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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  Ride of my life - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Vincent - December 20 - 11:34 am

  Great car it makes it from a to b in good time with no problems.

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  Ford - Resurrect the Aerostar! - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By Cobra Pilot - December 20 - 2:08 am

  Our XLT 2WD Extended - best all-around vehicle weve ever owned (out of 16). Invaluable as people mover with 7 seats as well as a cargo hauler with the seats out. We have moved tons of furniture and computers in it this way. We have used it to move kids off to summer camp in NC (from northern VA) as well as to college and home again over many years. Without it, would have had to rent a moving truck/van at a cost that would have paid for 20 percent of the new cost of the van itself. We even moved an upright baby grand piano in this baby! The interior height is sooo much better than what you find in other minivans. Very reliable. Low cost to operate. City/hwy avg of 18 mpg. Ford - Bring it back!

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  Great looking, fun car to drive! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By AorB - December 20 - 2:00 am

  After reviewing and test driving several of the smaller cars, civic, neon, etc. we decided to purchase the ZTS Focus. We have been very pleased with all aspects of this car. The design, layout, and way this car drives made me an instant fan of Fords newer efforts. The interior ergonomics, materials, handling, and pleasantly refined Ztec twin cam motor has made the purchase one we have been quite pleased to have made.

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  ToplessStang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Sabster - December 20 - 2:00 am

  We were looking for something more fun to drive for the weekends than our family mini-van. Decided on a fully loaded GT convertible. Back seats are not bad for a 1 and 5 year old. Sunny weekends are a blast now. Got the Mach 1000 system for when the kids arent along for the ride :)

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  Mid Life Crisis - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Lou - December 19 - 8:16 pm

  When I decided to have a mid-life crisis, this car was the ticket. I was a teenager during the 70s, when everyone wanted one of the "cool" Mustangs from the 60s. I have driven many of these over the years, and until now, did not realize what I was missing until I got the 2005 model. I cant believe how wonderful this car performs, and how much attention it gets everywhere I go. My daughter even used the line of "they pimped my ride" the first time she sat in the car. Pretty good feed back from someone who is 13 going on 30. So far no mechanical issues, and 24 mpg combined mileage. The torque is great and the engine just pulls the car without effort at 70 mph.

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mike - December 19 - 8:23 am

  Ive been driving my Escape for about 3 months and I can tell you this. This is the best buy with your money. This is the true money saver. Very quiet interior and the fit and finish is second to none. My kids like the cool exterior design, although I dont like the grille much, but overall its a strong SUV with a very good feul economy and cargo space. The new instrument panel over the old model is greatly improved and the price is virtually unchanged. The driving is so much fun between my work and home. I should have bought this earlier. Ford seems to find out what customers really want except 5 speed auto.

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  Could be a bit longer...(thats what she - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Great hauler - December 18 - 11:10 pm

  Ive had it for about two months now and it works well for what i need it for. Cargo could be a bit longer for sheet goods but i installed a roof rack and that will suffice. took it on a 1000 mile road trip through the hills of NC loaded and it did just as i thought it would at 27mpg. I like the 1 hour feature on the radio and Im getting used to the blue tooth. Stereo will be upgraded - speakers/amp. And i cant wait to do some decals. Swallows a whole bunch of stuff and is a decent ride for the money, front glass is great too.

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  sixride - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Clinton - December 18 - 10:04 pm

  Very reliable suv. Strong towing capabilities. great stopping power. Only suv with enough interior rear storage for the luggage of the maximum number of riders. Thats a plus when traveling long distances. Lots of cup holders for passengers and very comfortable seating. Access to rear seats is readily accessible as well.

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  thinking of buying a 2nd one - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By rick - December 18 - 9:09 pm

  Very functional for a family of 5.

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  Ford F150 King Ranch - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Tom Flynn - December 18 - 7:48 pm

  The truck has been flawless. It has not had a single issue. Just change the fluids, rotate the tires and change the brake pads. The MPG is okay at 16.