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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  Wish Ford still made them! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Loving It Still - May 16 - 5:13 pm

  Ive driven BMW, MG, Healey, and the German-designed 97 Ford Escort is as much pleasure and fun as all of those. The car is an uber-reliable and sound vehicle if proper care and maintenance is taken and no stupid-loud stereos installed to shake it to bits. Most of the performance issues are readily deal with by installing sportier tires and with very few minor modifications, the sportier handling is that much more. This is an in-city sport-commuter crossover, not a sports car and not a luxury road boat, so dont bash it for not being what it wasnt designed to be or for user failure to maintain.

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  what a pleasant surprise - 2010 Ford Edge
  By karen - May 15 - 10:10 pm

  performance and design above expectations. i have not received any negative reviews from passengers ub regards to comfort. rave reviews by all in terms of car design (ie. Ford vehicles have raised the bar). i have been stopped by strangers who gave positive feedback and specific comments about the shade of red being better than most and would make them consider purchasing a car of the same shade when usually they would have no interest. overall i love my car and am very satisfied with the purchase.

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  Best truck ever made - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By BB Bronco - May 15 - 8:09 pm

  I have a dark blue 1995 ford bronco i would suggest buying one if you are looking into it.I have never had a problem with this truck.In my eyes broncos are the best all around trucks All you need to make the exterior look amazing is a set of american racing wheels.It is amazingly safe.I got hit on my drivers side by some drunk guy.My truck did a full roll and landed on the drivers side, ofcourse it was a little banged up but I wasnt.We were able to get the truck flipped upright and it started right up a couple scratches and a small dent is all that happened that was about a year ago and still it is fine. if you can find another car tht can do tht let me no.I love this truck more thn my wife

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  very dependable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Craig - May 15 - 12:43 pm

  vehicle has 72,000 miles on it and Ive only replaced the tires and rear brakes...this SUV has been good to me but, then again, I dont drive like a maniac and change the oil every 4,000 miles.

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  Great Purchase - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Casey - May 14 - 3:57 pm

  I have owned my 2010 Focus SES Sedan w/Auto trans for over a month now. Fully loaded with sunroof, sub woofer, etc. I have put on 2600 miles and have averaged 30 mpg combined city/highway. Downsized from an 07 F150 and couldnt be happier with the purchase. Ride quality is good even with the 17 inch wheels. It not soft but not harsh. Its a fun car to drive but is obviously not fast with 130 (CA) HP haha. Cruises at 60-75 mph just great tho! Im psycho with rattles and this car has none... VERY SOLID car. I looked at Civic, Camry, etc and for the money, the SES could not be beat. My insurance went down $50 a month from my truck and spending $35 to fill up the SES from empty is GREAT!

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  I loved the moment I Drove it. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By FirstFordOwner - May 13 - 7:04 pm

  I never thought I would own a Ford in my life. But the past few years I have been impressed with their styling. I was looking for a newer used car and looked past this 2007 fusion several times. Finally I decided to take it for a drive. The moment I left the dealership with it I was in love. Great on the highway. Ample power for a 4 banger and great features. I will definitely be giving ford more credit in the future!

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  3rd Explorer and going - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Richard - May 13 - 2:36 am

  I start with a XL,then a XLT and now a Limited. I do not regret on each one. The best is the Limited

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  Solid Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Todd - May 12 - 10:59 pm

  Ive owned it now for 6 months. Bought it used with 27K miles and now have 35K. I set my cruise control between 55 adn 60 and easily get 35 MPG. When I factor in driving around town (20%) and highway commuting (80%) I averaged 29.4 MPG since Ive owned the car

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  V6 Mustang ROCKs - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By raybones - May 12 - 9:31 pm

  I have had my V6 Mustang for about a week and LOVE it. I am averaging 22 mpg in combined driving and has amazing power. i can not believe how much attention I am getting with a base Mustang. I have the 6 spd manual and 3.31 axel ratio.

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  So far so good - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Matt - May 11 - 11:59 am

  Greatest Car I have owned yet. I am a reletively young auto owner. I have owned a 2000 Mercury Sable, 2000 VW Jetta, a 2007 Ford Focus SES, and now my 2010 focus ses. It has been nothing but a joy to own. Looks great in black, ford did a great job in the outter accents on the ses model. Interior adds sense of sophistication which is hard to come by in a compact sedan. Black leather, ambient lighting, and icy blue display is a great touch as well. Not the greatest acceleration but gets the job done. Handling is less tight than I expected, was hoping for something a bit stiffer.