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 first car - 1996 Ford Contour
  By jvhofw24 - September 17 - 1:25 pm

  Overall, the car drives well. It has the right amount of zip when you need it, and I found it to be pretty reliable. I owned the car for almost six years, and up until a couple months ago, I only had relatively minor problems with it. (i.e. brake rotors, 1 alternator, 1 battery, and a window motor) I put about 90,000 miles on it while I owned it, I drove it all around the country, and it got me everywhere I needed to be. At about 160,000 miles, the car sort of began to fall apart, but I guess that what happens when you drive a Ford. I still feel I got my moneys worth.

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  THROTTLE BODY ISSUE - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Rachael - September 17 - 11:35 am

  I have a lease with less than 6,000 miles on the vehicle. I was on a major highway with my 3 year old child when going from 80 mh the car just completely came to a complete stop. I was hysterical crying. The manager at the service dealer informed me shut the car off and restart the vehicle I did it multiple times till finally it started again, he informed me to try and drive it and or call the tow truck i called the tow truck and was informed over an hour wait. so i proceeded to drive to get off the major highway, the vehicle shut off another 5 times before getting off the major highway. The dealer had my vehicle for exactly 17 days waiting on the part. i was hoping it fell under the lemon law being its a lease. My service manager stated he cant guarantee it not happening again. I really am not comfortable driving this vehicle not knowing if this problem would occur while the road with my family.

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  Fusion Fan - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion Fan - September 16 - 6:16 pm

  Have the Fusion for 2 weeks now and I love the car! Great to drive, great to look at. I have the red color which everyone loves! Im getting 24MPG in everyday driving with the I-4. I feel that this engine has plenty of power. Great leg room in front and in the back too!

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  2009 Escape Hybrid 4WD - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BrionL - September 16 - 6:13 pm

  1,000 miles and very pleased with the vehicle. Getting an honest 32mpg with mixed hwy/city driving which is great for an AWD vehicle. Excellent regular performance when needed.

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  Battle Tested - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By John - September 16 - 4:31 pm

  This car gave me no probelms ever. Once it was parked in front of my house and someone crashed into it at about 30 head on and my car was fine, his was totalled. The car did not survive its second accident, it was t- boned by a Ford Econoline going about 50, but no one in the Ranger had so much as a scratch.

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  I can pep all day long and night! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By protegetonone - September 16 - 11:13 am

  I love this car! Had it coming up on 2 years and havent had one ioda of a problem with it. Never been serviced (Helps dad owns on muffler shop) or had it back at the dealership. I was really skeptical buying this as I wasnt impressed with Focuss of the past besides the SVT. So when I was told this was the car that discountinued the SVT, I had to test it out. I walked out 2 hours later a proud owner! The interior is a little bland and my leg rubs against the center console, besides that I fit in there like a glove and I am 61 280. So not small. Also this car goes! I have done a couple small things and doing about 175hp and doing 14.1 in 1/4. I love the looks on other peoples faces! :)

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  What a find! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By sibewill - September 16 - 11:10 am

  I moved into this car from an 07 IS250 and have never looked back. While it is not the same Tron-like driving experience, I could not ask for a more appropriate car for travelling with my family. It has all the space we need, decent mpg and is amazingly comfortable for short or long trips. We chose this over a SUV because the large trunk will keep items from hitting the kids if we are ever rear-ended. We were already t-boned once by a RAV-4 whose driver had a senior moment, and we were able to drive away with no injuries and less damage than she had.

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  MY 2003 MUSTANG - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By CRAZY DRIVER - September 16 - 10:00 am

  WOW WERE DO I BEGIN. I HAVE PUT SO MUCH INTO MY MUSTANG THAT IT IS NOW THE ANIMAL IT SHOULD BE FROM THE FACTORY. I HAVE SUPER CHARGED IT, ALL SWAY BARS UP GRADED, FRONT AND REAR CROSS DRILLED AND SLOTED BRAKES. SALEEN WHEELS WRAPPED AROUND BRIDGE STONE S-O2 WITH 2- CHAMBER FLOWMASTERS WITH A BBK X-PIPE. I AM NOW PUSHING 443 HORSE WITH 503 LBS OF TORQUE INTERCOOLED. ALSO LOWERED IT WITH EIBACH SPRINGS 2 INCH ALL AROUND.

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  My F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mr. Happy - September 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck. This is my fourth purchase of an F150. Ive owned all body types. Ford continues to make a great truck. If only they would/could do something about fuel efficiency. Since my first Ford in 1989, fuel efficiency SUCKS. Now that regular gasoline is hovering around two dollars a gallon, I,m giving serious consideration to unloading this puppy. When I need the utility of a truck, Maybe Im borrow my son-in-laws Jeep SUV

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  Great truck, but short on amenities - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ST Driver - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck... getting 17-19 MPG keeping the foot out of it -- great for a truck/SUV. Ample torque off the line for merging, but fades a bitabove 50 mph. Interior is comfy, big and handy, but lacks basics like compass/outside temp gauge found std on cars costing half as much. Power mirrors and cruise not enough to justify the $1.5K extra for XLT package - shouldve bought XLS and had those added for about half that. Zero reliability issues in first 3k miles - fun to drive, but a bit bumpy.