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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  Poor MPG - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By sabrinakrouse - November 6 - 4:17 am

  As a former Prius driver, I was excited to try out the Ford C-max because it provided me with a bit more room for my kids in the back seat. In the Prius I was averaging 42-44MPG depending on the season. So when I saw 47MPG I figured I would at least get the same if not a little more MPGS. I am very aware how to drive a hybrid to get the most out of it as possible so when I can not get the C-Max to get over 34 MPGs it makes me very disappointed. There should be more real life testing and accountability for the company that is going to market a product knowing full well that the product is going to fail because consumers are going to have to drive up hills and in the winter.

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  98 2dr sport 5 speed 2WD - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By hawc - November 6 - 1:41 am

  Purchased from a family member two years ago. Ive had to replace ABS speed sensor and both 02 sensors (FYI: if your ABS light is on in your Explorer then its about a 90% chance you just need a very inexpensive speed sensor which can be replaced in under fifteen minutes). The car has otherwise been reliable. Ride quality and handling are decent. Performance is lacking in the OHV 4.0 liter especially from a standing start. Its a lot of heft to get rolling afterall. Once your up to speed, performance is actually quite decent.

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  Last of the land sharks - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Harleyelf - November 6 - 1:18 am

  I bought my 07 a month ago at just about half sticker price. The wheels needed alignment, but the dealer was happy to fix it on the first try. The engine is so quiet and revs so high, the jet engine air intake seems right. Fuel consumption is what you would expect for a peppy big-midsize, not what you would be led to expect by the window sticker. I get 22 mpg mixed. This car has a solid feel of quality that makes me think the guys on the assembly line know they were participating in history. My only disappointment is that silly dash which wont accept an aftermarket stereo gracefully. The enthusiastic A/C more than makes up for it, though, as its a neccessity here in Florida.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Michelle - November 5 - 4:31 pm

  I love this car. Its easy to drive, the interior is very intelligently designed and it feels like a much bigger car yet drives very sporty. My only complaint is an annoying squeak from the area of the backseat which so far, Ford has been unable to fix.

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  Almost Perfect! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By jmr1061 - November 5 - 4:21 pm

  Having owned 3 of the previous generation Mustangs, in my opinion this was a huge leap forward for the Mustang. For the money, Ford did an excellent job of producing a top end, sporty pony car. The ride and balance is excellent, and the retro look is awesome! Overall quality is very good. This is the best bang for the buck on the market today. For a larger car than previous years, the interior seems smaller - more cramped, but still very comfortable.

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  Great summer car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Mandy - November 5 - 4:01 pm

  I purchased my Mustang about 2 years ago in Florida and then moved back north. This car has been wonderfully reliable taking me to and from Florida. My only complaint regarding long trips is that the drivers seat is horribly uncomfortable and I really get poor gas mileage. Until recently I havent had any problems with the car. Lately the convertible top back near the window has been leaking and now I am dealing with wet floors. I think it is mostly due to the Florida sun drying out the top for 5 years since it was never garage kept. I get tons of compliments though!

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  Freestyle Favs and Frustrations - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By khkocher - November 5 - 7:36 am

  I like my vehicle because it has enough room for a group, the mechanisms are easy to use, and I do like the extra cup holders. We did not like the upholsetry. It is so hard to clean. If you spill water, it leaves a wet ring. That has been my biggest frustration.

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  A Ford I Love! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By BC - November 4 - 11:16 pm

  This car is amazing. I never thought Id find myself saying ford made an awesome car, but WOW! Driving is extremely smooth on the car. If you want performance just floor it, and it will red-line shift for you. The interior is very comfortable and the NAVI package is very well integrated into the vehicle.

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  Buy It--New or Used (2005 or after) - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By gtstangconv - November 4 - 10:43 pm

  I just bought a 2006 GT Conv with 13000 miles. Ive had it two days and already love it. My other vehicle is a Mazda CX-9 (for the family). This one is fun for me and I can still haul the family for fun trips. With the GT (V8), Im surprised that Im averaging 20-23 mpg--not bad considering the 300 horses and irresitible urge to nail it and nail it and well you get the point. Buy this vehicle. If $ are tight, I recommend an 06 or 07--great bargains out there. I personally chose a used GT instead of a new V6. I would have considered a used 05, but I never get a car its first year in production--no idea if theres any real basis in that- -just my personal hangup.

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  New 08 Taurus Ltd. - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By 08 Taurus - November 4 - 9:32 pm

  Almost purchased a Cadillac CTS, but wanted something slightly larger. Thought I may be taking a step down with the Taurus - I was wrong! Very happy with this purchase. I have 1200 miles on my new 08 Taurus Ltd., it looks and feels like a luxury car. Ride quality is outstanding, interior very comfortable and roomy. Very nice car to drive.