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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  My 2004 Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Long Commuter - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Expedition. Ive had it a little over a month, and couldnt be happier. Comfort and ride quality are excellent. Gas mileage is not bad either, as Im averaging 16 mpg..and alot of that is in traffic. The 6 disc CD player is excellent. Only disappointment..the leather feels a little like vinyl. Besides that..no complaints..and cupholders everywhere! For the money, this car cant be beat!

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  HaHa - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Austin - October 15 - 3:26 pm

  Mustang Rocks

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  Ford Rocks with Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Vanz73 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the a new 04 Expedition seven months ago to replace a 97 Explorer. Overall we (the family) are very pleased with the vehicle. On the positive side it rides well, handles good for a big vehicle and has good pickup when you need it. The inside is roomy and comfortable. The heated and cooled seats are a little strange at first, but they are a nice touch. Overall this is a great vehicle if you want a large SUV.

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  More than you expect - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By reg - October 14 - 6:13 pm

  I am a longtime Ford buyer, but throughly shopped all the available crossovers. Import nation, wake up! I have had 5 Fords now for well over a total of over 300k miles and nary anything ever to fix, including my 06 500. So I knew this vehicle would be top notch in terms of reliability. When I got my 500 I passed on the Freestyle because it lacked power but I loved the package. The new v6 and 6 speed makes up for that sin. Smooth, powerful. This is one of the very few crossovers that drives like a sedan. Steering feel and ride is dead on. All seating is comfortable and firm. Ergonomics are spot on. Controls are easy to use. Vehicle feels like billet on the road. Your search ends here!

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  Very impressed by my first truck. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By timhood - October 14 - 2:26 am

  Im a first-time truck owner. To be honest, no other truck has ever been compelling enough to get me to consider buying. Until now. I first saw this truck at the auto show and was shocked by the luxury of the interior. The FX4 interior is by far the best of any brand/model out there.

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  Think Green! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By laura_booth_us - October 13 - 10:26 pm

  I bought my Escape Hybrid because I commute 70 miles each way to work over mountains so I needed good MPG and reliability in bad weather conditions. Ive put about 8300 miles on it in a little over 2 months. MPG is good, but it is so much better in the city. Im getting about 28 avg on interstate with mountains, which is still awesome for a FWD. Also, I am making an attempt to save the environment! Thats really the best part. I love the interior and exterior is fresh and bold from the old style. I need the electrical outlet to use my laptop while I am working so I have gotten a lot of use from that. I like it more and more!

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  Love my new Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bryan Janak - October 13 - 6:00 pm

  I would have never thought to look at a Focus, but I spotted this one on a lot while looking at Mustangs. I decided to take it for a drive, and was very impressed with the power this little car has. Needless to say, I started the paperwork on it immediately. I got it for around $14,400 with the family plan, it was too good of a deal to pass up. I am used to driving a truck, but became very accustomed to this car quickly. It handles well, has lots of power, and gets tons of looks, especially in black. The sound system could be better, but thats a cheap fix for me. I have no real complaints on this car. My sister has an 03, and she has had zero problems unlike the 00-02s.

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  Shouldnt have hung in there... - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By Hutleyman - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought it when it was 5 years old w/88,000 miles on it. Paid $5,500. Didnt have a single repair problem for 4 solid years. Thought it was the dream buy of my life. Then I hit 153,000 miles and had to decide whether to keep regular maintenance up (new tires/shocks/some front suspension work/brakes/battery) and decided to bite the bullet since it was such a great car. Then the floodgates opened. After sinking $2 grand into it and thinking I would be set for another 3-4 years, look out. Be ready to get a new loan when the tranny goes and hope they get it right the first time. New computer, EGR, alternator, water pump all went within the next 5,000 miles. Im now milking it for all its worth.

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  Get it while you can - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Doctieu - October 12 - 11:36 pm

  Love the power and all the attention I get with this car. Having the name Shelby just explains it. The ride is quite comfortable for a muslce car. Paid over MSRP with no regrets. Absolutely incredible rush driving it, even at the speed limit. I want to be selfish and not recommend it to you because it will only be more prestigious for us to own.

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  A good car, but getting wary now. - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Vance - October 12 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car at the end of the 2006 modely year and have enjoyed it a lot. The car is very comfortable and fun to drive. Excellent handling in snow and wet conditions. I am a bit disappointed with the mileage, but I can live with what is delivers. The big issue is that it has had problems starting in the last month. Five times now I have jumped in and it wont start. I had it towed last week but the service desk could not find the problem. It failed to start yesterday when I was running errands. fter 20 minutes it did start and I took it back for service. I am very unhappy with this reliability issue. Ford has enough problems.