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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  2007 Shelby GT.....100KMI warrior - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Cobra - June 8 - 11:00 pm

  This is my highway cruiser that I drive from PA to OH every weekend. I average 76 MPH and average 24.3 MPG. Paint looks great.....stripes are in terrible shape. Interior has held up great......absolute joy to drive with no fatigue over a 490 mile one way trip every weekend....Im 51 and are more comfortable in this care over other more conventional sedans.

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  Nice, but.... - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By John - June 8 - 5:50 pm

  I took delivery of this ordered Mustang in February 2005. I did test drive it and love the ride, but I must say now that I have had it awhile and have put 3,000 miles on it Ford could do better. The interior plastics feel cheap and I have had a few problems already. First the window on this car edges up a 1/4 inch or so when you shut the door; mine stopped working and leaked. The speaker cover fell off on my drivers door. Why did Ford not put vanity lights in the mirrors? The gas milage even driving easy stinks. Im averaging 14 mpg.

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  Traveler has delivered - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By dwjones16 - June 8 - 10:56 am

  Long term test is in,104K on 5.4L Traveler package and only been to the shop twice. Had some anti-lock brake wires chaff off and give error codes plus had an idle air control go bad. Other than normal maintenance, thats it. Good solid vehicle. My wife would rather drive it in traffic than the Camry.

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  good little car - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Rogerman - June 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for almost a year now and its never had any problems altough sometimes it shifts into 2nd kind of hard.

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  Great Buy - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Awsome Truck - June 8 - 2:00 am

  I got this truck used for $7400 because of some hail damage. It had only 27,000 miles. The first day I had it it leaked oil. Off it went to the ford dealer cause it still had warranty. After that I have had no problems. I have the 2.3L I4 with the automatic. It is not fast but it handles awesome and the brakes are great. This is my first vehicle.

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  Pony car - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Johnny Henshaw - June 7 - 3:04 pm

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  good value for the money - 2006 Ford Focus
  By lbjailer - June 7 - 11:40 am

  For the price this car is a good choice. This car is established since this model has been around a while. The ST can keep up with the flow of traffic on the fast and furious freeways of southern California, and when you are the only one on the road it will cruise all day long.

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  fords finest hour - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ceebee - June 7 - 10:00 am

  interior/exterior quality is excellent power and shifting smooth as silk.quietest ride of any f150 ive ever owned ,head room and cab area vastly improved

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  wonderful car - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By welker - June 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought this wonderful car because we couldnt make a deal with the 350Z at the local Nissan dealer....and glad now we couldnt. I have owned many BMWs and still have a Mercedes....this American car is tops....and we will probably buy American for the Mercedes replacement. Nobody makes a better V8 than Ford.

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  Never Again - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By AFZ - June 7 - 2:00 am

  This was 2nd Windstar - traded 1st one because of electrical problems. Nothings changed - dealer nor corporate engineers can fix. The way they get around the lemon law is to say its always a different part. I have already got rid of my Ford Explorer and will do same with Windstar and will NEVER buy Ford again. Ford is also a customer of my manufacturing plant – they are the slowest payers and every year they dictate a lower price for products than they agreed to in writing. Lawsuit against Ford? They have more $ and put more manufacturers out of business than all other car companies. I don’t even care if I loose them as a customer.