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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  Deep bed - 2005 Ford F-150
  By truck driver - March 19 - 8:50 pm

  Nice truck, stylish; only big complaint is the depth of the bed. Its hard to get things out without having to climb up in it.

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  Love My Stang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Herb Trisler - March 18 - 3:41 am

  This car is a head turner because of the looks, the sound, and the power. Ford has done an incredible job of keeping the Mustang at the forefront of motor vehicle desirability. Fun to drive, affordable, attractive. Very nice package.

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  Typical Ford Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Greg - March 17 - 5:32 pm

  I rated the mileage at a 7, but honestly it is on par for the type vehicle it is. But it is costly for just running around town. It has been on several long trips with 4 and luggage and actually performs well on the road. Super low end torque for trailer towing. Rides smoother than most cars and handles pretty good as well.

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  Ford Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By elrehs - March 17 - 5:53 am

  Very powerful V8 engine. Excellent high quality interior, excellent handling. Wanted a real SUV, but a smooth ride so purchased Ford Explorer instead of Toyota Highlander. Thought Toyota Sequoia is too over-priced! Still love Toyota, but Ford Explorer gives Toyota SUVs a run for their money.....

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  A sedan that drives like a sports car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Lee Zimmerman - March 16 - 11:03 am

  This Fusion replaces a Mustang GT. With the 2.3L/5-speed manual, it feels like Im still driving the Mustang. Plenty of power for powering away from traffic lights. Plenty of leg room in the back seat and a huge trunk. Great styling in the front, only so-so in the back.

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  Great Value - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By DJ - March 16 - 10:33 am

  Just replaced my old Windstar and this van is terrific. It does everything better. It only has a couple thousand miles but I could not happier, the value was incredible. I got a loaded vehicle for about $22 K. So far I have not had any issues and would recommend this van.

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  Smoked Ya - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JustinSmokedYa - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car on August 2, 2003. It is my first car, and I am a guy, but it is pretty sporty, the 2Dr ZX3 Hatchback. I wish I could of gotten a Chevy Camero Z28 310 Hp, but I ended up with this pretty darn good car with 59,064 miles on it. I know a good car when I see one.

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  zoom-zoom this.... - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Big-G - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable, easy driving, very smooth shifting, great sound system, easy to operate features, specialy on steering controls for the stereo, great handling. fun...fun....fun.....the best handling, fun and economical compact car on the market for the value hands down!!!!very reliable several of family and friends own a focus never had any problems.....

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  This is my second one! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By EscapeeInMI - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving an Escape since 2001 and love them! They are quiet, comfortable and quite fuel efficient. The changes to the interior in the 2005 models are great - the storage compartment and gear selector on the floor should have been there all along. I can carry all the things necessary for a family vacation since the cargo area is nicely sized. But it still looks like a grown up car when it is date night on Saturday. I feel safe in the car and never worry when one of the kids borrow it

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  First time Explorer Owner - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By CTH123 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for eight months now and have no complaints. The V-6 engine does surprisingly well.