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:

• 

  Its a fine ride. - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WT - April 27 - 7:00 am

  Have only owned this vehicle for a few weeks. But, it is so similar to my wifes 06 Explorer I had a pretty good handle on the rig before purchase. It handles very well and gives a quiet, comfortable ride. The steering and suspension systems feel positive on turns with no lean or sway. Mine has the 4.0L engine and it does not lack for power. It pulled my utility trailer with ATV aboard easily. Is the Sport Trac really a truck? Well ... maybe, sort of, I guess, but you wont realize it until you look in the rear view mirror. It is a very pleasing step up from my trade in, an 04 Ranger FX4. The five star crash test rating was a plus.

• 

  The Red Babe - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Sue - April 27 - 3:56 am

  My car has relatively low mileage for an 08 and a new top. It looks great on the street or parked. I have to be "good" on the road, or I get marked because the car looks like "trouble brewing". It can rumble in a purring way, or take off when the path is clear. Either way, it has always been fun to drive, especially with the top down. Only problem was the long wait to have the Takata airbag replaced. Ford should have been more supportive.

• 

  Sexy Beast - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Twiztid Jedi - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my Cobra. I treat it bad like it deserves and still nothing has gone wrong except for some bald tires.

• 

  i want a new car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By luckymi - April 27 - 2:00 am

  my taraus has been the most expensive car i have owened. there is a new motor, new head gasket times two, 4 new struts, 4 new coil springs, water pump, and a lot of front suspension work. now i am faced with needing a new trannie. im not happy

• 

  Soccer Mom Vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Anastasia Garnett - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Sturdy, affordable vehicle with capacity to hold passengers comfortably. Ride is adequate for the price.

• 

  2011 Shelby GT 500 / Super Snakes lil br - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By speedy - April 26 - 5:20 am

  This is one bad car! You can feel all of the 510 pounds of torque. If your tires dont go up in smoke! This car is so fun to drive, you just dont want to get out of it!

• 

  No less then expected - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Danos - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Been a Ford owner my whole life and didnt expect the truck to be awesoem, but it has been good to me thus far. Had it for over a year now and only had one major repair at 56k. The trans went on me and I had it replaced, but I must admit that it was foul play and my own fault. I get between 16-18mpg city with the 4.0 and 5 speed auto with the 4wd 4dr offroad pkg. My hwy mileage has been as high as 23mpg but its normally around 21mpg. Its an all out good truck, great offroad and in the snow w/ 4wd.

• 

  Best Car Ive Owned - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By PatrickC. - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had no major problems with the car that werent a result of my own modifications. In factory trim the car is great and everytime Ive been to the dealership for service Ive been treated well. The Cobra is a product of SVT, almost a company to itself within Ford, and being so your treated differently than a normal vehicle owner at the dealership, SVT has specially trained mechanics at all authorized SVT dealers and if the vehicle is to be kept for a few days you automatically get a free rental.

• 

  VERY UNHAPPY!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Rand007 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  For the money this vehicle is very disappointing. Not enough power. Poor mileage, BUT better than my 98 Expy. Does not offroad as well as previous model (less clearance). Brake dust is BAD! RATTLES LIKE CRAZY! Been in the shop 11 days within the first 11 months. Its in the shop today for the THIRD rear differential AND to re-tighten all the rattling doors. Going to hire a lawyer and sue under the Virginia Lemon Law which protects consumers VERY well. Last Ford I will EVER buy. Every Ford I own ends up in the shop. Toyotas and Honda have never had 1 problem, NOT ONE! Quality is job one? Right!

• 

  I love this car - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Mike S - April 26 - 12:30 am

  I bought the 2016 Mustang Premium GT and am super happy. This car has all the bells and whistles. Car feels like a dream driving down the road. Has all the power I would ever need. I live in the city so I got the automatic due to the stop and go traffic of course. Extremely smooth transmission. Has Sync 3 which is really great. Navigation works flawless along with the Bluetooth and I love being able to tell the car what temp I want and it sets it. The interior looks wonderful from the leather seats to the classy gauges on the dash. Car holds the roads really well around curves and back roads. Many options to choose from such as steering handling and modes for the engine and tranny. I keep mine in normal mostly to preserve gas. Im getting roughly 18 MPG. I think thats pretty good in the city. Anyway again I love this car and look forward to driving it each day. My first Ford car and have been totally blown away. Update: I still love the car. I have had a couple issues but nothing severe yet. I noticed that the projection side mirror lights image of the mustang isnt clear anymore. Not a big deal but havent even owned the car a year and already an issue. One day I was getting out of the car and the electric side mirror started moving on its own. Was all messed up moving too far to one side and making an awful noise like was about to break off. I opened the door back up to get into the car again and it stopped. Everything seems to be okay and it hasnt happened again.