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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  Mustang Convert 1994 - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By dawn - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car last year as a make due car. Ive been driving it for about a year now and have high hopes to still drive it in the years to come. Ive had some problems with the top but as far as performance its a dream car. As a female owner I must also say this car is easy on the pocketbook as long as you keep up yhe basics (Oil change and Tune ups. Highly suggested as a statrter car for thhose going off to school.

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  Dependability - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By annie - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 2 tempos and I have thought both were very good. I never had to worry if it was going to start in the winter. A little cramped, but what small car isnt.

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  Good Utility - 2001 Ford Focus
  By berne1 - September 8 - 5:36 pm

  I was specifically looking for a wagon. Would have gotten a Civic if they had offered one. This car has a surprising amount of cargo room!

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  2006 Explorer XLT - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Bruce - September 8 - 3:46 am

  My wife and I have been looking for an SUV for the past several months. We found that the Explorer had the best bang for the buck for a midsize and the 3rd row seat option is very nice. For the price we couldnt beat it and weve been a GM family for years. We were most impressed with how comfortable and quiet the ride actually is. Im not sure why people who complain about the interior still bought one anyway? Why spend the money on something you dont like? We love the new interior styling. It was a selling point for us.

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  Good All-Around Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By lashaw1002 - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used for family vehicle. Towed small fishing boat with no problems. Decent gas mileage for large truck. Very comfortable ride, interior fit and finish very good. Absolutely no mechanical problems, no repairs done in 2 1/2 years other than routine maintenance.

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  explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By tripp - September 8 - 2:00 am

  good, fun to drive, good for mudridin, but older the car, the more things that happen bad to it

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  Big Red Truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By J ay Devereux - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had truck one year, was a one- owner non-work truck w/ 99K. Beautiful fire engine Red really stands out. Have only driven it 2000 miles but have really enjoyed. Strong 5.0 V-8 never waivers. Roomy cab comfortable. Nice factory mags. Imposing front grill. Have added Flowmasters,oversized tires, upscale Leonard shell, bullbar, steps. Looks great and is very muscular when time to work.

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  SUV But Still Impressive - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Laura - September 5 - 5:06 pm

  Did really well for an suv-gas mileage wise. It only dropped about 1 and a half mpg when a/c was on continuous which is impressive considering the shape of the vehicle. You can only get so good of mileage in a suv.

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  True Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CT Cobb - September 5 - 1:40 pm

  We love our little Escape. Its initial eye appeal was excellent and what sold us. The V6 performs well except for jumping in and out of overdrive under load. The interior is very roomy but the interior design is bland with lots of plastic. The dashboard instrument pod well illuminated. It handles just like a car; a feature we really appreciate. Although car-like it is rugged and handles off-main-road side trips with ease. We have experienced minor inconveniences. Replaced rear window windshield wiper assembly. Replaced sticking accelerator assembly. Tie rod squeaks. Needs replacing. Seats are a bit stiff on long trips. Added seat padding. Overall, excellent vehicle for our use.

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  lemon - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By joseph washington - September 5 - 2:00 am

  awful ,not dependable,bad gas mileage,strange things happen with car.undetectable problems,.