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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  New purchase - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By RGankiewicz - June 30 - 11:13 am

  New Freestyle is a welcome change from driving a Ford Explorer. Vehicle handles well. Engine is a bit noisy on acceleration then levels out when highway driving. Lots of room, plenty of cargo space, better gas mileage than an Explorer.

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  Good Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By FelBrown - June 30 - 10:55 am

  I just got this truck four months ago. I would say to go with the 4.0L instead of the 3.0L because my least favorite part of my truck is the 3.0L. I came from having a 4.3L and I am used to the power going to a 3.0L was a little disappointing. Other than that, this is the best truck I have ever owned. It is very dependable and stylish.

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  New focus real value - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Gary Verburg - June 30 - 4:22 am

  Great gas mileage at a great price. Forty miles to the gallon and $10,000 less than a hybrid.

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  She runs like a champ, no matter what - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Maleficus - June 30 - 3:50 am

  I purchased my used ZX2 about 2 years ago, with 58,000 miles on the clock. Since then, shes only let me down once, and that was because I hadnt performed a regular maintenance item. The timing belt slipped so it wouldnt run, took it to a shop who didnt know what they were doing and they told me my cold air intake and header were why she wouldnt idle (at ALL). Well, they were wrong, the timing was still off. For a year, shes been running with bad timing and she runs like a champ, well, to a certain degree. As soon as I fix the timing (myself!), Im positive shell be back to her old zippy, fun self. Please, please buy one of these cars, you wont regret it.

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  Beats competition, sexy design, room for improvement - 2012 Ford Focus
  By humblepatience - June 30 - 12:36 am

  I have an SE titanium almost fully loaded, parking package and premium package.

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  My Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gary - June 29 - 5:26 pm

  Excellent in the snow; in the spring, you can sit in the bed and enjoy the weather at a beach or park.

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  Could be yellow - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By TAMSYE ODELL - June 29 - 2:56 pm

  So far i have had to have my radio replaced new brakes and rotors and a stabilizer bar and grinding sound in the transmission . I sit and wonder what next and it doesnt have 8000 miles yet .Also gas mileage is bad could be a lot better

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  Almost 200K Miles Later... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By dr.girlfriend - June 29 - 1:48 pm

  The 1996 Ford Explorer XLT (V6) has definitely been the finest car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned quite a few. (My dad says "I cant believe that car has been so good to you!" Hes jealous). I bought it used with a little less than 75K miles on it, and now it has over 180K, and still running strong. No major mechanical problems, and has never went one morning without starting right up. Ive been all around the country with it. The value on paper is soooooo far below what its REALLY worth! I would recommend this fantastically-performing car to anyone who wants something reliable, roomy, nice-looking, and lovable.

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  Very reliable !! - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By macf150 - June 29 - 9:40 am

  My 2004 F-150 Heritage has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Currently, it has 161,000 miles and has had all routine maintenance performed.Starts evey time without fail. The 4.6L engine has proven to be more power than I need. I have owned a 97 and 98 F150 with the 4.2L V6 which seemed to have just enough power and were reliable as well. I recently test drove an 2013 F150 with the 3.7L V6 and the EcoBoost V6... What a powerplant !! I was pondering trading in my 04 but, it just didnt give me any reason to do so. First of all its" paid off ". My goal is to reach 300K !!After all the years of ownership it still Rates 5 Stars !!

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  A Nice Driving Machine - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mike - June 29 - 12:53 am

  I didnt like the old Escape, so as soon as I saw the new Escape, I went to a dealer and test-drove one. It was much much quieter than the old one my brother is driving. Also, I like the front new grille. The price is also very reasonable compared to ridiculously asking price of a RAV4. I cross-shopped with a RAV4 and CRV and found the starting prices are similar, but once I add the same options a Escape has, the Japanese models cost $3K more. The feul economy is what I expected. It just gives me an everyday enjoyment on the road to work and home. I like the curtain bag, too.