel of that engine is amazing. I cant ever imagine driving something else, because this car makes me so happy. Fox 4 for life. Some tips for future owners: keep water and oil in the trunk ALWAYS, and learn how to check everything. ALWAYS get the car out on the highway for a little while a week; they just behave themselves better if you do that. Be prepared to replace pieces often. And enjoy that thing!

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  First Ford - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Canada10 - February 22 - 8:40 am

  Bought my first Ford. Read up on issues. They were true. Not impressed as Ford states quality. Cheap feeling car. Original owner replace fuel pump, front brakes and front struts. I replace ignition switch, which should never, ever fail. Fuel mileage not very impressive in city. Have rattle in exhaust system, suspect cataytlic converter.