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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  Great Daily Driver - 2008 Ford Focus
  By ChrisV - July 8 - 4:13 pm

  I have owned this car for little less than 6 months after acquiring it from a family relative. The car has treated me well so far through the later part of the winter, spring and now into summer. Gas mileage is decent, comfort is excellent, highway noise is minimal, drivetrain noise is minimal. I have an automatic which shifts smoothly for the most part but is jerky when under hard quick acceleration. The car is unfortunately terribly slow (even compared to my 94 VW GTI 2.0l). It keeps me out of trouble though. Handling is pretty good for stock suspension. And lastly the interior build is decent, the seats could use more support and better materials.

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  09 Explorer- Meets expectations! - 2009 Ford Explorer
  By Steve - July 8 - 11:22 am

  We wanted a vehicle that could tow 5000lbs, seat 7, be comfortable, have nice amenities, drive nicely, got decent gas mileage, and over-all be a nice family vehicle. Our 2009 Explore E.B. has met all of that, and done so in surprisingly good fashion. I like it, wife loves it, kids approve, dog wags its tail evertime whe jumps in also, win, win, win, win!

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  The wip - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By Joseph - July 7 - 11:25 pm

  I bought this car for my then 16 y/o daughter as a disposable vehicle with the intention of replacing it within 6 months or when she totaled it... Well, 8 years later and the car is still going strong. It has has several repairs due to use and abuse but it has performed flawlessly overall. Now, it is the pride and joy of my youngest son who keeps it in tip top running condition. He is always looking for ways to better it without altering the original package.

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  Great bang for $ - 2004 Ford Focus
  By leon Joe - July 6 - 10:00 am

  No problem, great value for $, Im not a yuppie but I am a CPA w/ 3 masters degrees. Car goes A to B without problem.

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  Car is great. Interior, not so much. - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By Liz - July 4 - 10:02 pm

  I had an 05 GT premium throughout college and beyond. Red with red leather interior... it was BEAUTIFUL. And until the transmission blew after just 80K miles, it drove like a dream. After shelling out $2k+ for a new tranny, I decided to bid adieu to my beauty and get something more practical. I guess I used that term loosely because that was a 14 Mustang V6. As far as the engine goes, the only thing I missed about the V8 was its rumble. The V6 has more than enough power and is fun to drive! However, the interior is a different story. My advice to anyone looking to buy a 2014 is to pay the extra grand or so and get a premium. It is WORTH IT. I made a big mistake by getting the base model. I thought it would be OK because Im not really into all the bells and whistles, especially on a Mustang (its all about that engine, right?!) , but the quality of the interior is horrible. Everything is plasticy and cheap: the chrome accents in the dash are plastic (really, Ford?), the dash also looks like someone just snapped it together, theres big gaps everywhere. Because of this, it makes a ton of noise. Every time I pinpoint and fix a rattle in the dash, a new one emerges. I used to love to turn off my radio so I could listen to the engine, but now I have to blast music when i drive so the constant rattling doesnt drive me nuts. Im at the point where I want to sell the car. Ford, please fix this in future Mustangs. The base models dont need all the bells and whistles, but they deserve to be made with quality that matches whats under the hood.

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  Reliable - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By djuro - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought the vehicle for reliable, all weather transportation. Great performance to fuel economy ratio. Easy to park in LA.

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  Not as nice as my Aerostar, but a hit - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Ryan- Minivan expert - July 4 - 10:00 am

  A nimble and clever van, but I would like to see more feature that were in its X-brother van Aerostar. No mechanical problems yet, but Warranty is up to 100K, so I dont need to worry. AWD is a necessity up here in Rochester,NY and FrontWD doesnt perform like our Aerostars, but this van will never rust, as it is plastic and is very safe. Our family always has the new minivan in the neighborhood and impressed a lot of friends, neighbors and family with this van. Will we upgrade to the new redesigned 2004 Windstar, I dont know yet, but that Caravan is looking nicer than before...

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  Over a year and 16,000 miles so far... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MacDaddy - July 4 - 6:10 am

  I suppose I may be a typical purchaser for this vehicle ... family guy, kids, dog, and a desire for a fun car but have bowed to practicality. For what this truck/car/SUV/CUV is, its fine. Drives well, feels safe, returns pretty respectable mileage considering its size (21 city/metro and 25-27 highway). I have not had it back to the dealer for anything. Everything works and runs great. Some of my low marks are for below-par plastic finish, and a lack-luster driving experience, though it is competent. Most drivers will not be as sensitive as I am to some of these nuances. It really is a good car and is very safe. Great family hauler.

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  Good Reliable Car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Pro19Nova67 - July 3 - 11:16 pm

  I bought the car used with 57,000 miles. The car now has over 129,000 and its been one of the most reliable cars Ive ever owned. Its had few problems here and there but what car with that mileage doesnt? Ive done all my own repairs and none have cost me over $200. Its never left me stranded, gets great gas mileage for a V6 and after all these years it still shines like new. Ive never been big Ford fan until I owned this car. I highly recommend the Ford Contour.

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  Nice SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Jim - July 3 - 12:51 pm

  Bought mine with 60,000 miles a couple of years ago ... been a GREAT little SUV. Had a master cylinder replaced and new tires and thats it. Starts EVERY time and has been one of the most reliable vehicles Ive owned in the last 30 years. Good storage and rides pretty well for a smaller SUV. Id buy another in a heartbeat.