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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  good car - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By honeybunny - June 12 - 2:00 am

  i had this car for4 years bought used and love it, chep on gas, oil. tires. brakes and other mentaince .

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  Drive the Machine - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By BossHog - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is a childs hot wheels dream come true. The feel of power, the mystique of tradition, and the roar of the mighty mustang combine for an unforgettable driving experience.

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  Ranger beats the rest - hands down - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By TerryM - June 12 - 2:00 am

  My second Ranger - I purchased this vehicle after test driving and/or renting Chevy/GMC, Nissan, Toyota, and others. None can compare to the Ranger for quality, performance, drivability, driver position, seat comfort, driver visibility, quiet cab, and pure "fun to drive". And after extensive shopping, the Ranger was the best value I found.

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  thunderbird review - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By steves57fords - June 12 - 2:00 am

  the only thing I dont like about this car is turning it off.

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  Quality Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Steve D. - June 10 - 5:06 pm

  The 2007 Limited has a lot of nice features that distinguish it from the XLT. The quality, ride, handling, and comfort are more than expected. The truck is solid and have experienced no issues at all since driving it off the lot. A real winner!

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  pete - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Pete Reeve - June 10 - 2:00 am

  The Mustang is a fun car to drive and is an affordable sports car with plenty of muscle and character.

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  Love my fusion - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Tammy joplin - June 9 - 10:51 pm

  I really love the comfort of the fusion . I have the 2.0 turbo and couldnt ask for better handling and acceleration so far. I am getting 26 miles to the gallon and I have a bit of a lead foot. I love the huge trunk and the fact there is no lip so easier to load heavy stuff. Easy to connect your phone. I dont have navigation. My only complaint so far is the auto climate control does not seem to auto adjust like it should. Audio is easy to use. It took me awhile because I am not that tech savvy to learn how to use all the controls. also love the keyless entry.

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  13,000 miles and no problems - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By bjhhog - June 9 - 12:03 pm

  This is our first hybrid and Im so glad we went with the C-max. It has gitty-up when you need it, plenty of space for two adults and one baby (and everything that comes with a baby). driveability is very good and comfortable. This is our second summer with the car, and we are achieving the 45-47 mark. Winter is a different story, more like 42. All in all a very good car and Im truly surprised there are not more on the road.

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  red bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By dschuh - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and great to look at. No mechanical problems the first year of ownership.

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  This is my 8th Thunderbird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bernard S - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this little car. My wife thinks its great too. I owned sevin of the early models years back, I think I like this one best of all.