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:

• 

  Luv my Expedition! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By judissi - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 97 XLT Expedition, (the first year they were out) and drove it for 6 1/2 years then gave it to my brother who is still driving it. Bought my 04 Eddie Bauer in Nov. 03 and I have loved every minute of it! Ill never have another hard top without a moon roof! I feel safe and comfortable in this vehicle. I also have a convertible so I dont drive it 100% of the time but I drive it most of the time. I have never had a problem with either Expedition.

• 

  Tough FORD - 1997 Ford F-150
  By srr7sk8r - October 23 - 2:00 am

  F-150s are the greatest trucks out there. Havent had any problems and no complaints. Built tough.

• 

  Great Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Diane Sapp - October 22 - 6:20 pm

  I had a station wagon but wanted a truck, but also the room for my grandkids. With this truck I have both.The bed seems small and I was a little worried about that for I have horses, but it will hold 3 bales of hay. So it is just perfect for me. I have leather interior that is very comfortable.To sum it all up I love my truck

• 

  Best of all - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ChewToy - October 22 - 12:26 pm

  I traded my Prius for this car because the Fusion is so superior. Its more comfortable, quieter, better looking, the radio is better, it gets better mileage and is just plain more fun. Bottom line, you cant go wrong here. Dump your existing hybrid and get the fusion. For sure.

• 

  2013 C-Max SEL - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By kkellyp - October 22 - 9:55 am

  3 mos, 6K miles later, love my C-Max SEL, would buy it again today. Way more comfortable than Prius V with WAY better acceleration and handling. I drive 65% freeway, heavy foot; MPG slightly disappointing 36+ most of the time, but in town on level roads in traffic I can easily top 42 mpg. Love the handling, 17" wheels and seat height, rear-seat fold-downs/cargo space, driver seat controls (wish passenger side had them). Dont love the less-than-hoped for MPG, and the driver seat gets hard on long trips. DONT love flat-fix stuff instead of a spare tire; already had two punctures (surprising for Michelin tires!), but warning lights gave me enough time to get somewhere for fixing.

• 

  Talk of the Town - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By DPB - October 22 - 3:40 am

  True Mustang fans can tell anyone, hey if your not a mustang fan keep your comments to yourself. Since I purchased my Shelby most people always ask "is it fast"? My first response is to say no, a 1976 Pinto could trash this junker. So I give in and say ya 500 hp can make anyone grin. People always want to compare cars. If you like Vettes buy a Vette, if you like Vipers buy a vVper, etc. All cars are different in shape size hp, torque, etc. Thats why living in America is so rewarding. An average Joe like me can build his credit up and buy what ever he wants with in reason. Point to my story, Shelby Gt 500 holds true for being first once again, so here comes Dodge and Chevy trying to out do Ford.

• 

  truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By trey cope - October 22 - 2:00 am

  best truck for the $

• 

  My Favorite car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By big scott - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Most dependable car I have ever owned. Still has original spark plugs in it and still gets 33 mpg!

• 

  My Dream SUV - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Mom Of 4 CA - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Im a mother of 4 small children. I have an expedition also but it just is not big enough for traveling with our two dogs. The Excursion fits all of us plus grandma and the dogs in the very back and bags in Thule box the roof. Lots Of Room for Everyone. YA! YA!

• 

  LOTS OF FUN - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dick7622 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  the 04 focus is,without a dought, the most enjoyable ford compact Iv ever driven [& Iv had a lot of them]! I rented one out west and found it to handle super on flat desert as well as through the high country. I literly fell in love with the car. I was very pleased with the price and the rebaits. Iv grown even fonder of my focus since Iv been driving it on a regeular baseis.