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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  LOVE IT - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dallas - May 1 - 3:33 am

  Bought my Focus in January. I love it. Had a Chevy, Kia and Buick before this one and the Focus is a million times better. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a reliable and affordable vehicle. Even for a car that isnt a sports car, it is still sporty. Easy to drive, very comfortable, responds well. My husband & I are both tall and this car is still very comfortable for us. Center console is a little awkward to get into, but that is the only thing that could stand improvement.

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  Droptop fun - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jerry Grant - May 1 - 12:40 am

  Excellent all round fun to drive car. Our V6 is equiped with the optional Pony package. This really helps out in the handling dept with added rear anti- sway bar, ABS,and 17" alloy rims. Take one for a drive. Youll love it.

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  blown radiator - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Tony Cervantes - April 30 - 8:58 pm

  had the car two days and driving on the highway and only 125 miles on the car the radiator blew. Car shut off, warning came up on screen, water gauge stayed in the middle. Spent over an hour waiting for road side assistance. Disappointed that a major defect occurred while driving on a highway crossing three lanes of highway with a dead engine. its unknown what damage is on the engine likely will be in the shop longer than I have had it. Was excited and got a great deal on what I thought to be a great vehicle. Will see what ford and dealership will do.

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  2K5 ZX5 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By RBARKC - April 30 - 6:30 pm

  I love the styling of the ZX5. It has a Euro flare to it and is a lot of fun to drive. After driving a sedan for several years a smaller car is a joy to drive. The Focus is a great car.

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  How many times can a new Fiesta go to the shop? - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Stephanie - April 30 - 5:42 pm

  This is easily the worst car I have ever purchased in terms of repairs. I bought it new, and within these 4 years of ownership, I have had it into the dealerships service center dozens of times. Major transmission problems. Electrical issues. Now the AC is broken. The car has 37,000 miles on it as of today, and has caused me NOTHING BUT HEADACHE. I bought the ridiculous extended warranty that covered everything (hah!), but not really. They still charge me for all kinds of things that should NEVER FAIL on a new car. Ford doesnt care that theyve sold me a piece of crap. My husbands Honda CRV has 220,000 miles on it and goes in once a year for an oil change! NEVER ever buying Ford again. Biggest mistake ever.

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  P71 Interceptor - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jay - April 30 - 4:53 am

  I bought this car two months ago. The car has the police interceptor package. Ive fixed the handful of minor problems the car had upon intital purchase. Its fun to drive with plenty of acceleration and good handling for a car that size. Plenty of room for the wife and kids. Also a lot of metal around you in the event of an accident.

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  The Limo of Pick-Ups - 2004 Ford F-150
  By SLORYDN1 - April 29 - 11:06 pm

  This truck is awesome! I love it. I had a 1997 F150 XLT when I purchased this truck, and as much as I liked the 97, this truck is 10 times better. I fail to see what all the complaints on the power are about. From 0-70 mph I can torch our Crown Vic Interceptors, and almost hang with the V6 Chargers we upgraded to. This is like driving a living room on wheels, its so comfortable, and it is the vehicle I take on all of my long distance trips, poor gas mileage aside. I would recommend this truck to anyone needing a full size, yet comfortable truck.

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  Solid Ride and Lots of Comforts - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By NewRider - April 29 - 9:27 pm

  Quiet, comfortable, powerful, and solid. Surprised at the great handling on curves, and the tight turning radius. Competes well with our Acura MDX! Engine runs smooth and quiet. Can barely feel the tranny shift, even when kicking in the on-the- fly full-time 4-wheel drive system. Comfortable steering wheel with redundant audio, HVAC, and speed controls keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road!

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  About time Ford done something - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By qthornton - April 29 - 2:17 pm

  This car drives and handles like a dream. I bought this car for my wife and we fight over whos gonna drive. The gas mileage is great. It gets about 30 mpg.

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  Great car for the price - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By AA Ron - April 29 - 7:38 am

  I bought the base line model and so far really like it. I traded in a 2005 Altima, that I have been driving for 11 years. This car feels solid and well built. No issues to speak of. The sync features work great. I cant speak towards reliability yet, as it only has about 700 miles.