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:

• 

  Been an awesome truck for me! - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Ron - November 25 - 10:08 pm

  I bought this truck after it had over 100,000 highway miles on it. I have put about 25,000 more miles on it with a mix of town and highway miles. This has been an awesome truck for me! No repairs, no bad points. A small V8, super cab, 4 wheel drive, and on the road it gets about 20 mpg. Great truck! Drives well, all options work, good cruise, comfortable, dependable, etc. I will keep using F150s, and this has really been a NICE truck for me. It could be the way it has been driven- with mostly highway miles, but really nice. Still uses NO oil, and drives like a dream. Hope I find another one like it when I finally wear this one out.

• 

  More than I expected - 2006 Ford Focus
  By JIDude - November 25 - 8:04 pm

  I wanted an inexpensive vehicle with decent mileage, handling and room enough for the wife and kid. This car is more than Id expected in terms of: vost, gas mileage, handling, acceleration and interior room. I think one cant go wrong for the price by buying this car.

• 

  Finally! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Leslie - November 25 - 5:38 pm

  I had been yearning for a Mustang for several years and finally realized that life was too short not to have it! I am now more in love with muscle cars than ever before and wish that I could have gotten the 8 cylinder (insurance wanted too much). Unfortunately, I do mostly NYC street driving to and from work 5 days/week. A real joy when I am driving around upstate NY. I never have to think twice about lane changes or pulling onto any highway. At first, it takes muscle to drive this cars stick. So much fun to break it in though. I got a lot of attention in 2005 when I first got the car. Best looking rear end on a car ever!

• 

  Definitely Recommend - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ritchie - November 25 - 3:53 pm

  This is our first SUV and therefore we researched and test drove all competitors. Amongst mid-size, above average SUVs, this is clearly the best. We drove almost 5,000 kms (March Break trip) in the third week of ownership and have nothing but great things to say about the comfort, handling and performance. Very responsive engine performance and steering and rides comfortably on semi-rough roads (dont have any reason to take it off-road). My wife and I are 59" and 57" respectively and there is ample leg, head and shoulder room. Love the moonroof, heated seats, upgraded stereo system. Really like the simple, classy exterior styling unlike some of the competition. Reasonable storage room in rear.

• 

  my review - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Mike - November 24 - 10:38 pm

  I took a chance on this vehicle. I own the Taurus SEL deluxe model. New, this vehicle is $24,000. I bought this car for 10,700. Talk about depreciation. Yea for second owners. Had only 14,700 miles in the summer of 2006 when I bought this car. This car is built very well. It is loaded with all the same amenities of a $40,000 car. It rides very nice, and I am extremely pleased that I have it.

• 

  The Edge is Edgy - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Elaine Scott - November 24 - 8:45 pm

  I love this car and Im not even a car person!

• 

  Worth Every Penny - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Greg - November 24 - 2:45 pm

  Had it about 5 months and love it. I am really a Chevy man and thought about the Camaro, but wanted something with a back seat for small kids (8 & 11). Overall, Im completely satisfied. My wife loves her minivan and didnt understand why I wanted a sports car, but now shes feelin it. Im in my 30s and didnt want another commuter vehicle I wanted something different. The Mustang suits me very well. If youre looking for more refinement, try the 05.

• 

  Fusion - Sporty Handling and design - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By mesabob - November 24 - 1:33 pm

  Just bought an 06 Fusion V6 SEL and it was the right choice. Black exterior and interior, lots of chrome - looks sharp and it handles like the more expensive imports in this class. Id appreciate a little more power, but the Fusion is not underpowered for most drivers.

• 

  Awesome, but... - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Azzi - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I have a blue V6 automatic and am happy with its performance. The car is very reliable, it never coughs upon ignition, even in -20 C temperature. The acceleration, breaking and handling are all very good. However, I have had a number of electrical problems, (headlight, dome light) and the wipers got damaged in a heavy rain fall. The engine makes crackling/popping sounds after I turn off the car. The car makes squeaky noises when I drive at high speeds. Also, its very hard to drive in the winter - the Mustang fishtails like crazy. I just turned 25 and will be getting married soon, and I dont think I will buy another Mustang.

• 

  good and bad - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Marc - November 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car that I have bought and am more or less satisfied with what I have gotten. I think the exterior design is great and has not looked this good in years. On the other hand, the interior design is horrible and needs significant improvements and more aminities.