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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  Impressive - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Deric - July 10 - 9:18 pm

  Since I was not exactly convinced this was the right choice for me in the beginning, I must say I have been extremely impressed with this vehicle. Recently I took it on a road trip to Kansas City. I couldnt believe this car boasted 26 miles to the gallon LOADED down, the A/C running full blast, and yet it still asked for more, giving me excellent passing power on the highway. It is comfortable and roomy.

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  Best Sports Car - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Taylor - July 9 - 3:35 pm

  Great style and comfort, fun to drive. Im really enjoying owning it - insurance not too expensive for vehicle type. GREAT summer car!

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  Two Explorers per Year - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Vernon Scott - July 9 - 2:33 pm

  I drive over 65,000 miles per year with my job. I usually go through two or three Explorers every year. I only drive the Limited Edition they are very comfortable & look great. Im pretty aggressive with my speed and the vehicle handles great. In the past four years Ive never had a repair needed on any of my Explorers. Just a lot of oil changes and gasoline fill ups.

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  Awesome Ride For Our Family - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By SHAWNA - July 9 - 10:05 am

  I love it. We only have two kids so far, but to go anywhere takes a lot of stuff and room for it. This can fit it all and lots more, especially for those long road trips. The diesel engines performance is phenomenal. It is so powerful. Right now we are averaging about 16.5 mpg, and about 680 miles a tank. Not bad considering gas excursions get approximately 7-8 mpg. :-) I would suggest this car to anyone.

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  Glad I made the change - 2016 Ford Edge
  By GD - July 9 - 1:56 am

  Based on myntedt drive, I knew this was the vehicle for me. A very quiet and smooth ride.

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  Focus on a very good car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By rollinstone60 - July 8 - 12:36 pm

  I am very impressed with the reliability of my Focus. I like the acceleration, and the easy handling. And of course in this day and age the gas mileage. I would buy it again in a heart beat.

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  I bought a Ford? - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jason - July 8 - 3:07 am

  I have loved this car before it ever hit the dealership. I knew I would have one myself someday and now that day has come. I love the way heads turn and people ask What is that car?. As i always have had a sport luxury coupe, I do miss that luxury ride though. A lot of that has to do with the many manhole covers and poor roads in Idaho. I plan on keeping this car to pass down to my niece (10 yrs old now), for she thinks it will be hers to drive once receiving her drivers license. That all remains to be seen. But I must say I love this car. I love many others as well, but knowing of Thunderbirds demise, I just had to have one of the last, so I bought an 04 with everything.

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  Fun to drive - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By Ed Olds - July 8 - 2:38 am

  This car is a blast drive! Its in Candy Apple with polished wheels and gets a lot of attention Great storage Huge brakes! I would rate this car a ten!

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  2005 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By R. Ross - July 7 - 5:35 pm

  If you can live with the inevitable lousy fuel economy, this is a full size SUV Id highly recommend. All the bells & whistles and it drives itself. Consider the captains seats in the second row and navigation system (which was surprisingly hard to find on most at dealership models). We are pleased we ordered both.

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  Great SUV - Fun to drive - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Giri Murthy - July 7 - 5:03 pm

  It took me long time to hunt down an Escape Hybrid but it was worth the wait. Got the color and the options I was looking for. I live in south florida and it is giving me around 34- 35 mpg. I mostly drive in the city and not much highwaqy. The audio system and the navigation system is awesome. I liked the exterior of Mercury Mariner but that is even harder to get than the Escape.