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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  Great car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By MarkS - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my escort. Been looking for one for my daughter who drives soon. Simple yet comfortable small car. No major probles but brakes and a thermostat. This is a excellent 2nd family car!

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  Feel the power - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Calman - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the features offered. The only thing that I do not like is the seatbelt configuration. If you remove the rear seat, you lose the use of the seatbelts for the center two seats.

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  My wifes mid life crisis car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By My supra is faster - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Well my wife wanted a sports car too (I have a supra turbo its faster hehe). We looked at a lot of different ones but agreed on the mustang. I was extremely surprised at the improvement on the the performance of the automatic. Ive driven a few of the pre 93 automatic models and they were complete TURDS. Stomp on the gas and those 17" wheels will light up without hesitation. Havent had it long enough to judge reliability but it has survived a couple donuts!!!

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  dependability - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By r.a. - June 25 - 2:00 am

  very good investment! I recomend this year and model to any one.

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  Decent SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By emvikings - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this suv to use the 4 wheel drive. I ski a lot and it has been fairly reliable. I have had to replace the tires as you all know (firestone). The part on the vehicle that I have had problems with is the paint. My whole hood has little cracks in it. I probably wont buy another explorer.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Eddie - June 24 - 7:33 am

  Ford has designed and built a great sedan. If they can get folks to test drive this car they will buy it. The Fusion handles great, has plenty of room, decent economy and is one of the most stylish vehicles on the road. This car can definitely go head to head with the Accord and Camry and come out on top.

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  Just what I expected - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Texmarc - June 23 - 11:36 pm

  After reading numerous reviews I was sold on this car. I bought a retired company car (they maintained the car very well), a little high on mileage butwith the excellent shape of the car I thought the maintenance records outweighed the mileage (60k). The SEL has great looks; when I park next to other cars it really is a big car; averaging about 25 MPG; quiet, solid and overall very easy to drive. I paid 10,500; not a steal, but a good deal. Minor complaint: why put an sat. ready radio in the car withour the tuner?? Will cost aout $100 to convert to recieve SIRIUS; stereo is the basic CD-AM/FM and has good sound. Black is very classy, hard to keep clean; but with tinted windows looks sharp.

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  "Hoppin John" - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Marion - June 23 - 12:23 pm

  From the purchase, have been disappointed with the performance of slow take-offs and rough shift changes. Takes off great if you really step on it, but easing around a parking lot is embarrassing. We have nicknamed the truck, "Hoppin John". Have taken it back to the dealer three times without satisfaction.

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  Lots of zip too many recalls - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Buckshot - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Contour Sport with 2.5liter, 175 hp is a poor mans sports car. Lots of zip when getting on the freeway. Gets up to 80 mph before you know it. Hey, Ford!!! Whats with all the recalls????? I lost count at 12, and for really stupid stuff. Air conditioner accumulator rusted through at 45,000 and cost me plenty to cold air flowing again. Wifes car. Its getting traded in later this week for a new Jeep Wrangler.

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  A great car to own - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Andrewb77 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I got my ford a a great price from a friend at my church and invested very little money into it. Never had anything major go on it. It handels great. A year later I was in a weather related car accident and the car slid off the road into a Rocky ditch. The Car had only minor damage and saved my life that day. Thank God I was not driving a Neon!!