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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  xlt - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By kevin krash - November 16 - 12:37 pm

  great truck. good on gas, gets me where i want to go

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  Im luvin it - 2006 Ford F-150
  By flareside - November 16 - 8:40 am

  The truck looks fantastic. I have gotten so many comments on the looks it isnt even funny. Everybody loves the looks of the truck. It drives so smooth and it is a blast to drive. I cant keep my wife from driving it everywhere. She just loves the truck and it is easy for her to handle. It rides smooth even on rough surfaces. I have the black with the chrome package flare side. Its great and Im Luvin It!

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  best car ever - 2005 Ford GT
  By roygardo - November 15 - 5:37 pm

  when i first heard this car was coming out, i almost jumped through the roof! Ive read about the GT40 since I could read and now its finaly here. I think everybody should drive this car at least once.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Bud - November 15 - 2:23 pm

  My wife love to drive the Freestyle, she like everything about it. She drove a Freestar for 5 years SEL over 150,000. What I have a problem is the seat. I thought should be a little better. The passenger seat should be like the drivers seat. Also Im 6 foot and with the seat back theres not much room for a man behind me. Also gas mpg is not what I expected.

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  Cobra convertible - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BStrong - November 15 - 3:19 am

  The Cobra is IT for domestic production sports cars. Corvette? I dont think so. Certainly not when you compare price to performance. BUT, it is what it is. That is, a Mustang in seriously enhanced clothing. It buzzes and rattles and could be better refined inside. BUT, drop the top and point it to the open road, and interior annoyances dont seem to matter as much.

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  reveiw - 2005 Ford GT
  By Grinbaum - November 14 - 5:56 pm

  it is the tightest loooking car i have ever seen

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  The best car I ever drove - 2005 Ford GT
  By JDuarte - November 14 - 4:15 pm

  the car proves that ford is and has allways been the best. .

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  birdman - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By williamsdd - November 14 - 1:46 pm

  I love this car!! Ive owned many nice cars but this one is by far the most fun to drive. Every time I stop at a light the heads turn. Ive owned my T- Bird for 3 months and Im just as excited about driving it now as I was the day I drove it home. The soft top is so easy to use. I wanted one of these cars ever since they were first introduced but they just didnt seem very practical. I have never regretted buy this car and Im sure I never will.

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  Excellent - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Hwrd - November 14 - 12:40 pm

  Ford has done a nice job of building an ecomomical car with a lot of nice features. I am just as happy with it as the Corolla I owned before it. I have 36K miles on it and its still as good as new. The service department has been excellent; (had one complaint - the window had a slight rattle). The service dept promptly addressed the issue, gave us a free rental and we have never had a problem since.

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  Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By rickc - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The escape is the first AWD vehicle that Ive owned even with living in the snowbelt. Iam thoroughly pleased with it. It was the most responsive of the small SUVs I drove. It also felt to be the most roomy and Im 6ft2 and 225lbs. I dont feel cramped at all.