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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  Best Car Ive driven - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By nothing new - January 1 - 12:16 pm

  This car is a car that has some pretty good pick up. The horsepower is stronger then what is shown. The V-6 Fusion has a total of 221 hp and 205 torque. But when I put my car on a dyno it topped out at 243 hp and 206 torque. Eveyrthing is strong so these car have a amazaing rating. The handling is really good. You can take sharp turns and still be holding a constant speed.

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  Good Truck ,Not reliable - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Brandon - January 1 - 12:08 pm

  This is my second Expedition, my other was an 03. While I do greatly apppreciate the interior design and roominess, the seats are not very supportive at all. My transmission went out at 60k miles, and I just put a new alternator in it. Now I am being told that the rear climate system needs a new motor. It thumps whenever you turn it on. It is just problem after problem with these Fords and I heavily reccomend you not buy one. I am going to trade in my Expedition for an 04 Chevrolet Tahoe LT. My Expedition is beautiful solid black with the chrome exhaust, but is certainly not beauiful for my pocket book! Go with the more reliable, cheaper to fix, better re-sale value GM Suvs. You will thank me

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  Outside mirrors - 2008 Ford Edge
  By edgeowner - January 1 - 10:24 am

  I am 52" and have problems seeing over or around the outside mirrors. It seems as though they are too large for the vehicle. They create a horrible blind spot, which makes me very nervous while driving. I have tried raising the seat, but then its difficult to reach the pedals and I crack my knee on the steering column when I get in and out of the vehicle. I ask my boyfriend to drive the car to get his feedback. He is 59" and agreed he thought they were larger than normal. He drives a F-150 truck. Prior to owning the Edge I had an Explorer and never had this problem.

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  Well worth the money - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By PoliceInterceptor - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Ready to hit 100,000 miles already, nothing done other than routine maintenence.

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  one terrible vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By unhappy ford custome - January 1 - 2:00 am

  1) dash board vibration noise 2) loose driver seat track 3) front wheel rubbing on tire right turns 4) hard start when warm 5) cannot read dash board during some 6) day light conditions 7) loud chime ring when oil change not needed 8) loud chime ring when back tail glass open after driving a long time 9) cannot reach into center arm rest while driving-flawed design 10) no place to rest left foot while driving 11) difficult to find power seat switches on driver seat & heated seat button 12) poor gas mileage

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  Ford is a good car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Artemenko Aleksandr - January 1 - 2:00 am

  When I saw this vehicle I knew that Im going to get it. Than I went to dealers to find one. I found a good deal in Ford of Montebello. Its a really beautfull and nice car. Its smooth,fast,nice looking vehicle. I love it. It was a good experience!!! thank u Ford.

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  Great Car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Mycar - January 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle holds up very well in accidents as I have found out. I was the middle car of a 5 car pile up. My car had the least damage, only front and rear bumpers with bumper covers and other minor damage. The car runs very well. Its built well.

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  Much better buy than a Camry - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By KeithMac - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my car for a week and this review may be a little premature but I drive one just like it at work. Thats what sparked my interest. Ive got to tell you I love this car! I have had many Fords and trust them with my life. Theyre very safe! (Thats from experience)My 2003 Taurus SES is paked with goodies and at a fraction of the cost of its competitors...Camry, Maxima, etc. As best I can see this car has no cons. If youre shopping around definitely test drive this car.

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  The little truck that could do anything - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By midnight_stang - January 1 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a great all around vehicle. A daily driver to work, trips to home depot, cargo hauler, contractor truck, off-road fun, this truck can do it all! The design is tested and true, the interior and exterior look and function great. Cant complain about anything. My second Ranger, and each one is as solid as the next.

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  Great buy! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Mommy - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my Focus ZTS. I have had it almost one year. When I purchased it the car had 7,000 miles. The only problems that I have had is the trunk releaselatch has had to worked on 3X and the turn signal has been worked on 2X. I am tall and it is very comfortable. The gas mileage is excellent. I am glad that I bought my Focus ZTS.