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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  I drive a lot of miles - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Billy Landers - December 12 - 10:26 pm

  I drove a Taurus many years. This car has great trunk space and is all usable, as oppose to having a trunk with a lot of bumps that cause you to not be able to really get suitcases to lay flat. The power of the V6 is amazing.

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  Love this car !! - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Blackbirds - December 12 - 7:57 pm

  Everyday I drive this car somebody compliments me. Looks great, rides great. No mechanical problems. Go drive one and youll buy one. If you want more power add the K&N typhoon intake kit and Borla exhaust and youre over 300HP

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  It is nice - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Ford - December 12 - 11:28 am

  I average 19 mpg with a 231 hp motor in a Supercrew truck. Other makes dont come close. It is very stylish and is extemely comfortable. Im able to use it to transport people or make a run to the dump. Still have a lot of tread after 50,000 miles. Great truck!

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  Ford Escape is #1 with me! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Herb Conlan - December 12 - 10:33 am

  The size is perfect and the style and "go" are exciting. Driving it is a real pleasure. The aggressive tires are noisy but it is not an unpleasant sound. Mileage is 20mpg and could be better but theres a cost to a large engine with lots of zoom. The interior is handsomly designed and the seats are very comfortable. Parking is simple because of its compact size. Cargo space is as much as I expect to ever use and lowering the seats for maximum carrying capacity is simple. Visibility is outstanding.

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  Good to Go - 2003 Ford Focus
  By schweetheart1 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Focus ZTW 4dr wagon is the best buy for the money. It comes standard with side airbags, keyless entry, CD player, power windows and side mirrors all for way under $20,000. We have only had the car for a week but we love the ride, the sleekness and most of all the fuel efficiency and it looks great too.

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  Thunderbird performance - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gary Hellmann - December 12 - 12:44 am

  Only problem -- Leaks during rain or washing. Leaks occur along window seam to hardtop. Any suggestion for repair?

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  This car alone brought me to Ford. - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By TM - December 11 - 10:50 pm

  And it was SOOOOO worth it! This is the best thing Ford has done since the 1969 Mustang (maybe the only good thing). But the GT coupe is pure perfection, and a muscle car enthusiasts dream! I am so happy about the pricing too, because having a new Mustang with these classic lines and growl is worth 10-15k more. I cant wait for the warm weather!

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  da kine - 2005 Ford GT
  By Kona Bill - December 11 - 4:30 pm

  I love this car with a passion. I am disappointed in your 52% resale estimate. Since this awesome car was just introduced, how can you accurately forecast its value in 5 years ?

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  Just fun to drive - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By myranger77 - December 11 - 1:35 pm

  The 04 FX4 package is awesome it has no problems with offroad driving and in Vermont you can really test it out and rides smooth on the highway too.

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  Sweet - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By rvrichardson - December 11 - 6:43 am

  Walked onto the lot looking for a Focus for my daughter and then I saw it. Silver Birch, black leather red stiched and cloth combo, moon and tune plus sports package. The wheels and low slung look. I was in love. I would have liked Sync. I was a little concerned about the sticker fuel consumption, however I am pleasantly suprised for a 3L/6 it is not that bad. Driving from Jacksonville to Delray Beach the computer showed just over 30mpg. Average from Delray Beach to Dallas was 27.7 mpg. After 4000 miles I still am glad I bought it. If there was an SEL on the lot with the same package I would have considered that for the extras.