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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  Has Ford been holding out on us? - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By A. Former Hondaguy - August 24 - 10:00 am

  When replacing my wifes car we compared Altima, Sonata, Mazda6 and Fusion. The Ford won because of style, value, and fun. After quickly ruling out the Altima (too pricey), we were down to 3. We liked interior and exterior style of Fusion over Sonata. Mazda (like the other Japanese midsize contenders) was too pricey for the same features. We have just over 1400 miles and have really enjoyed the car. We debate whose turn it is to drive. Ford surprised us with the style, handling, and comfort of this car. We preferred the 6-cylinder Fusion, because the 4 seemed to lack power with the automatic.

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  LX 5.0 Hatchback - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Nelson Figueroa - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought very good conditions. Rear is too light, I spun once. Now, I buy Traction AA tires. Although, seat is uncomfortable and interiors are somewhat cheap detailed, it is a fun car to drive. Very strong engine. Brakes do not match the power this vehicle has. The 1992 Ford 302 cid / 5.0 engine is very reliable with all cast iron w/ forged pistons! T-5 Stnd Trans is not that strong if you are a "Power User". TREMEC 3550 trans is a very good replacement, though. Also, there are plenty of diff types of replacement parts for this car OEM and aftermarket.

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  Silver Bullet - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Captain D - August 24 - 2:00 am

  For a sports car it is descent in snow.The engine is very reliable and fuel efficient for a V6.A decent sports car that still holds its own no problem.Passes cars at highways speeds effortlessly,haha...

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  Great car for the Money!! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By HMustangL - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Cant beat this car for 20,000 dollars. It may not be the fastest but it faster then any other car for the price. Why buy a prelude with 200 horse for more money then a mustang gt cost. (by the way I beat a prelude with my stock v6 stang, so take that honda).

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  slow stang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By amazed24 - August 24 - 2:00 am

  This mustang is awesome, (the convertible) except it has very slow pick-up rates. I seem to have to floor it for a few seconds before it even starts going fast. It is a little disappointing. Heres a tip:try not to use the air conditioning, because it drains the gas and lowers performance.

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  1st day and love it! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By ranger_newbie - August 24 - 2:00 am

  I havent owned this truck for 24 hours yet and I already know Ill form a strong bond with it. The 2.5L 4-cyl isnt the worlds strongest engine, but with the 5-sp manual it has plenty of around town pep. Good ergonomics, amazing legroom for my 66" body and a decent radio. Tight but forgiving ride on sport suspension. Its pretty much a base model, but the XLT wheels and the slightly higher ride height make it look good. I hope I can report back here with more good news once I have more time with it.

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  Impressed! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Cathy - August 23 - 8:53 pm

  I previously owned a 2003 Mercury Sable. Traded it in for the 2009 Focus because the Sable had too many miles and I wanted something that got better gas mileage. I am impressed. It has more get-up-and-go than the Sable, rides every bit as well (actually quieter) and has every bit as much trunk space. Not to mention that it is more fun to drive. The Sync system is nice to have, it is good to have that connectivity in a car. Ford was forward thinking in putting this on their cars. All in all, I do not regret the trade at all. To begin with I was worried that the Focus might seem a lot smaller than the Sable. We didnt loose much.

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  Edge sport. - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Jacob - August 23 - 3:36 am

  Only owned 1 month has been in the shop 2 times the headliner had to be replaced for improper installation and rear bumper from a hole cut from factory being to large

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  Couple of bugs but a good car. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By GCM - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am pleased with this car, but I have had a couple of annoying bugs to work out. It handles well, especially in snow, is fun to drive, and the wagon is especially versatile with lots of space for cargo and people. I did have the problem of water leaking in the passenger side, and the floor mat pulled out of the trim, but Ford took care of it promptly. The doors constantly locking is a bit annoying, and the seats are somewhat uncomfortable on a long drive for my 61" 190lb frame. (The padding digs into the back of my legs.) The design is well considered and stylish, but the build quality is poor. Overall value is still pretty good.

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  DONT MAKE A MISTAKE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus2001 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  YOU HAVE TO BE READY TO $PEND MONEY ON MAINTAINANCE BECAUSE IT STARTS TO BREAKDOWN ONLY AT 20K MILES!!! SO OVER ALL....ITS NOT A GOOD CAR TO HAVE IF YOURE ON LIMITED BUDGET NOR BUSY LIFESTYLE BECUASE YOU WILL SPEND MORE TIME IN THE SERVICE DEPT RATHER THAN GOING ABOUT WITH YOUR LIFE!