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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  A Very good truck. Great for starting offroaders - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By d.miller - April 18 - 12:56 am

  I bought this truck for $3500 used and was previously fully submerged in water. ( Yeah last owner didnt take care of it very well) Only 80k miles. Had for 4 years now and runs like gold. Lift kit, new exhaust system, and redone interior has made this a great handy down. I own this truck for one year now. It was handed down to me. 4x4 works great. Love it.

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  90s Hot Rod - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By aaronhall1980 - April 17 - 8:48 pm

  I bought this car for $3,000 and It was worth every penny! The car was in perfect working order and the leather interior was very comfortable but sporty looking at the same time. The interior set-up was very easy to get used to and the gauges were easy to read and well illuminated. The big surprize comes when you put the petal to the floor! The powerful V-8 leaves nothing more to want for the money and provides easy cruising or powerful takeoffs. An all-around sporty but comfy car.

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  Great value! - 2017 Ford Fiesta
  By Lindsey B. - April 17 - 3:24 pm

  This car is the perfect car for anyone that is a first-time buyer, first-time driver, someone looking to stretch a buck at the dealer, or someone that (like me) drives great distances to get to work. From the moment I got this car Ive loved nearly everything about it. The dealership was superb, the pricing was fantastic, the car runs like a dream, and Im getting 3mpg OVER what the manufacturer says (Im averaging about 40mpg). The one problem Ive had is with the Bluetooth randomly disconnecting, but its easy enough to fix so it doesnt bother me much. Get the cold weather package!

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  Grandmas Car - 2012 Ford Escape
  By frances duggan - April 17 - 10:26 am

  I have always loved and bought Ford vehicles. They are reliable, comfortable, safe and stylish and affordable. I have grandchildren and great grandchildren and we always feel safe and comfortable. I love my SUV.

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  Begs to be Driven! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By DGoggans - April 16 - 11:54 pm

  I commute 102 miles daily, and I need a car that makes those 2.5 hours bearable. The Focus makes the drive a pleasure. Im on Interstate 75, and my Focus runs with the big boys without breaking a sweat. Outstanding on all counts. Feels like a much bigger car with a MUCH bigger engine. This is my first Ford. It wont be my last!

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  Wish I still had my ACURA RSX - 2012 Ford Focus
  By sy1219 - April 16 - 8:34 pm

  This car has a real nice interior and the exterior is really good looking but that is it, the car has pits in the roof from the plant where it was manufactured, at 1350 miles the screen for the MY FORD TOUCH went black which means I dont have a radio, navigation, etc., there is also a rattle in the door panel, and the fan for the heat an ac goes up and down in speeds which is really annoying all this in a month of ownership and a $28,000 price tag, honestly dont buy this car unless you get a deal of a lifetime. I WISH I HAD MY 2002 ACURA RSX and not this piece of junk.

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  Steady Vehicle - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By oldcrewjock - April 16 - 7:51 pm

  Generally a good vehicle, however there have been nagging issues. There was an issue with the steering column (fluid leak), the cruise control went out a 80K miles. It is a bit of a gas pig (17.5 town/21 hwy), now that gas is over $2.00/gal it is the last of the three I own to be used. The ability to switch climate control to rear is a nice feature. Used to tow a large pop-up camper- performed well. Lots of power, though could have more low end torque. Transmission tends to be a little clunky.

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  spirited driver - 1993 Ford F-150
  By fireball9m - April 16 - 5:41 pm

  i go every where with my truck like soft sand, huge hills, mud, around town, towing and on the highway. This is the best thing that Ive ever bought.

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  Wish They Still Made Them! - 1991 Ford Aerostar
  By Torres - April 16 - 1:54 pm

  Bought van used with 70k miles and its now at 168k & running strong. Bought it to replace a 1995 Plymouth Voyager after it was totaled & the biggest difference noticed was all the extra room. We had 4 kids at the time & van is huge with extra big cargo area & storage even under seats. Lots of headroom. Can comfortably haul from kids to couches. Engine & transmission mechanically sound with only routine maintenance light oil usage only problem. 3.0L V-6 not enough power & it strains when accelerating but rides smooth once going. Gas mileage good at 17 city, 25 hwy. Seats have thick cushions instead of thin like new vans weve rented. Weve kept van as spare because no new van is as roomy. We wish this model was still made!

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  2003 GT Convertible - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Ruby - April 16 - 10:12 am

  I ordered this car from the dealer in Redfire Metallic with a white top and white leather interior, and a 5-speed transmission. It has the chrome Cobra type spoke wheels that really shine. It is a joy to drive and really turns heads.