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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  Luv it - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Chromecowgirl - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for 2 mos and just love it. Its small enough to not be cumbersome (Im a petite person)and big enough for my big guy hubby to fit into it comfortably. The ride is very carlike, it has great pickup and I love the cargo space that it has, without having to be in a big SUV.

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  Workhorse - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Stangman184 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I drive between 45,000 and 55,000 miles per Year! I love mine. I bought it with 28,700 miles and it now has 124,100+ miles on it. Routine maint. and a sensor is all Ive done to this car. It actually has been more reliable than 3 imports Ive owned (Toyota/Hondas), and It gives me better gas mileage than 2 of them. Best bang for the buck in todays market.

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  My FX4 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By jcart - August 24 - 12:03 pm

  Handles extremely well. 4x4 is responsive and pulling great.

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  good to look at good for the environment - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lynn Godshall - August 24 - 10:46 am

  It really works in Colorado - I have taken it off off road and I love it! Super great mileage in the city. Hybrids rule!

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  clean - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Aaron Grassel - August 24 - 10:00 am

  vechicle is in good shape and is mechanically in great shape

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  The best selling SUV for a reason - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By defiant254 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is wonderful. The V8 has a lot of power for a vehicle the size of an Explorer.. Could get better gas mileage.. The interior trim is much nicer than previous EB models. The ride is spectacular.. The new suspension is all that I read about and more.. Havnt taken it offroad yet, but Im looking forward to it..

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  1996 Ford Ranger - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By anthony727 - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Low replacement of parts during maintence except common stuff like brakes oil filter, air filter, ect.

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  Fords Come-Back Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
  By brockstar - August 23 - 9:10 am

  All I have to say is wow. I love this car. never thought I would buy a Ford vehicle. I went to the dealership to look at the vehicle and test drive it. It was the first vehicle I looked at. From that moment I had to have it. I have had Mercedes, VW, and Honda in the past. This car drives as nice as the Mercedes did. Ford you did good.

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Htein - August 23 - 4:46 am

  I had a choice between going with 07 SEL w/ leather & spoiler and a 08 SE for the same price. I went with the 08 SE since it had better safety ratings. The car is beautiful on the outside and inside. The only few points off is: 1) the plastic inside look somewhat cheap, especially noticeable at the fan grilles. 2) the phone bluetooth button does not work without sync, which I did not know otherwise I would have bought a model with sync. (I never asked) The maintenance is nice, oil schedule is every 7500 which is a plus from every 3000 miles that Im used to. The car handles and rides very smoothly. Its power output is definitely better than our other 4cyl Saturn.

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  love my bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By port hole authority - August 23 - 2:00 am

  After owning several Mustangs this car by far is the best and most fun to drive. Real head turner... I have the Merlot with sand interior.. I drive a Volvo 850 for my beater.. the bird has never seen a wet road. garaged and dusted off for sunny days ONLY.