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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  They got almost everything right. - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By wood - January 15 - 7:40 pm

  I purchased the Limited edition with every option and was the first to receive at the dealership in December. The car has come a long way from the previous edition. The interior just as many amenities as my $90,000 Mercedes. DVD entertainment with wireless headphones is great for the kids. Plenty of space. Electric 3rd row folding seats and electric tailgate are more important to me than I thought. Seats are very comfortable. Engine is smooth shifting. Plenty of cupholders and interior space. On 20 inch wheels it rides fantastic at 75 mph. The only thing I still would want is more hp under the hood. Something closer to 400 would have put this on par with anything out there.

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  Thundering horse - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Stud Pony - January 15 - 4:50 pm

  Love driving it, wish I wasnt so worried about parking it, Idiots with grocery carts and such. My wifes afraid to drive it due to the power but, I cant get enough of it! Interior seems a little cheap looking for top of the line Mustang.

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  BlueBeast - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By jared - January 15 - 2:22 pm

  I just bought this in order to get me through the recent Colorado blizzards. It has done its job thus far. Its 302 has 170,000 miles and it runs very smooth. I have had no problems getting through the snow drifts. It has WAY more room in it than I am used to.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Ken - January 15 - 2:14 pm

  A great suv. If you read some of the reviews many people find the gas usage high. DUH its an suv. It does a great job at hauling people in comfort. Awesome get up and go for such a heavy truck. Tows well, I like the fact that I can flip in and out of 4x4, awd or 2 wheel drive. I like that the center seat pulls forward. Its a great SUV.

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  Interior still out dated - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Cruzn89 - January 15 - 5:53 am

  The steering wheel needs a major overhaul. It has nt changed in years with that big ugly middle. The tiny display screen needs to be upgraded so you can see it. 7" minimum. too many buttons makes you drive off the road.

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  I love this car - 2000 Ford Contour
  By aking1 - January 14 - 11:53 pm

  I have driven many cars that were great, but none greater than this car. Even though this car is a 2000, and I have driven many recent cars, it is my favorite. It has a lot of interior room that I am able to play my guitar in it during lunch breaks. Besides my truck, this is my reliable vehicle.

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  Thumbs up for the Explorer! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By ski_dog - January 14 - 9:19 pm

  We bought it used with 58K on it, and have added over 60K ourselves in the past 3 1/2 years. We have done maintenance, replaced the computer, and the automatic hubs need replacing. Besides that it has been flawless. Cant ask anymore out of a rig than that!

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  Best car in its class! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By TrueReview - January 14 - 6:00 pm

  Early this year, I purchased an all base model 2008 Ford Focus. I drive a whole lot and need something with good mileage but also family safe since we had our first baby on the way. We drove everything in its class and spent at least a good month researching what would fit us best. I have a strong dis-taste for most Asian vehicles, but even so we test drove the Civic, Fit, Corolla, Echo, Yaris, Impreza etc etc. We ended up picking the Focus for its great value and still the best mileage overall. Rated better than the Aveo! I drive this vehicle every day and love it to death! Its great fun to drive, spacious for a little car and still smooth and powerful! Very safe too. Great job Ford!

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  Not What I Thought! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Darr - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a Mach 1. I have owned 3 other Mustangs in the past. I think the new style of the Mach 1 is outstanding. Theres more power then the standard GT. But it is after all a Ford. Ford doesnt have the best reputation. I bought my Mach 1 brand new. It now has 12,000 miles on it. At 10,000 miles the Transmission went out. I took it to the dealer who had to replace the transmission. So i think the Mach 1 is very nice but like i said, Its still a ford...

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  Nice, but not my bag. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By giznad - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I rented on for a week long trip. It was what I expected in an American SUV. Bland exterior and interior, underpowered engine, but it its defence. It did swalow all my cargo and make it from Orlando to Key West on one tank of gas. For my 30K Ide look to an Audi Wagon or an Infinity FX 35/45