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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  05 Mustang GT Convertible - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By markb1011 - January 29 - 7:23 pm

  This car is Mustang through and through. I bought this car because it reminded me so much of my 1967 coupe. I love the retro styling, and the performance fantastic. This is not a "bells and whistles" car. If you start comparing it to other mid-sizes, it wont win many categories. That being said, this is the ultimate ride for muscle car fans, and especially for Mustang aficionados.

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  Driving is fun again! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Grace - January 29 - 4:56 am

  I have had my hybrid for a little over 3 weeks now. I had been wanting to get one since I first heard about hybrids. Im so glad I finally did! The Escape is fantastic and has everything I could possibly want in a vehicle. I think it is a great product! I feel like I did when I first got my drivers license years ago: want to drive, drive, drive! Everyone I show it to is amazed and pleasantly surprised. I realize it may be too soon to give a proper evaluation, but I am truly in love with this vehicle so far!

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  Holds up in accident... - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By She holds up well... - January 29 - 4:13 am

  I put about ten thousands miles on my Mustang so far and I cant stop. I love the feel of driving this hot car. I was hit on the freeway in LA...the other cars were totaled and I drove away. I was so grateful that I had a tough built Mustang. It really holds up. And always take your Mustang to the Ford dealer for body repairs. I had to learn the hard way.

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  ST 4X4 looks great and is fun too. - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By James white - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 but I loved the ST when I first saw it in 2000. I just never buy first year releases. It seats 4 normal size adults with comfort. Performance is realy good and off road is fun. Because it is ans SUV or Truck class you and customize it. The only thing I hate is the MPG. It just sucks. Other then that I love the BEAST.

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  Its been good to me - 2000 Ford Focus
  By blue_td - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Focus ZX3 for almost two years now, and have no complaints. While the numerous recalls have been a bit annoying, the car has not given me any problems. Its fun to drive, good on gas, very roomy (for a small car), and reliable.

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  King Ranch - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mike - January 29 - 1:53 am

  Nice truck overall.

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  Owner of Ford Escape 2006 - 2006 Ford Escape
  By norm - January 29 - 12:02 am

  I owned a 2005 put 7000 miles on it and decided to buy a new 2006 with less features on it. The ride is great since it is a 4X4. The all around gas mileage is 22 milesto the gallon, which isnt too bad.There are no rattles inside. The power the 4 cylinder puts out is enough to go anywhere. Took in the muddy field with no problem. All around the car is excellent.

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  nice ride - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By black - January 28 - 11:08 pm

  Not only looks great but a fun ride. Could use more power in the v-6 but still a nice bit of get up and go.

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  It has been a great little car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Scott R - January 28 - 7:17 pm

  200,400 miles and 11 years! I changed oil every 3,000 miles, waxed twice per year and use Chevron Supreme. Dash lights have not worked for about 5 years, but it still runs and rides great. 3 sets of tires, 2 brake jobs and 2 timing belts. With that, I could not of done better with any other car manufacturer. It will be a sad day when I trade it in ... I mean 11 years!

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  Focus on fun - 2005 Ford Focus
  By martine4 - January 28 - 3:47 pm

  The Ford Focus ST experience has been a good one. The car is small, a virtue in my situation, handles very well, is very comfortable, and has all sorts of creature comforts one wouldnt expect at the price. I dont see many ads for this car ... Ford doesnt need to advertise it heavily because word of mouth from satisfied owners do the trick. I have had the car for ~9 months and have ~5900 miles on the car. It has never missed a beat! All features cruise control, 6-disk CD player, skid control (in Iowa we occasionally need this sort of thing), 4-wheel disk brakes. Everything works. Heating, cooling ... no problems. Its reliable and I enjoy driving it.