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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  Mine, Mine, Mine - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cyberjad - October 5 - 8:26 am

  Great for those who want an all around cool looking 4X4. Very handy getting from A-B. Smooth ride, although I kinda wish I had ext cab.

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  My 2008 Ford taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By jason rachkofski - October 5 - 7:58 am

  We decided to sell our Windstar and buy a 2008 Taurus. Im amazed at the increase in power from the 3.0 to the 3.5 and the fuel economy seems to be the same.

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  Could not be more pleased with our C-MAX - 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By redneb1 - October 5 - 3:19 am

  !0,000 miles, 9 months. Getting 44 MPG all around. Very quiet, extremely comfortable, good performance. Have had zero issues. This is the first new car I have owned that hasnt had some defect in the first year. Better than 2 new Toyotas I have owned. Gauges / dash info system is excellent. Sound system is excellent. Fit/finish excellent. Glad to buy a car like this made in Michigan by UAW.

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  so sad - 2016 Ford F-150
  By brandy nichols - October 5 - 1:30 am

  i have owned fords my whole driving life from ford mustangs to ford f150 trucks.. the 2016 is sad. i have owned it 6 months and its been it the shop 3 times. the latches freeze so when you open your door you cant get it shut and when you finally get it to close you might not get it back open. the other day my radio quit working for the day and the next day it started working again. the trim on the driver side rear door came messed up from factory. i emailed ford directly about the latches they are on back order with no eta date. i asked them to send me a hammer to break the window if i couldnt get the door open. they provide no rentals for this problem. unfortunately i am stuck in the lease for 3 years if i would have bought it outright it would be sitting with a "for sale" sign on it

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  Not the best midsized SUV but not the worst - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By elliott - October 4 - 11:01 pm

  I have owned my Ford for just under a year now and have had some problems I would like to warn people interested in buying the car. First at 3200 miles I had to have the trans reprogramed not to big of a deal but the trans should not be slipping at all especially at 3000 miles. Second the passenger door was making the squeeks the the domestics are know again. I emphasize at less than 5000 miles. Build quality is up to snuff with the imports. It a far better car than the one it replaced. The other enormous draw back is the resale. I own a 2006 and payed about 24000 and is now woth about eleven.

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Todd - October 4 - 9:30 pm

  This is the first Mustang I have owned and its exciting every time I get behind the wheel. The quality of the ride is as good as most four door sedans. This car will make you look foward to going to work every morning. With the five speed tranny, doing the speed limits I get 27 mpg on the highway.

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  Who needs a GT? - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By SN Seth - October 4 - 4:26 pm

  I just bought a new Ford Mustang V6 manual and it has been what most people consider the ride of their life. I had test drove a few GTs and there is a difference in power, but for an everyday driver who isnt trying to race or see how much fuel they can burn through, it really moves. The transmission is dead on and each gear pulls so hard that you cant hold back smiling and looking around you to see who is watching. I love the way it makes me feel and the rush I get when I go to work in the morning. However, parking in the furthest parking spot next to the curb so that no one hurts her, does get to be a bit of a hike after a while. Go out and test drive one and you will know what I mean.

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  Dangerous - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mariah Lemaster - October 4 - 3:39 pm

  I loved this truck. Unfortunately I was going down the interstate and the balljoint gave out, flipping us three times. We are lucky to be alive. the truck only had 41,000 miles. Also had to replace the wiring harness at 38,000 miles.

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  Freestar transmission failure - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By last_ford - October 4 - 2:40 pm

  We have an 05 Ford Freestar the rear brakes went bad after 22,000 miles and now at 37000 miles the transmission has had an "internal failure" of the fluid pump resulting in the need for a new transmission for $3500. The mechanic at Ford (with 22 years experience) has never seen this before, yet Ford will not cover the repair because it is 1200 miles over the bumper-to-bumper warranty. The main reason why Ford does not increase their warranty to 5years/60,000 miles is beacuse most of their vehicles would not make it that long without some type of failure. Ford Motor Co has refused to help and so has the dealer-very frustrated-WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN and neither should anyone else.

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  Great - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By gordie580 - October 4 - 1:22 pm

  I love this vehicle. The power is great with the 4.6 triton V8. The AWD feature is great for people who doesnt understand how to operate 4wd.