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:

• 

  Never buy American AGAIN - 2004 Ford Escape
  By NSS - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car less than 1 month ago. My Driver side door has already fallen off! The pins (bolts) are put in the hinge with the head facing down. Well That is a stupid error on Fords part for sure. However, the interior is roomy enought to feel like you are in a larger SUV as compared to the RAV and the Honda. It has a powerful enough engine. And the stereo system is not bad for being a stock feature. Customer Service has so far taken care of the problem and even gave me a free rent car (if they didnt I would be more than angry)

• 

  Water Soaked Piece of JUNK - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By WaterSoakedLemon - July 8 - 5:56 am

  This car is junk. The quality of this vehicle is so substandard that they left a 3" unsealed seam that lets water in causing electrical system failures and the car to become such a mildewed, mold covered stinking mess that Ford dealers wont even take the car as trade in. (Not an isolated incident. Search "2005-2007 MUSTANG LEAKS" and watch what you find.) Ford finds this kind of defect acceptable. They will patch it and send you on your way, regardless of any other damage that might have occurred). If you anticipate customer service and any assistance from Ford, dont hold your breath. These cars come with a taillight warranty, when they cant see your taillights your warranty is over.

• 

  still turns heads - 1994 Ford Probe
  By john smith - July 8 - 5:44 am

  I have the GT model. I like the power but you would expect a V6 not work to hard, as it does in the probe. For a 94 It is in really good shape. The struts that support the hatch needed replacement. The O2 sensor went bad. The brakes all around were replaced before I took the car. The ride is harsh, but I had 17s put on the car. The car is really bad in snow. But it eats up twisty roads with no problem. Overall with some aftermarket product this car can standout. My old turbo GT was much more fun and downright quick compared to this model.

• 

  I bought a Ford? - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jason - July 8 - 3:07 am

  I have loved this car before it ever hit the dealership. I knew I would have one myself someday and now that day has come. I love the way heads turn and people ask What is that car?. As i always have had a sport luxury coupe, I do miss that luxury ride though. A lot of that has to do with the many manhole covers and poor roads in Idaho. I plan on keeping this car to pass down to my niece (10 yrs old now), for she thinks it will be hers to drive once receiving her drivers license. That all remains to be seen. But I must say I love this car. I love many others as well, but knowing of Thunderbirds demise, I just had to have one of the last, so I bought an 04 with everything.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By Ed Olds - July 8 - 2:38 am

  This car is a blast drive! Its in Candy Apple with polished wheels and gets a lot of attention Great storage Huge brakes! I would rate this car a ten!

• 

  Cheap Fun....leave others in the dust - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By db - July 8 - 1:38 am

  EXCELLENT experience over the last 8 years. Only repairs were a new radiator and 3 clutches. The last being the "final" lesson. Got a Grizzly Racing clutch that I should have put in 8 years ago the Ford clutches stink.

• 

  Love my F-150 - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Mark F - July 8 - 12:20 am

  Look, I love the truck and Ford I hope you log in and look at these reviews so that through constructive criticism comes updates and improvements. I love everything about the truck except the new key design and it is awkward to say the least. While in your pocket it will set the panic alarm off very often. I mean you lean one way or the other or up against something and the alarm goes off. Also, you cannot throw the key under the mat of the car if you want to lock it in and use the key pad on the drivers door to renter, or at least I dont know how to do that. My 2013 was a breeze, car alarm never set off, lock the key inside the truck and come back and enter code and you were good to go, new one (2015) much harder and cumbersome. Ford, you did more right than wrong and I love the truck! Just look over the new non-key design and improve, its a bit awkward now.

• 

  2005 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By R. Ross - July 7 - 5:35 pm

  If you can live with the inevitable lousy fuel economy, this is a full size SUV Id highly recommend. All the bells & whistles and it drives itself. Consider the captains seats in the second row and navigation system (which was surprisingly hard to find on most at dealership models). We are pleased we ordered both.

• 

  Great SUV - Fun to drive - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Giri Murthy - July 7 - 5:03 pm

  It took me long time to hunt down an Escape Hybrid but it was worth the wait. Got the color and the options I was looking for. I live in south florida and it is giving me around 34- 35 mpg. I mostly drive in the city and not much highwaqy. The audio system and the navigation system is awesome. I liked the exterior of Mercury Mariner but that is even harder to get than the Escape.

• 

  Buy a car in its last year, not first! - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By J Baise - July 7 - 4:55 pm

  Lets be honest, for the money, its a great time to buy a Taurus. Safe, big, tried and true, and cheap. With all that said, it is really not a bad looking car.