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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  Nice Surprize - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Jerome - December 17 - 5:10 am

  I was not sure when I first got it, but within a day grew to love to drive it. Seats high and comfortable, Love the larger armrest storage. MPG is a little better than most in its class. Drives great.

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  Crazy if you dont buy one - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By 928s4t - December 17 - 4:46 am

  I am getting 35 miles a gallon, yet I am driving a SUV that is comfortable and looks good. It does not get better than that. I am looking to buy a second (used) Escape. No serious complaints, however, it would be nice if you could add the MP3 option to the factory Navigation/radio setup. The 2008 might be quieter, but I like the looks for the 2007 better.

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  Supercab Facts - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Lee Luna - December 16 - 5:10 am

  This is the third Ranger I have owned, have never had to bring them in to the dealer for anything whatsoever, I know some of the vehicle reviews have stated that the Ranger is outdated in several areas, but why meddle with success? it always starts, takes me where i want to go, never quits while running and is very good on gasoline.

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  Trouble Free @ 81k - 1998 Ford Contour
  By David - December 15 - 9:08 pm

  Bought used at a bargain price. I use this car daily for my business. At 81k miles, I have only replaced the front brakes. No other expenses whatsoever. Excellent heat and a/c. Best I have had. Handling is super with the SE package. I have the 2.0 motor. A little sluggish off the line but picks up nicely ( without the a/c running). I averaged 28 mpg last summer in combined driving. Ride can be firm for some and road noise can be an issue, but this is one well made car IMHO. Best buy I ever made.

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  Retro Design new technology--perfect - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Bill - December 15 - 5:40 pm

  this car is beautiful, powerful and fun to drive

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  Great Car from Chicago Pride - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Chicago Pride - December 15 - 3:59 pm

  best Ford ever built

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  I like my Ford Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Mary Baughman - December 15 - 3:19 pm

  Car handles well in snow and bad road conditions. Visibility is good except for front right corner, where the windshield bar blocks the view somewhat. I like the heated seat and passenger comfort system, heat and air both.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JohnnyFordBoy - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I recently picked up my new F150. Its a superb truck that rides like my 2002 Explorer. Drive it nicely and you can get about the same gas mileage too. It packs a punch and the comfort of the interior is undeniably the best around. Seats are perfect and the the fit is perfect. Great truck..... The back end of the new F-150 is actually higher than a 2000 F-350 Dually 4x4.

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  Perfection - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By clayton-thomas - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The brand new Ford 500 has all the amenities of a full size luxury automobile. The ride is impecable. The supportive seats craddle you in ever twist and turn in its extremely lavish interior. The 500 is also very practical with its amazingly large trunk. This fuel economy is perfect for a car of its size. Hands down Ford has created a fantastic car that the whole family will love.

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  Under-rated great car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bob - December 15 - 2:03 am

  I switched from 16 years of driving SUVs, and the tall seating position, huge amount of usable space, and luxury made this an easy transition. I dont think it is under-powered, I think it is fine for daily driving, and it handles great. I recently had to merge onto a busy interstate in an area with no merge area, and was really surprised how much get up and go it has when you floor it. The interior is really comfortable for a tall person (I am 6-1 and have plenty of room). Everyone who has ridden in it has loved it - its too bad so few know about it. Overall this has been a fantastic car. I would buy one again without hesitation.