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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  Appropriate for all ages - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Parkway Cruiser - December 26 - 9:31 pm

  Yep, old enough to remember when the first Thunderbird appeared in late 1954. Got my T-bird fifty years later after testing a Z4, Corvette, and S2000. Never fails to bring a smile during sunny days on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fifty years gets you a five-speed shiftable automatic, refined interior, understated lines, and one of the highest-tech V8s on the planet. A daily driver with mileage in the 20s, until you press the loud pedal. Goes fast,fast. Best of all, everything is fixable by your local Ford dealer at Taurus rates. The power top operates easily, with only one latch needed to snug it up. The cloth top is lined and quiet, but it is a shame to drive this car with the top up

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  Just got my 2008 Expedition XLT - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Rags - December 26 - 9:25 pm

  I was looking at getting an SUV. I went and test drove a new 2008 Expedition XLT model and fell in love with it. It rides great and handles like a car. I bought it the same day. I have been getting 12 MPG around town and 22+ when I drive only freeway miles It comes with many great standard features for a base model and has the same engine and transmission as the Eddie Bauer or Limited versions. I also like the looks of this vehicle a lot.

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  Great Car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By ffeeffee - December 26 - 5:19 pm

  If you keep up with the maintenance this car is great. Perfect for the performance-minded looking for a new toy. Overall good car.

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  Excellent Family Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By jules - December 26 - 4:10 pm

  Great car for a small family. Full size cooler fits in rear cargo area with 3rd row seat up. 3rd row seat is comfortable for kids only. Great leg room in front and middle sections. Great acceleration - dont know why the critics downplay its engine. Door panels are kind of flimsy from the outside. Overall we love our Freestyle!

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  Good truck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Rideflytx - December 26 - 1:16 pm

  We bought this over the GM alternatives because of the interior design. Overall a good truck and reliable transportation. Transmission lost third gear around 120,000 miles and had it rebuilt. Other than that, no other mechanical issues. Interior cup holder in dash got stuck, some sort of grease leaked out from under the center console and stained the carpet. Otherwise solid truck. Would buy again - selling now to move to smaller car since we are out of infant seats.

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By FirstFord - December 26 - 6:40 am

  Like all domestics, one should be able to get a great deal. Pleasantly paid just a few hundred over invoice. Dealer experience was very positive. Honestly, settled on the car out of necessity and lack of offerings from other car companies. Only vehicle with 3 rows of seating, car like gas mileage, decent trunk space, price $30K or less. There should be more choices in the future due to high gas prices; meantime, this is probably one of few choices.

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  Ford is Back! - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By Ford is back! - December 25 - 10:51 pm

  Wow! Is this car a hidden gem, owned it 2 months almost, 3k miles so far. Im so impressed I encouraged my mother in law to drive when car shopping last week. She was sold and traded her 00 Honda Accord. Big on inside but drives like smaller car. Super comfortable, and upgrade stereo and AWD are very nice options. Drive this car and you will see!

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  Taurus Good Car Until The Transmission Goes - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By honest316 - December 25 - 10:50 pm

  We owned the 2002 Taurus for 13 years. It is comfortable, safe, and has a reliable motor with reasonable gas mileage. The transmission went out while on vacation. Not knowing what to do we took it to a Ford dealership thinking the repair would be reliable and last for a long time. Not so. The torque converter was replaced and we made it back home but the problems persisted. After much research I found out the transmission has a design flaw and other inherent unsolvable problems and any "fixes" do not usually last. Too bad because otherwise this was a pretty nice vehicle.

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  2016 Ford Explorer Sport - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tim Holt - December 25 - 10:20 pm

  Above the average price of an SUV. I love all the room the driver seat has, and power the sport has. I also love the rear seats that fold on their own. Too much to list.

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  Ford Has Turned it Around! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By carlman - December 25 - 8:54 pm

  Ford has turned it around! After looking at cars for months I found Ford is back and matches up with any car company out there including Honda and Toyota. Great car smooth and quiet. Handling super. Great value and with rebates I think I stole the car. Ford might be the only American car company to survive!