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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  Awesome Car - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By MustangMach1 - February 25 - 12:17 am

  I bought this Stang in January of 2004 and have had no problems whatsoever. Tires wear fast, but with a car that looks like a Mustang, who cares? I love this car. I put Cobra rims on and have had no extreme tire wear since. Also with the installed Flowmaster dual exhaust it always gets confused for a GT. I would reccomend this car to anyone who likes to drop the hammer once in awhile and hear the exhaust scream.

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  good value - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By mike v - February 24 - 6:15 pm

  I bought my Taurus in march 04 with ABS, SE preferred equipment package, 6 disc CD player. Use car mostly for work. Very reliable. Nice ride on open highway. Put 20,000 miles on it - no problems. Best 15 grand I ever spent on a new car.

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  No horses - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Osvaldo Saldivar Jr - February 24 - 4:43 pm

  Being in the truck 70% of the time it really gives me a true feel to the vehicle, If I were to do this all over again I would never get a 6 cylinder engine, not recommended at all.

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  Ford Hit A Home Run - 2012 Ford Focus
  By cbnchba - February 24 - 12:54 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Focus HB SE, 6speed Auto, on 4/22/11. I absolutely love this car. The fun factor is outrageous and addicting. Everything about this car is amazing. The car build is solid, no vibrations or squeeks. the doors close solid and the front and rear seats are very supportive and hold you in. My main reason too purchase this vehicle was for its good fuel mileage, so far im getting 39 mpg, in mixed driving

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  # 1 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By AlexArgumedo - February 24 - 10:00 am

  The best car i ever drive

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  good buy - 2001 Ford F-150
  By fordfiend - February 24 - 10:00 am

  IVE SEEN MY RELATIVES F150S GO 200K PLUS BEFORE NEEDED ANY MAJOR WORK. THESE ARE GREAT AND VERY DEPENDABLE AUTOMOBILES/TRUCKS!

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  True Blue Parchment GT Premium Conv - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Bob Durkee - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This car was fun to drive stock, but I needed more. After a few "inexpensive" MODS it is now really fun to drive. Add ons include Magna-Flow Cat back exhaust, Steeda Under-Drive pulleys, Steeda Tri-Axe short throw shifter, C&L 85mm MAF with TrueFlow intake pipe, K&N air filter. 3.73 Ford Performance gear in the rear- end. These were only a 1,500$ investment and really woke up my GT!

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  2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By gk - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Found that the gas peddle was uncomfortable. I cant explain it but my 2001 Olds and 2001 Jeep never had this uncomfortable feeling. Cant seem to get into a comfortable position even with the power gas/brake and seat positioning??? The ride is great for a vehicle of this type. I required a V-8, classIV hitch and the side air bag curtian which I have. Im averaging about 18.8 miles per gallon which I feel is good for this size vehicle. I asked the dealer to install daytime running lights to work in conjunction with the automatic headlights. Not done yet!

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  King of the road - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By DAB - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Solid, stable, and reliable sums up my experience with the Crown Victoria. Performance is startlingly good and is matched by predictable handling. On the highway this car rules supreme - its free reving V8 gives a surge of overtaking power when needed, and yet, when driven gently provided quite economical cruising. Its big enough for all to see, and gives really good all-round visibility. I love the car!

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  First looks may be incorrect - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Hibshman - February 23 - 7:53 pm

  I picked this truck up used by someone who jumped the gun. The Ford was getting around 12 miles to the gallon. After further research and previous knowledge. I picked a K&N air filter and changed the engine oil to 5w40 oil which is called for by Ford for the 4.0 v6. And by only filling half of the 22.5 gallon tank at gas stops, not to mention the flexible fuel feature. I am now doing better then 17 MPG city for a four wheel drive! The comfort level and look of the truck along with the versatility. So prior to chasing everyone to an import make sure you have correct oil and air filtration. Along with tire PSI.