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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  LUV THAT FLEXIBILITY - 2009 Ford Flex
  By fred adams - June 22 - 8:26 pm

  I purchased the flex, because I needed room for my mothers wheelchair, the dog and myself. Couldnt be happier and proud of an American vehicle. Go Ford and go American.

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  OMG!! Back to Basics - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By orangetree - June 22 - 9:33 am

  This is my 4th Mustang, and so far I have 300 Miles on it, I always been a Mustang Fan and with this retro-redesign, I would never been happier. My last car was a 1999 Mustang GT, and I just trade it for this baby. I would highly recomend this Mustang to everyone. The Power, the handling, the Power, the styling, the Power, the performance, the Power, the sound, the Power, the equipment, the Power... O by the way the Power.. 300Hp!! Imagine when they start producing After Market Tuning Equipment... Also the Red Trim Interior Package ives the car a super sporty retro look and the MyColor Gauge option complements it. The Shaker Sound system, Great!!

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  Fun Vehicle - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Big MK - June 22 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, fun to drive.

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  the best car ever - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By steve60516 - June 22 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car ford ever made. i recomend 1,000%

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  Gone to Salvation Army - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By kcn6829 - June 22 - 2:00 am

  wuz a gud car till transmission died

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  Still not sure - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Roslyn Levit - June 21 - 5:53 pm

  I just purchased by 2014 Ford Focus in February and after driving it for awhile I was not happy. The jerkiness made me crazy, especially in stop and go traffic. I then received the recall notice about the software update for the transmission. The first two days after I received it, it was worse, but after a couple of weeks it pretty much stopped which is what the dealership told me would happen. The software update made a big difference and I also felt more comfortable putting my foot on the gas. I had become hesitatant because I was afraid of the jerking. I have since received the notice about the transmission extended warranty for 10 years or 150,000 miles. I am still not 100% comfortable but felt better than I did in the beginning. Other than the transmission issues, I have enjoyed driving the car. I like the phone Sync, being able to get Sirius.

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  At 162,000 miles it is going strong! - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By JM Preston - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This van has traveled the Western US and Canada from Anchorage to the Baja and in weather from -60 F on the Alaska Highway to 111 F in the Utah desert. It has lived in Anchorage, Seattle, and San Jose. Other than a problem with the oil pan gasket leaking twice and Ford standing by their faulty repair ($500) there has only been routine maintenance. Interior storage is excellent and it hauls large and heavy loads. We packed it to the max for the move from Seattle to San Jose and it didnt sag down in the back. Great gas mileage for a truck at 24 - 25 mpg. Paint has held up very well with minimal waxing (every couple of years when I remember).

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  Pick Up Girls! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By uncmustang - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car while in College at 20,000 miles. Served me great with no mechanical or driving problems except one small pressure cable that helps to lift the roof up broke ( figures if I take the top up and down like every day!)That was the only thing to fix. My Car has 120,000 miles on it right now and runs like the same day I bought it!!!! I would recommend this car to anyone who loves to experience a convertible and has a joy for driving.

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  I love My Mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By stangchick - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my Mustang. I bought it used and have had it for a year and a half now. The only problem I have had is the driver side door lock broke, but it was only a switch so it was an easy fix. It goes pretty good for a v6 and it shifts great! I would definately recommend this car. I love the power, control and awesome feeling i get from driving this car.The trunk is a perfect size and I dont care that the back seat is small, I will never have kids so it doesnt matter. This Mustang is definately a great car.

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  Excellent, but still missing - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Rebellion014220 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive but can get to ruff at times, the cabin is boring especially in the dash but the plastic is reliable and seems long lasting, it shows great power especially on freeways, and it puts speed in to your driving, the car is safe and large so theres nothing to worry about