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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  Ford Gas Numbers are Inflated - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By John D - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Nice Truck. It is a huge gas monster. We are getting 15/16

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  A Good Auto - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Geo - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car for me. I owned at 1994 Taurus Wagon and traded for this one. I think it handles well on the road, get 23 to 28 mpg,and even my wife likes the car. My only complaint is that it is a bit noisy on the road, but for a station wagon not bad. I am looking to trade it in for a newer model with less miles ... this one has 83,000 on it right now. I have not had any problem with this car.

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  Almost Perfect! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By The Paul - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought the XLT premuium 2004 with leather, sunroof, 6-disc changer, etc. It is a absolutely great truck. The performance is good, ride is good ( a little rough on bad terrain, but it is a truck). Sound is good, seats are very comfortable and the price was good. I am happy to see ford build a product that Americans can buy and be happy about. Buy American!

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  SVT Power - 2003 Ford Focus
  By gvran7171 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Lots of bang for the buck. real xenon lights, not those fake aftermarket lights. Need to keep revs up to enjoy engine. Unreal handeling. kept up with bmw 330 series no problem. very stable at high speeds (110 plus).

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  Not Satisfied - 2004 Ford F-150
  By RalphC - May 14 - 8:16 am

  My overall impression after driving this vehicle for 6 months and 10,000 miles is that it is not all that it is cracked up to be. The steering wheel maintains a slight tilt to the right even when on flat roads (The dealership cant find anything wrong).

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  mm - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By mshay - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Ford and I was please with the purchase. I would recommend Ford Taurus to others.

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  Like brand new - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By Redfox - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This van was 1 year old when we got it and all we have done is change oil, tires, brakes and other routine items. There is 1 small rust spot about the size of a quarter under the right door but that is it. I didnt have a lot of hope for this vehicle with a young family but it has held up amazingly well.

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  LOOK AT THIS FORD! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Charles Masters - May 13 - 1:50 pm

  Although Ive had this car for only a short time, first impressions are very good. Like the zip, size, 6-speed transmission. Surprised mileage isnt better having a 6-speed transmission. Taking a cross-country trip in May and will be able to assess highway mileage better. Overall, a solid, peppy, good looking 4-door. All the electronic features are hard to figure out.

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  Goodbye to my Taurus - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Sheri - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I personally drove my 1996 Ford Taurus for 6 years. Its got more than 100,000 miles and its still in good shape. I did have some problems at the beginning and I did get the full value from my extended warranty. Currently all the electrical stuff still works, the seats are still in good shape, paint has lasted a long time, and the engine still runs well. Oh yeah, and the A/C still works. Its been a pretty dependable car. Am I buying another one? No way. Upgrading to a BMW!

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  love my tbird - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By bobby jones - May 12 - 2:00 am

  i have owned my tbird since 1995 and have only had to put new tires and brakes on it. no problems with head gaskets or exhaust