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:

• 

  Great SUV, Hybrid or Not - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Phillip B - October 20 - 6:13 pm

  I have had my Ford Escape Hybrid for about 6 months now and have driven it in all conditions - plus a coupe of trips - one from Atlanta to NYC and back. Got great gas mileage and the Nav system worked without a hitch (we affectionately call our Nav system Dora). Just keep the cruise on 55 for the best freeway driving and change your driving habits to get stay on electric power as much as possible in intown traffic.

• 

  Good price for performance and features. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Hofmann - October 20 - 10:00 am

  My only two complains are the tires (too small), and that the car is sometimes lazy when accelerating.

• 

  My review - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By twintx - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Taurus. It is very dependable and reliable. I have never had major problem with either car. They also have 5 star safety rating which is important to me. Lots of room for a mid size car.

• 

  Love the Expy - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By LarryN Ky - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV. This one replaced by 1998 Expy...wow ! what a difference and an improvement. Super ride..quiet...and gas mileage as expected...

• 

  Mustang love - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By juneataustinmustang - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Was at the dealership to buy a Focus. Out on the lot they had parked all of the Foci next to a Redfire color Mustang convertible, 40th anniversary special. It said "buy me" to me. Either that or the saleman had super telepathic powers. Dealer must have seen me coming. I couldnt resist. Really great car to drive. Want to keep it forever.

• 

  2003 Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Carl Tudor - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Ranger. I had a 1984, 1989, and now a 2003. I have had very little problems with any Ford Ranger including this one. I would buy another Ranger as my next purchase.

• 

  my black bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Richard E. - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had more fun with this car than any car I have owned in 30 years.I get great remarks from anyone who has a chance to talk to me about the car.Quality is impecable.Look is awesome.Great performance.Cant say enough. Regards Richard E.

• 

  Keeps getting better - 2007 Ford Edge
  By SS - October 20 - 12:46 am

  We have only had the Edge for 3 weeks and 1200 clicks but so far we are very impressed. The handling, comfort and ride is excellent. I dont think we could of picked a better all around driver.

• 

  This car sells it self - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ddmodify - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I looked for a dark shadow grey Mach 1 for 9 months. The whole time I felt like I was cheating on my 99 35th anniversary Mustang (Silver and Black). But, I consider my Mach to be a classy performance car. My Mach, is my 3rd mustang. I park next to corperate americas bmw clone series (you know the dark one with 4 doors), and no one ever compliments their cars. The joke is there is a million mustangs on the road. But Ive seen one like mine. (at a mustang car show) My suggestion, but a special series mustang (35th, Bullit, Mach, Cobra) Far nicer interiors.

• 

  Outstanding - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By JN - October 18 - 7:33 pm

  The very best car Ive owned. The 4.6 V-8 is outstanding. Im Sold...