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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  I love this van - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By wesleysgranny - November 2 - 12:35 am

  I bought this van with 60,000 miles on it. I had some minor work done and have not had a single problem since.

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  Love it! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By bobbivin - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Best handling/driving car Ive ever driven. Not a luxury car by any means, but superior luxury/comfort value to any other car. More comfortable than many larger more expensive cars.

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  My 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By D. Lohman - October 31 - 1:03 pm

  I could hardly be more impressed with an automobile. The fit & finish and quality are superior. The "Command Seating" is great. Only two small complaints; the car has too much road noise on all but the smoothest surfaces and it could use a little more power, BUT I love the fuel economy. I am getting almost 28 MPG on the highway and 25 overall. Bottom line, I love it and am VERY satisfied.

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  The truth - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ger1 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It has been everything I been looking for and then some. The car drives, handles and brakes like a car costing thousands more. It most definatly gives you the feeling that you can pull off moves that you normally wouldnt with lower performing vehicles. As far as features and amenities go, I feel that you have more than you could possibly ask for in a pocket rocket. Leather trimmed seats, 6-disc changer in dash, power driver seat, heated mirrors and a keyless entry are features that never used to appear on cars in this class. Overall, its a tight package that is not going to be easy for the competition to beat.

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  Unility - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Harold Roberts - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Like new, low milage

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  Its Hard To Believe its a Taurus! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Zanne - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Taurus. I was lucky to be able to purchase the SEL and it is sooo sporty! Everyone comments on how they cant believe its a Taurus! The seats are so comfortable and there is plenty of leg room in the back seat. I definitely made the right choice when I bought it!

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  BadAss Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Mikel - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The stares you get for driving this truck make it worth every penny. The sweet whistle of the supercharger brings tears to my eyes!!!

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  Awesome truck! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By FX4 lover - October 31 - 10:00 am

  An awesome truck! More torque than a chevy of the same size motor. For its size, pretty good mileage. A FX4 Lariat Supercrew getting 18-20 mpg.

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  BadAss Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By MikeL - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The stares you get for driving this truck make it worth every penny. The sweet whistle of the supercharger brings tears to my eyes!!!

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  Solid - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By davequeen - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I have been able to use this SUV in a variety of conditions including ice, deep snow, mud and rocks. True, its a different vehicle than the 2002s, but I have a great time off road and in adverse weather. I dont have many miles on it, but I work it pretty hard. Several times I have jumped out of the car to see what damage I have done and I find that there is not a scratch. Plus it starts and runs better than my 02 Mountaineer.