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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  I guess I got a good one - 2000 Ford Focus
  By EE - February 22 - 8:21 pm

  165,000 miles and its only now starting to have problems. I was a victim of the frozen ignition thing - if its giving sticky warning signs, heed them! The timing belt isnt due until some ridiculous mileage, mine went at 155,000. If you are planning to keep the car long term, change it before Ford advises. No leaks of any kind, so far. I am a painter and have loved how much stuff I could cram in the back and still be able to park it in San Francisco, and the gas mileage is great. If you are looking at this used, try and find one where you can research the service history, I guess. Im going to try and take this one to 200,000 miles.

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  Great Car, great price! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Dave Donsbach - February 22 - 7:36 pm

  I looked at a lot of SUVs before I purchased the Explorer, and Im glad I picked the Explorer. Great ride, very quiet, good pickup, turns on a dime. Im 64" and have plenty of room. I cant say enough about the Explorer. The only negative is gas mileage around town at 14mpg, highway is ok at 21 if you keep it under 75.

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  Fun, fun - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Jon - February 22 - 5:21 pm

  I just got this car last month, but from what I can see so far its great. Im 6ft 185 pounds, and I fit just fine in it, I dont even need the seat all the way back, and 4 people can fit in it, just so long as they arent huge. I get 20mpg average... and thats with getting on it a few times a day.

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  Old-style power and reliability - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Polychrest - February 22 - 4:22 pm

  This iteration of the Explorer has been given a bad rap by the Consumer Reports mavens. Its a competent, comfortable, reliable ride with only one bad habit: it drinks too much. If you need serious hauling capacity, sweet highway manners, bad-weather & bad road capability, and arent averse to a little interior luxury, this ride deserves a look. Ive had it for almost a year, and its been a pleasure from day one. It laughs at winter (and weve had a bad one so far).

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  Love the new Focus! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By terry - February 22 - 3:20 pm

  I traded in our Ford Taurus for the new Focus. I love how easy the car is to drive and you cant beat the price. I got the car loaded and just love all the features. I owned a 2000 Focus and had just traded it in for a Caravan. Never had any real trouble with that one except for all the recalls, but they fixed everything at no cost. This car rides smooth even over the bumpiest roads, the sound system is great and the gas mileage is incredible. Very quiet car, lots of interior room and a huge trunk. Highly recommend.

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  nice truck for money - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Tony - February 22 - 12:16 pm

  I bought this truck for looks and for the options that could be added. I suggest the power moonroof and captain chairs. The truck has been very dependable in the two years i have owned it.

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  Excellent little SUV!! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By 19 Little One - February 22 - 6:16 am

  I purchased my 2003 2 door Explorer Sport in 2004 with 12,000 miles on it. It is now 2015 and it has over 250,000 miles on it. I would buy this vehicle over and over again. I take very good care of it, get my oil changed every 3,000 miles and my tires rotated every other oil change. Since I have owned this vehicle I have only had to replace my alternator. I have gone through 3 sets of tires... the first being Michelins from the factory, then I went with the cheap ones and did not like the ride at all so when those wore out I went back to the Michelins and got my smooth ride back! I just cant say enough good about this vehicle. Before I purchased this 2 door, I had a 4 door Ford Explorer when I had kids to haul all over the place and that was a charm of a SUV as well. When the kids flew the nest, I decided that I wanted just a little more of a sporty look, so I traded in my 4 door for the 2 door. I do not have 4 wheel drive and I live in Minnesota. I have been driving this vehicle for 11 years now and there hasnt been one time that I would have even used the 4 wheel drive. Love, Love Love this sporty looking SUV. Do not hesitate to purchase one if you get the chance to.

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  Great All-Around - 2008 Ford Edge
  By David T - February 21 - 11:14 pm

  Ive owned the 07 Edge for about six months. Its a great all-around vehicle. Ive taken a 500+ mile road trip in it with four adults producing lots of "wows." I haul around my wife and kids in it. It doubles as a classy yet rugged roomy vehicle to take business associates to lunch in. Its able to handle significant loads with the seats down. I could not be more pleased.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By smith2826 - February 21 - 10:05 pm

  This vehicle is one of the best i have ever owned. My sister has an older model and when I drove it I told myself that I would never own one. I ended up buying this one and now I am very glad that I did. This is absolutely the most comfortable vehicle that I have ever ridden in. It is amazing how quiet the ride is inside. This has to be one of the best all around vehicles. It is good for family time because of the room and luxury, and when it is time for a couple to have their own time, it is stylish.

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  Glad to see Ford can produce good cars - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Dillon - February 21 - 8:43 pm

  I am overall extremely pleased with my car, but there were 2 features that really took some getting used too. First was the rear window - not a whole lot of viewing going on back there, and second Im about 510" and I had to do quite a bit of seat adjusting to not rub my head against the ceiling all the time. I replaced the stereo because there was no iPod hookup, but the stock speakers are great. My car is fully loaded, and I mean fully. I bought it with every feature they had listed and I got a killer deal. This car is HOT! and I am proud to be an owner. Did I mention its maroon or dark red; however you view it, its like butter!