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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  My First and Last Ford - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By cmax_sucks - January 1 - 2:14 pm

  After dealing with numerous recalls and technological glitches, I am finally throwing in the towel on my 2013 C-Max (Ive had it for a year). As others have pointed out, the MPG was grossly exaggerated by Ford. At the moment, Im dealing with relatively minor issues (i.e. entertainment system sporadically stops working, center console wont close, trunk lift gate doesnt work, warning lights randomly go on and off). It is both inconvenient and frustrating to take the car in for repairs all of the time. My last straw - last time I took it in, I returned to find the dealership showing my car to prospective customers (literally sitting in my car with my personal belongings on display).

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  2003 Cobra convertible - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Rick D. - January 1 - 12:06 pm

  Ive owned this black 2003 Cobra convertible for about 8 months. I havent had any problems. Since moving to Florida, I was looking for a convertible. The car shakes a little (probably because its a convertible). It has plenty of power, but feels HEAVY. The stock exhaust is too quiet.

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  What a great truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By John L. - January 1 - 11:52 am

  I have really been enjoying this truck. Yeah the fuel economy isnt great, but it IS a truck, ya know? Ride quality is excellent and it has more pick-up than I expected. It handles well - more responsive that I would have thought. The cab is quiet and very comfortable. The days of bouncing down the road in your truck on that uncomfortable bench seat are over. My wife was afraid to drive it at first, but now she says its just like driving a car. I have been both surprised and impressed with this vehicle.

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  It Fits Me Like a Glove - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Saundra W. Rush - January 1 - 9:56 am

  The Ford 500 Limited handles well in any weather on any surface. I enjoy the size of the car. The trunk has extra space that I need sometimes when traveling. There are so many things about the car that I enjoy. However, the best thing that I can say about it is that it fits me like a glove! The dealership staff was most helpful when I was deciding whether to buy this car. I couldnt have asked for more. The service center has been most helpful with oil changes and other services.

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  Electrical - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By drsnowball - January 1 - 6:00 am

  In July my newly leased, left over 2013 C-Max had a dead battery after sitting overnight. The clock on the dash said 8:38AM. Road side assist came and jumped to start. I called the Ford service center and was told "You must have left something on." I was certain I had not. On, Sept. 14, 2014, I came out to find my car dead again. The clock (coincidence?) read 8:38 AM; however, after the jump start the clock failed to run. Thought! For about 10 days continuing, the unlock button on my key was slow to open the passenger door and trunk lock. Perhaps an indication of the battery voltage decreasing? Tomorrow the service dept. will try to find the problem. Ill let you know.

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  A Blast to Drive - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Captcomputer - December 31 - 3:35 pm

  After doing my homework on this car I had to have one. The SVT is the most fun to drive for under $20k. For that little itch inside that we all have, it has that punch when you just want to shoot around a slowpoke in traffic. The ride is right on, not too stiff yet enough to throw it around a corner when in a hurry. Stereo is awesome for a compact car. Tire class is right up there. If youre asking for more then youre asking to much. Interior room is comfortable for such a small car. Even for backseat passengers it is capable of comfort. The sunroof and leather bolsters around cloth seats gives it a taste of luxury. Suspension is A+. There are affordable bolt-ons that make it even better. A+

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  Very nice, but twitchy - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Wes - December 31 - 2:38 pm

  We purchased the Explorer in 2004, with only 62,000 miles. It was joy a drive, and very comfortable, but I wondered why so low mileage. Did not take long to figure it out. Its almost possessed in terms of twitchy issues. When its hot outside (which is 6 months a year in Vegas) the car will sometimes just not start, then wait 5 to 10 minutes and it will. The mechanic was baffled, but after researching it online, discovered its a vapor lock in the fuel pump or pressure sensor. $800 to replace it according to the dealer. In the winter the excluder seals whistle. According to Ford it is a noise not a defect, but would cost $1500 to make it go away. but when its not acting up its a blast to drive.

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  2003 Focus SVT European Package (red) - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Garry Mohr - December 31 - 2:03 pm

  I would like to get a new GT Mustang but do not have the heart to sell my Focus SVT to get one (what does that have to say). Its fun to drive, fast for a 170hp and almost 2800lbs, handles like a sports car (which when you drive it, you think it is). The only problem Ive had with it: the clutch assembly had to be replaced due to a rattle sound it made, especially at idle (Ive heard this has been a problem with some because of the complex clutch/flywheel assembly/design). The 17" wheels are somewhat easy to damage if you hit a bad chuck hole (Ive bent one). When I part with it I know Ill miss.

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  How to increase mileage? - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jean - December 31 - 1:13 pm

  I am very pleased with the 2006 Ford Escape hybrid, which I have owned for 1 week. I miss a few features I had on my Saab 9-3 (radio controls on steering wheel, day lights and ignition on console) but otherwise am quite pleased. It is peppy and fun to drive. I have not however achieved great mileage - in fact, I would appreciate any tips. I got 27 on the highway and even less in the city, which is opposite of what I expected. I admit to having a little bit of a heavy foot, so I have tried to ease up on the peddle. Do others find that the gas engine kicks in very quickly. I certainly dont drive at 25 mph on the electric engine.

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  back to a F-150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Tony - December 31 - 10:35 am

  I have had many F150s when I was younger but stopped buying them when my need for more pulling power grew (more toys to haul). After a couple of V10 Super Dutys, I decided on the new 3 valve 5.4L. It doesnt have the sheer torque of the V10 but seems to have enough to haul my toys around. It has greater style and comfort than my V10 F350.