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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  Cant beat the price - 2002 Ford Focus
  By alantpool - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle for those that enjoy driving, comfort, and style. Comfortable seats and almost anyone can find a comfortable seating position, I am 64" and my wife is 55" and we both enjoy driving the car and find it very comfortable.

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  GREAT WHILE UNDER WARRANTY - 1999 Ford Escort
  By SHANANA - November 19 - 10:00 am

  My 1999 ZX2 was great while it was under warranty.. Just after that ran out I had to repair my air conditoner. Then about 8000 miles after that I had to fix the wheel bearing. Now 7000 miles later I hear a noise in the front end. Still need to get that looked at. I have loved the car up till now. Still looks great. The ride has always been nice(if you only have one passenger with you and no babiew to try to get into a car seat).

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  my focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By steve franklin - November 19 - 10:00 am

  My wife has owned a Contour, chrysler cirus, and many other new cars and says this id the best car she has ever had.

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  Love my Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Charlie - November 19 - 6:22 am

  Very comfortable and safe. Fuel economy is much better than reports. As much as 20 mpg on the highway (under 70 mph). Wish the back up sensors were a little more sensitive.

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  More fun to drive than my Z4 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By CSP4 - November 19 - 4:13 am

  This car is more fun to drive than my Z4. You must sit up close to the wheel as the cockpit calls to you to saying, "take control". I am not kiddding, this car is a blast and the Shaker 500 is awsome. Thank you Ford for bringing this value to the market. And anyone in So California, Villa Ford has no mark ups!

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  Fun, Strong, Workhorse - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Justin - November 18 - 7:07 pm

  I love my truck! It is so much fun to drive and comfortable to boot. The engine is plenty powerful for all applications and the truck can haul some mega weight. The only complaint I have is the back window which leaks in around the seals. Apparently it was a design flaw by Ford and can be fixed easily at a glass place (providing you have the money to do so!). As far as the gas mileage, its what you would expect for a truck (*slurp**slurp*).

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  I love Ford - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Ashley - November 18 - 4:36 pm

  I have owned several Fords, an escort, a focus, and an escape, I keep going back to Ford, because the customer service is excellent, the prices are good and the cars are nice. I am especially impressed with my new fusion. It is so spacey. I love the backup camera and the handling when driving. EXCELLENT!

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  Done With Fords - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Towers - November 18 - 3:07 pm

  I needed a minivan because we were having twins. It was a great vehicle while the kids were infants. Easy to get babies into and out of the vehicle,and was roomy enough for everything. Too many problems were shared between me and another Windstar owner: both had idling problems in the morning both have a transmission that slips both have a stuck temp. control switch and both have a check engine light due to a vacuum leak. Its a safe vehicle that is great on road trips, but its time for a more reliable vehicle for me.

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  Best value & great seat comfort - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By mikesurf - November 18 - 10:47 am

  Yes, the Ranger is an old design, but its also a good design. This is a truck, not a luxury car, and it is not meant to be a luxury car. However, it does have the most comfortable seats I have ever experienced--they actually support a guys shoulders, which almost no other vehicles seats do. I like the style, particularly the two tone cloth seats which give the truck a sporty look. Engine performance is adequate, and seems very quiet at cruise. A fine truck, and thousands less w/ Ford incentives than any Japanese brand truck.

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Cherish - November 18 - 12:34 am

  This car is the best car Ive ever had! They should make this car still. I will always try to have a Ford Probe. My old car was a 1993 Ford Probe SE with almost 300,000 miles and it was still running when I sold it. These cars are so reliable. Ive never been disappointed in this car.