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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  Miss my 08 Focus!!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By justford14 - March 21 - 1:01 am

  I have 2012 SE Hatch with 6sp auto with sports package. I traded in my 5spd manual 2008 Focus sedan with 115k milage for this. I have to tell you the style, performance and steering of the new focus is so much better, but from there honestly its all less quality, less mpg and disapppointment. I was getting 36-42 MPG in my 08, I cant beat 34 doing same drive. I have several very loud interior rattles that are pending dealer part orders and the transmission never knows what gear to be in. Worst at times u hit the gas from a stop and you just sit there for seconds before transmission engages. Oh and bluetooth audio quality not as good as 08 focus.

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  Thunderbird Ride - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By David F. Candelaria - March 20 - 9:36 pm

  My wife and I, who are in our early 50s were looking for a convertible for Sunday and getaway drives to the coast. We test drove several cars, all convertibles, a Crossfire SRT (330 h.p.), a Nissan 350 & a Vette. The Crossfire was simply too small. The Vette actually body swayed at high speeds. The Nissan was nice but too many on the road. The T-Bird was perfect! We got the premium package and its a great ride with good road feel and more than enough power with 280 horses. Its a very comfortable ride and the Select Shift is good on curved roads. The stereo is great with three settings for top down, up and driver alone in car. Further, theres not too many on the road.

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  So Far So Good - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Vince Howe - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Windstar in preparation for the birth of our second child. So far she has been a solid performer and never let us down. Not thrilled with the wind noise and gas mileage but does have some punch when you hit the gas. I had once vowed never to buy a mini- van/bus but find the utility of the Windstart to be top-notch. Next minivan will be the Honda Odyssey unless Ford steps up to the plate with third row fold-flat seat, better gas mileage, reduced windnoise and less mushy handling.

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  Very Good Hauler - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By cgking - March 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my wifes van, and she wont give it up! Primarily because of its versatility, hauling grandkids, groceries, garden stuff, etc. One of our boys uses it to take his mountain bike to all sorts of places. Our dealer is very responsive and timely with service work. We also have a Lexus which has the best service weve ever experienced and while I wouldnt put our Ford Dealer quite on par, they are not far behind. The van has just over 27000 miles and we have had no problems at all since one minor fit & finish complaint at delivery which was corrected with no hassle.

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  Never another Ford - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By VarmintShooter - March 20 - 10:00 am

  First new car ... what a disappointment. Rotors warped coming off the lot, Ford wouldnt replace. Seat belt wouldnt retract after a few months - two trips to the dealer. Transmission seal failed after 1 year. Transmission, rear differential, and clutch all died after 1.5 years - 3 trips to the dealer (total of 3 weeks in the shop). Had to beg for a loaner car. Window now rubs the frame when shutting the door. Got rear- ended, dealer body shop put a bumper on that had a bend in it where one corner of the bumper sat an inch out from the rest of the body, told us "if you want quality parts, buy a Mercedes." Had to force him to fix it.

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  A good little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Holms - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my escape for a little over a year (1 yr 4 months) and it still alot of fun to drive. It has alot of pep and is a smooth ride. There is alot of wind noise, but not unbearable. There is plenty of room in the back for passengers. Some downsides are: 1.) it seems to really wear on tires. 2.) My sunroof switch seems to have a short in it, 3.) the cargo cover broke within the 1st 6 months.

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  Its not too bad - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Bulldog - March 20 - 10:00 am

  If it wasnt for the tranny going out at 42000 miles (extended warranty) and the brakes forever shaking this would be an excellent car.

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  2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL - 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By Cyrus E Phillips IV - March 20 - 9:24 am

  If you prepared for a rolling computer, this vehicle is for you.

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  Luxury Car All The Way! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ellen - March 20 - 5:30 am

  My family and I love or 2007 Ford Five Hundred Chrome Limited Edition. The interior is very spacious as well is the truck space. The only problem is my husband is 63" and he said that there is not enough space for his left leg to stretch out when he drives. Other than that, the car has all the bells and whistles and comfort.

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  Not a Prius Killer! 31MPG - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By rkramer40 - March 20 - 2:27 am

  Open letter to Ford: I thought my 2013 C-MAX would be a Prius Killer? NOT! As a returning Ford buyer I feel deceived. I want to support US companies and US jobs. What was Ford thinking when they published 47/ 47/47 estimates? Based on the advertised EPA estimates, I would have been ok with low 40s but 28-33 mpg is not even in the ballpark. This is not an issue about EPA testing standards, but rather an issue about setting false customer expectations in order to promote sales. Fords "47MPG" marketing campaign tarnished what should have been the roll out of a truly remarkable vehicle, the CMAX. Real world MPG estimates should have been promoted in the mid-30s.