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:

• 

  Good only for lemonade - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Jon Kirkwood - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Three years, eighteen pages of repair orders, and five recalls. First, last, and only American manufactured car I will purchase. Ford should be ashamed to produce a vehicle of such poor fit, finish, and quality. Both front seats were replaced, all of the exhaust system heat shields, and one engine control module. Two "FEMs," whatever they are, luggage rack, and the engine starter have all been replaced. And the fuel economy is NEVER greater than 17 MPG. Good, strong, motor; when it runs. Its still a nice looking, comfortable vehicle. Too bad its such a shoddy product.

• 

  Mustang Fan Forever - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By lee7blue - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Most fun car I have ever owned. Looks great,runs great, gotten tons of compliments on how good it looks.

• 

  I love my SUV - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By MVR - June 1 - 7:20 am

  I love the fact that I am in a Green car and its an SUV. It runs great. I bought the 4wd with all the goodies possible; both interior and exterior look good to me. Only a few complaints, the mileage is not near what was expected. I actually do very little driving, mostly around town with lots of stops, I am getting about 25-27 mpg. The NAV system works really easily compared to my other car, however it will not allow you to program while driving. I know that is a safety feature but a passenger can program too! Last complaint is that the cruise control buttons should light up to make it easier to set at night. Other than that, love my car and glad I bought it.

• 

  American Convert - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By phaaqua - June 1 - 12:20 am

  I never thought Ford or any American Auto Maker would be on par with a European or Japanese Maker. I got the spirited 3.5L sport engine to the detriment of fuel efficiency. I do not regret it, the car is fun to drive and rock solid. The fit and finish inside and out is very good. The center console is button happy, plastic surfaces look good except for the glove box. Do not care much for the tiptronic transmission. Sync system geared towards native English speakers. I have to anglicize too many Spanish names when searching. The outside is muscular, at times the cars seems to begs for speed. A bit much chrome on the front grill. Good suspension. It takes road abrasions with aplomb.

• 

  4th One is the Best! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Jeff Davis - May 31 - 8:38 pm

  98 ,01, 03 now 06! I wouldnt own anything else. The heated and cooled seats are awesome. The gas mileage could be better, but I think the performance would suffer too much. Very nice sound system. Good head and leg room. 3rd row power fold seat is a must if you intend to take it shopping.

• 

  Not a bad SUV... - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By driver - May 31 - 5:05 pm

  I traded in my Mustang GT for an Explorer since I needed a bigger family car. At first we looked at the Escape but decided on the Explorer. We bought the truck in July and went on a family trip in Sept., drove over 4000 miles with no problems. I think though that I might be getting some problems with the tranny now, the truck has 23000 miles. Ill take it in and get the dealer to check it out, under warranty. Aside from that the truck drives/runs/works great. I love it, never will go back to a car... unless gas hits $10 gallon!

• 

  Ford should FOCUS more on Quality - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jim johnson - May 31 - 3:22 pm

  I bought my Focus SE used it was only a year old - just off a fleet lease in 2003. What got me to buy the car initially was the smooth/comfortable ride for such a small car and the awesome sound system. It was just fun to drive. Im going into my 3rd year with this car (31,500 miles) and problems are arising already. So far: CD/stereo volume control seldom works, 3 out of the 4 heat/AC fan speeds dont work, the AC doesnt work at all, the fan whines & sputters when it does "work", no power to extra outlet, trunk lid closes shut 1/2 the time. Its becoming more & more clear to me why Toyota & Honda sales are rising and American car companies sales are declining. I see a Toyota in my future.

• 

  My Baby - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 2005 stang - May 31 - 11:48 am

  Ive always wanted a muscle car and Im proud to own this one. I compared to other cars out there and am very happy with what I got for the price I paid. This pony peels out fast and looks good doing it.

• 

  Frugal Fun - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Jim Miller - May 31 - 10:14 am

  Other than wanting more power, particularly in the lower gears, my 2006 Focus ZX5 is a joy to drive.

• 

  Hybrid SUV -- Feels Like Cheating - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bullwinkle - May 31 - 4:40 am

  I simply love my Escape Hybrid. I have all the room I need for the wife, 2 kids, and the dog in the back, and yet I regularly get fuel economy close to 30 mpg average per tank.