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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  Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mary Jo - January 6 - 8:40 am

  Fun car to drive. Very comfortable. Just the right size for me.

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  Freestar - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By dale - January 6 - 1:37 am

  I will never buy another Ford product in my life. After buying this van I changed my thought about Ford, we have had nothing but problems with it, in and out of the shop who knows how many time. Has a druming noise coming from the breather they say they cant fix. Problems with the front end, and on and on with this thing. But I see they did circle the problem on the Ford emblem. It should say junk!

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  Great family vehicle! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Papa - January 5 - 7:49 pm

  I bought this truck at just under 19,000 miles in April 2008. We had upgraded from a Toyota Corolla because our family was growing. We love everything about this truck! Its stylish, roomy (7 passengers), handles extremely well (Overdrive kicks in great when needed). Everyone has nothing but good things to say about it. Its perfect for my family of 5 with lots of room for babys XL stroller and the kids bags. I hope the next few years are good to me since this is my first major vehicle purchase. So far so good!

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  Lemon - 2007 Ford Edge
  By vmorin - January 5 - 7:11 pm

  Vehicle is a lemon. Avoid purchasing. Returned 5 times for ptu unit leak. Oil leak so bad caused engine fire. Back from garage less than a week and leaking again. Transmission needs replacement, shudders and rolls backwards on hills. Rear hatch panels seperated from vehicle- twice before being replaced. Gas miliage not even close to advertised. Worst vehicle I have ever owned (6 prior)

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  No more Fords for me - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By S - January 5 - 2:34 pm

  For a 5 year old vehicle I have had too many problems to count- my most recent the AC- I have had 2 different leak check and they cant find a leak- they dont have any idea of what the problem is and when my warranty expires I will have to pay out of my pocket several thousand dollars before I can have it fixed- great SUV- will never purchase Ford again

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  Would recommend to anyone - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Catrina - January 5 - 11:00 am

  I really enjoy owning this vehicle. It has great acceleration when needed and a very smooth ride. The interior has clean lines and is very comfortable. The gauges are easy to read. The gasoline savings in downtown traffic are great.

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  what an improvement!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By zitro - January 5 - 10:53 am

  i own a 2002 mustang 6 cylinder and decided to do ahead and trade it in for a 2005 v-6. what a difference!! everything that was wrong with the 2002 was fixed with the 2005. smooth ride, precise handling, refined engine that provides powerfulk acceleration, much better than the 2002 powertrain. thye body style is much sexier, and build quality is up noticeably. after 17000 miles, imcluding some racing, i have no reliablilty problems whatsoever. i highly recomend this car, and i wil probably also try the GT!!

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  Pony Cant be corralled - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By PFAChief - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive been looking at the GT Convertible for some time. Just got out of a 4 cylinder Honda. What a difference! This car rocks!!! I have the torch red with black top and black interior. GA Dawg fan with the car to match. Power to burn handling is amazing. This is a true American Muscle Machine. I bought mine with 1,400 miles so got the deal of the century. Lucky to be 40 and get the 40th anniversary pony car. Nothing rivals it.

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  Quality Vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mr. Banker - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the Explorer is a quality vehicle, capable of hauling, towing just about anything. Great family vehicle and daily driver.

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  Asome Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By J Black - January 5 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Explorer is a great truck with 4 wheel independant supention -- and comfortable cab -- strong and fun to drive--- If you need the room this is the one for you!! Try it youll like it!!