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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  Great vehicle - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Me - December 17 - 6:29 pm

  Overall this is a great vehicle if you want the combination utility vehicle and general purpose car. I would have given it 5 stars, but I believe Ford could do better with acceleration and gas mileage, even with the tow package option. The navigation system is quality, but has difficulty learning voice pronunciation; could have used a better onboard GPS system. The ride is very smooth and the vehicle handles very well, even with significant water accumulation on the road, etc. Interior is well appointed, controls are well located and responsive. My purchase has the tow package and the 6 cyl. engine did extremely well pulling my utility trailer. Frankly, if they could improve the overall mileage on the 6 cyl. (when not towing), this will be an excellent all around choice. Personally, I am very pleased with my purchase so overall the car really ranks high in my opinion when compared to the others in this SUV slot.

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  Ford F-350 4 Dr XL Crew Cab long bed 7.3 diesel - 1996 Ford F-350
  By josh - December 17 - 5:05 pm

  This is the best truck I have had ever and I would never trade or get rid of it for anything else. This truck is built to last forever.

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  2003 280 HP Ford Thunderbird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By JimJet - December 17 - 1:55 pm

  Car was in 1st 100 280HP 2003 cars. At 20,000 miles stuck caliper and bad throttle body. 30,000 miles bad transmission module which gave sluggish performance from beginning in service date. Interior is quiet with soft or hard top. Have no idea what MPG is. Who cares? Truly a gentlemans sports car. Local dealer quick to fix all problems under warranty.

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  I finally own one - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mark - December 17 - 10:46 am

  I havent been in the Mustang market for years. After the 60s and early 70s they seem to have lost their appeal (to me anyway). I have the V-6 premium fully loaded, black with red leather interior. The new style brought me back. I am very happy with the purchase -- so reasonably priced.

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  2002 Ford Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jsidreid - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I really like this vehicle. Its very comfortable, has good power, and is sharp to look at. I had a problem with the transmission shifting "hard", but took it in for a look and they replaced some parts and it runs fine. I would recommend this vehicle as the best bang for your buck as far as size and usefullness go among its competitors.

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  My Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By lilodie - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I have also had the tie rods go on my van. It has been in the shop numerous times for minor things. Everything has to be ordered in and it takes forever, I didnt purchase the extended warrenty either and they wont give me a loner even though it is Fords fault that I dont have my van for 5 days at a crack. I like the way the van handles and all but I dont think I will ever own another Ford vehicle and this is my 5th one. (Does that tell you anything!) Not to mention did anyone else notice how much this thing depreciates!!!!! I cant even get $16000 for it and it is only two years old!

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  08 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By charmander - December 17 - 1:26 am

  I have had my 08 Escape Hybrid for 2 weeks, and so far I really like it! It is fun to drive and very quiet. I really like the Audiophile sound system, satellite radio and moonroof. I am getting about 29 mpg in mostly highway driving. I had a 2001 Escape that I liked until the transmission went out on it. I hope this one is more reliable. Only time will tell.

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  A good bang for your buck - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By cheyanne fincke - December 16 - 5:08 am

  Owned this car for 7 years, NEVER a problem. New set of tires, brake pads, oil changes every 3 thousand miles, thats all !!!!

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  Excellent value - 2008 Ford Focus
  By george - December 15 - 10:20 pm

  We recently had to buy a new car for my wife to drive to work - about 50 miles per day, round trip. Due to Ford incentives I saved $2500 off sticker I paid $13,733 for an S version with automatic, ABS with traction control and, if you can believe this, a spare tire ($60.00). The sticker was $16,255. One savings was a $1000 "Conquest Rebate". Thats given to people who own cars from competing brands. We own an 06 Corolla so we got it. Toyota had basically no incentives and a comparably equipped Corolla was going to cost me more like $15,900. A comparably equipped Civic was going to cost more than the Corolla.

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  Great Car - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Jeff - December 15 - 5:34 pm

  I love this car. It never gave any major problems. The only flaw I had with it is the muffler because they wear out fast, but I bought a lifetime warranty one and Im set. I seen many people who have them and they have over 200,000 miles on them. This is great because I bought mine used with only 38,000 miles. This will last me a long time and I hope ford will someday bring this car back on their model line.