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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  very pleased - 2010 Ford Escape
  By john - November 17 - 11:23 am

  Have 940 miles on 2010 XLT 6cyl and am very pleased. Quieter than my 2008 Accord. I drive to get milage...25.3 in small town suburbia driving, 28.6 on highway. My first American car in 12 years an am glad I bought American...the quality is greatly improved.

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  Dirve it hard - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mike S. - November 17 - 10:41 am

  I love my Focus. I keep it serviced and have had no isssues with tires or alignment. I drive it pretty hard and it responds great with great handling in curves ( really holds tight ). Have driven it long distances with no issues and great gas mileage. I drive 60 miles a day round trip to work and average 33 mpg even with the way I like to drive.

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  Shelby GT500 - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Todd - November 17 - 9:53 am

  Fun to drive. Sharp looking car. Wanted a little more throttle response, but very satisfied by overall performance.

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  Taurus X Review - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Terry - November 17 - 4:53 am

  Fantastic car. My wife and I drive it and love it. Very comfortable ride and very quiet. If I stay off the pedal the mileage aint too bad.

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  Mustang Sally rides again!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang Salli - November 17 - 4:10 am

  Ford has a hit!! Congrats- I have the only GT in our town- and it is turning heads wherever I go. Ive had many sports cars and never the positive reaction like with this one. It is truely an awesome car..

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  lov my fox - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By luis - November 17 - 1:01 am

  ive had my mustang for 3 years and so far its the best car ive ever had..not to metion i yust 2 have a 99 z28 my father owns a 96 corvette and we also have a 73 chevelle laguna and out of all those i prefer my fox even after all the abuse that engine takes form my heavy foot it yust wont give out day after day winter after winter its always started every single time i mean seriously lol

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  Great car for the money - 2016 Ford Edge
  By David N - November 16 - 8:32 am

  Ford has improved the touch screen from previous years model. Really great little car. Smooth and quiet on the highway and easy to maneuver in the city. Not crazy about the limited direction of the front a/c vents in the center, but not a huge deal. Lots of leg room and head room for taller people. Has a really solid feel to it. Overall very happy with this purchase.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Hoss Senior - November 16 - 3:59 am

  Select the SEL I4 model to have the convenence of automatic temperature control,great sound system with Serius radio, MP3 input, extra interior creature comforts, automatic head lights, ambient interior LED lighting as well as a great ride and 30+ mpg on the highway. I also had the benefit of Fords Z-purchase program and $3500 incentive rebate. Waiting for the more powerful 2010 I4 thats rated better for mileage would have cost at least $3500 more while the 2010 Hybrid would have costed $8000 more with the issue of replacing the storage battery since I keep my Fords along time. 1991 Aerostar XLT van 235000 miles, 1998 Taurus 190000 miles.

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  Fun Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By troywe - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. For such a small car, the interior is exceptionally spacious. The car feels like it has great quality.

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  jujus review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By juju9 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive named my little beauty Snow White and I just love her. However Id really like the extended warranties that are now available.