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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  Excellent Car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Luke28900 - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I was so impressed by this car. It never lets you down.

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  Saved my life!!! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Crystal N. - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my truck in June 03, over the weekend i was rear-ended at 65mph. The truck has since been totalled, but I am alive with a bruise! I was told a police officer i should have died. He hit my rear corner and it folded, the roof began to buckle from the force and i was plowed into a guard rail, I loved my truck but safety is FIRST, and i walked away with 1 bruise and whiplash, not to mention because i was stopped i didnt have my seatbelt on. I would buy another Explorer in a heartbeat. It may be a rough ride, but the bells and whistles are fun to have plus if you have children its the most safest vehicle on the road (personally)

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  Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By fox - April 13 - 12:23 pm

  Car drives great. Only complaints are the sound system with the cd and tape are not that great and the shifter is annoying. I could also use a light besides the dome light in the middle of the car. Acceleration, breaking, mileage are all very good at this price.

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  new 2007 Ford Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By bltkate - April 13 - 11:00 am

  Just got this car in the past few days as a replacement for another vehicle. I have found that this cars basic features are better than the same type cars in its class and I have no problems with this car so far. I did a great deal of research on this car and liked the MPG and the way it handles on the road. I have the added features of cruise control and side air bags that my last 2007 vehicle did not have plus that same gas savings even with the added horse power. Not as costly as a Toyota in the same class and is a better car than the 2007 Yaris that I had to replace. I would highly recommend this car for anyone looking for a fun way to get from here to there with good dependability.

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  47 MPG IS POSSIBLE - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hof - April 13 - 8:58 am

  I got my C-Max in March, and I have about 1300 miles on it. I have only stopped for fuel twice in that period, and neither time was I empty. When I got the car, the weather was cold and I got about 38 MPG overall. Since the weather improved, I have gotten 44 MPG overall and MPG is still going up. Since my last fill-up I have averaged 46.6. These figures are almost as good as Edmunds long term Prius-C. The C-Max is about more than mileage. It has a lot of power, at 8.5 seconds, its 0-60 is about the same as a 1976 Pontiac Trans Am. If you use that power you wont get Prius-type gas mileage. The cabin is comfortable with soft touch materials almost everywhere.

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  Weird Stuff Breaks on this Car - 1996 Ford Contour
  By scwallac - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I love the design of the Contour. The outside is nice to look at, and the interior controls are very well placed, with excellent ergonomics. HOWEVER....all *kinds* of weird stuff breaks on this car that shouldnt. Examples: Coil springs(!), front wheel bearings(!), timing belt clatters terribly, headlights-on warning chime, heat only works in defrost position, rubber weatherstrips fly off, transmission went after 125k miles, AC doesnt hold charge etc, etc... You can read all about these flaws in the Ford "TSB - Technical Service Bulletins". If you buy this car, make sure to buy the service manual and technical service bulletins - youll need them!

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  Good car, but too small - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Madmatt55 - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had a good experience with this car, but I have outgrown it. I have had very few repairs to make in the 3 years of ownership. Watch for rear brake caliper leaks. Finding replacement tires can be expensive as the tires are of an odd size. I am using a slightly taller tire and it works out fine. I also advise any owner to buy a K&N air filter for this car. It does make a difference. If I had the choice, i would get this car with a 5 speed.

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  Ford F150 4WD Ext Cab Short Bed - 2002 Ford F-150
  By JFranSyr - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I love the ride, performance, and reliability of my Ford F150. The exterior of the truck is sharp. The interior is less than might be expected for an XLT (sticker was over $30K.) The dashboard is completely plastic. Im also disappointed with the poor gas mileage(4.6L V8: 13 - 14 MPG.)

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  Best Pickup Ever - 2004 Ford F-150
  By longhorns - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the most refined pick up I have ever seen. Its the smoothest riding, quietest cabin, and the quickest truck I have ever owned and If I can convince my wife that she wants one too I will have an FX4 extended cab to go along with my Latiat Super Crew.

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  steering problems - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By middleaged - April 13 - 2:00 am

  While the car was under warranty, the rack and pinion steering had to be replaced 3 times. It is in need of another steering mechanism at this time. For some reason, the dealership service department cannot explain why this keeps happening. Sensors go out with no prior warning, and suspension is terrible. I would never purchase another Taurus.