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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  One year in, still a happy camper. - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hotpotato - February 20 - 4:27 am

  Im over a year and 15,000 miles into ownership now. Car is holding up nicely. Since late 2012, Ford has issued several updates and recalls for the car to increase safety, MPG, and reliability. This may damage consumer magazine reliability scores, but results in a safer, more economical, more reliable car for all current and future owners -- I admire Ford for doing it. My mileage went up 1-2 MPG after the new software, for instance, from 36-37 to 37-38.

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  Ford Escape - Skip this one - 2005 Ford Escape
  By gomar - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Our Ford Escape is the least reliable new car weve ever owned (weve bought plenty new). It has been back at the dealer at least once a month on average since we bought it. It is been repaired more often than my old Subaru. Not all of it is Fords fault - it started with the Firestone tire fiasco. There have been no life threatening failures, but the car has continuous problems.

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  Ford - Not your best effort for a 4X4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mango1 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I recently upgraded my 2001 SC 4X4 F150 to the FX4 SC 2004. The ride is great on the road. Off road is a different story. For off roading the ground clearance stinks. My wifes Toyota Highlander can make it through ruts without bottoming out like the new FX4. The new SC is more an SUV then a real off road 4 wheel drive. Ford should be ashamed. Lift the truck by 4 inches minimum.

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  I LIKE IT! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Nizoral1 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my new ztw wagon today for 13900 including all rebates from ford and dealer. tt control 6 disc changer you name it. Nows the time to buy that leftover. Cant beat the price msrp 19200. 13900 WOW Just cant beat the price for anything close to the wagon!

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  Great Car! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Charles Woolley - February 20 - 12:40 am

  This is a fun car to drive. Very comfortable ride and plenty of power. Interior room is incredible. More trunk space than in any car I have ever owned.

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  Watch the Fuel Injectors! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Steve - February 19 - 9:54 pm

  After several SUVs, my first pickup. Nice to drive - both on the freeway and offroad. But not very reliable. Problems range from annoying (the CD player has been replaced 4 times and still isnt working correctly) to serious (has broken down 3 times and been towed once in the first 25,000 miles due to faulty fuel injectors). About to go out of warranty so Ill probably consider trading for something more reliable - maybe Japanese?

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  Very Happy - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Tony - February 19 - 7:33 pm

  We just bought a Eddie Bauer V6. Traded up from an 02 Sport Trac. It rides so much better than the Sport Trac. We did not get all the goodies but what we got for our money was a very good value. Looking forward in 3 years to getting a 2010 model. It will be here soon.

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  Great fun for the money - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JohnS - February 19 - 11:11 am

  I bought this car used with 72k miles, and its the best value I could hope for. Great fun to drive, steering and handling are super, will zip when you stand on the throttle--five speed with 16v 2liter 4 are more than adequate. Plenty of power for passing and mountain driving. The hatch and fold-down rear seats add to its utility, and rear seat room surprises all who crawl back there. A/C and heat are both powerful, all accessories work great. Cockpit is cozy and ergonomics are great a very comfortable driving position. I paid $5700 and cant imagine more fun for that money. The original owner took care of recall repairs and its been trouble free for me.

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  Great car - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By By Alex - February 19 - 8:34 am

  This car is great. I have had it for 5 years already. It looks great, it drives great but I think the cars favorite place is at the gas station.

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  Great all around car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jeremy - February 19 - 8:26 am

  For many years I have been a staunch supporter of import cars. My last car was a Honda Civic and was not the automotive icon everyone depicts it to be. Ford still has some ground cover on the little things, but for the real world, you cant go wrong with the Focus. It rides better, has more power, better visibility, and better factory support than any import out there! Especially Honda.