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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  Love my 98 Expedition!!! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By dzvess - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I love my Expedition. Wouldnt trade it for the world, unless it was for a new Expedition!

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  Economy is cheap for a reason - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Loaf - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The car has some minor problems. The car was just towed away today because it will not start (even after several jump attempts). I had driven the car at 5:30, got back in the car at 6:30, and the engine wouldnt even turn. Thanks ford, you suck again. This is the second escort i have had.

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  DVD Blocks the WAY - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mertz - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Nice SUV, Only problem with truck is it is its interior is smaller than a 93 model I had owned. Also the DVD players scene is right in your rear view mirror when the kids are watching, which is all the time. Still it beats having the kids fighting all the time on long trips. They were never so quiet before. Gas mileage could have been better 16-17 highway!!!! Over all GREAT SUV

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  1992 Mustang 2DR GT Convertible - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Paul Beaty - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This was my wifes car - driven by her from 92 thru 97 when she leades a Nissan Maxima. We liked the car so much we have kept it but now ony drive it several times per year. This one owner car has 56,000 actual miles and all service has been done at Palm Springs Motors.

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  Taurus Rock - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By myartar - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The 90 Taurus was my first car, and I beat the living crap out of it. I would drive 60+mph on country dirt roads, drive it across fields, and all kinds of things youre not suppost to do in a "family car." The amazing thing was that even with the beating I gave this car, it kept on going. Only problems I ever had were minor things that come w/ age. It was hard to part w/ this beast of the suburbs, but I needed something good for long trips, and while I loved the Taurus, its fuel economy wasnt the greatest.

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  The American BMW - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By interplexor - January 6 - 2:00 am

  If BMW was based in the US, this would be their posterchild. A supple and lush small block 3.4 liter V8 powerplant coaxes the car to light speed in seconds. Freeway merges are simple. Point for a hole, stab the gas- and youre there. The car handles with composure & poise, the tires barely want to let loose. The gentle burble of the engine at cruising speed (80+ MPH) can put your children to sleep, and by the same token, can wake the dead when pushed hard. The glorious sound that engine makes at its 6,200 RPM redline is what dreams are made of. A simple, and comfortable interior finishes it off.

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  Its a Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Adam - January 5 - 4:43 am

  Ford tough

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  2ND TIME 4 RANGER - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By DFWBIGBOI - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Ranger after I saw a incentive of $3500 from Ford. I also used my XPlan. Great Price. This is my second Ranger. I had 134,000 on my 93 when I sold it in 98. No major problems with it. I figured since the SuperCrew was out of my price range as Ranger fit the bill. Good choice. Power, style, and handling are suprises. I am still fretting over getting a Expedition now (major$$$$$$) but the Ranger serves its purpose.

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  A Ford with WARP DRIVE. - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Dave B - Canada - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have now owned by SHO for 5 years - it is one fast car - modify just a little and it gets down right scary. Too bad it has a ford body - if the car was built like the engine it would be a guaranteed hit - but I still love it - nothing can keep up with it. I am now restoring the body [only part that needs work!]. It was the success that almost was a hit...

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  Boring Car! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By FordsGRR - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because a teacher of mine said that the insurance was extremely cheap. I cant believe I bought it. It is the most plain, boring car to drive. Ive owned several cars, and this is the one Id like to see go FAST! The gas mileage isnt very good for a V6, and the interior is quite ugly. Service engine light used to come on, but I hardly drive it since I got a different car. Styling is pretty neat (at least it was in 95 when the new style came out), BUT EVERYONE HAS A DAMN TAURUS!!!!