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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  01 Ford Explorer Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By JEvans - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Great Vehicle!! Fun to drive!! Great Insurance Rates!!

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  Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Sven8828 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle! I absolutely love my new Expedition. Excellent visibility, outstanding handling...a pure joy to drive.

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  Excellent American car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Russ - January 28 - 8:06 pm

  I have never owned an American car before but always hoped I would find one worth buying. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is that car! Exterior styling draws attention and lots of positive comments. The interior is roomy enough for my wife and I as well as for our 2 teenage sons. The interior materials and well fit and finish are excellent. The Fusion Hybrid draws you into the fuel economy game with great information delivered via a great looking instrument panel. The technology offered with the Nav system / Sony sound package is top notch. Love the Sync system. FF Hybrid is fun to drive, comfortable and looks great - by the way it is easy to beat the EPA estimates!!

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  Ford 500 instead of a Charger - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Rena - January 28 - 5:30 am

  We bought a 500 while looking for a Charger. When we saw the 500 my husband fell in love with it. The seats are very comfortable and roomy, especially the back seats. I am rather tall, and can cross my legs and ride comfortably in the back. The woodgrain interior is beautiful. I like the backup signal feature, it helps when my teenagers are parallel parking. We really like the CVT. It rides so smoothly on the highway, accelerates smartly, even going up a steep hill, and you do not feel the gear change. I am very happy with the 500. I thought I really wanted a Charger, but I am not a bit disappointed with the 500, in fact, I am thrilled with it!

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  F150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By G Scobee - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great looking truck inside and out, awesome torque, with only a few interior moves this would be the perfect truck.

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  We love it! - 2004 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Heyteach - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The E150 Chateau is wonderful for someone who is diabled. It can carry two scooters or two wheelchairs (electric), and still have room for passengers. It also has plenty of room for shopping even with the electric scooters, wheelchairs and passengers. It will come in handy when we are able to travel to visit releatives as we can take all we require with us.

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  King Ranch - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Joy Ray - January 25 - 8:33 am

  A beautiful truck with fantastic power. Very easy to drive, great visibilty with very few blind spots. All in all a great truck.

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  I love it! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By lgot - January 24 - 6:06 am

  I bought it at end of March. Had to contact 17 dealers to get a GT convertible,with a manual transmission. People are always staring and telling me how much they love this car. I never thought a car could make you more popular but this car has. It drives great, The top is very easy to manage, the pickup and speed are great. This is truly a great Mustang. If you can go for the convertible, and V8. My wife and children used to say I was starting to drive like an old man. They cant believe how Ive morphed into a speed fanatic. I would buy it again it I had it to do over. So far no mechanical problems or bugs to work out. Thats about it.

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  Focus on this - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Puddin - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I just purchase this car ( my second ). I have heard some horror stories about the focus. I love my car. I bought it brand new off showroom floor. The brakes squealed for awhile, but it stopped after two days. It turn heads due to the new color of Light Tundra. It looks grey at night, but its light green( teal looking ). ^he Cd/Mp3 is great to be factory installed.

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  A good little SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jaychuk - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for a bout a month now, and I still love driving it. We also have a GMC Jimmy in the family and I like driving the Escape even better. It handles great on ice and snow (which is very important here in the Great White NOrth).