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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  MY ZX3 BABY! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By pixiestixslova - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for almost 2 years now.It is my angel. It has definatly saved me from a lot of accidents. Its nice and roomy. My friends dont complain about haveing to sit on top of each other. So far, I havent needed any work done on my car.Its great and affordable.

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  Sport Compact to the - 2002 Ford Focus
  By rockin svt focus - November 16 - 2:00 am

  handles on rails. low torque number, but it doesnt feel taht way. great car, relaible enough for such a car, and so much fun to drive

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  Freestars A Winner - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Twavic - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Freestar. I have owned several Windstars and my biggest complaint was always their lack of pep. Not so with the Freestar -- its new engine size offers pep, easy handling, interior comfort and top notch safety features. I love this mini van enough to want to sell it -- being a fussy owner, thats saying a lot. Congrats to Ford on a real winner.

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  Love the improvements - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DeputyDan - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1993 Explorer and got unbelievable service from it. Changed to a 2002 after searching for a car but just couldnt find anything that we liked as well as our old Explorer. Am running the XLT with V-8 and love the power and ride. Did have the "shattering" lift gate panel problem but dealer fixed it. (They had a service bulletin explaining the problem) Dealership has been great with follow-up since sale. I dont know if all Ford dealers are as good as mine but mine is great. I havent run it a full year yet but love the ride, power and auto 4wd. Puddle lighting is nice and overall a nice looking ride.

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  Mustang Bullitt - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Jeff - November 15 - 10:32 pm

  Does anyone make a better, more fun to drive car than this for the money? Plenty of power, great brakes, and handling. Gas mileage is greatly improved over my 5.0L. You can use 87- 91 octane. Feels a little more edgy with the high octane stuff but not essential for driveability. Great leather GT500 seats. The Tremec 5 speed is a dream.

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  3rd Ford Ranger - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By John - November 15 - 8:49 pm

  I just purchased the 4x4 XLT extended cab today, so I cant judge longterm on reliability. So far its great, very comfortable, the 4.0L engine is responsive and powerful for highway driving. I think the ride is good, and the interior although the almost the same as my 98, is practical and easy to use. The styling is nice, and I like the fact that is indeed a true compact pickup. These little trucks are a good value for those not needing a huge rig, and the inconvenience that comes with large trucks, i.e. parking. Yes, this truck hasnt changed a lot in the past decade +, but I think the styling and overall design is fine the way it is, why mess with a good thing?

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  Loved my van - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Linda Studer - November 15 - 8:25 pm

  We purchased our van new and it has been an excellent vehicle. The electric doors were a great feature new but after a few years they began to not work all of the time. Last year at 160000 had trouble with the break light, engine light coming on and it has stayed on. I would still be driving today at 209000 miles if I hadnt encountered a deer.

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  I love it !! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By carocbr - November 15 - 7:20 pm

  Waited nearly 3 months for car to be built & delivered, but it was worth the wait!! Amazing looks, performance better than expected and very comfortable to drive. My first mustang, and bought the manual. Shift is a little stiff, but has got better and lots more fun to drive than an auto. Car handles well, sticks to the road and no under steer. Acceleration excellent, especially if you make use of gears. SYNC system is neat - but complicated. Like the USB and phone dialling and Shaker system is top. Only very minor niggle is the cupholder gets in the way when you shift gears... but Ill live with it!!!

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  Utah John - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Utah John - November 15 - 6:03 pm

  Special order with many options. Auto is crisp and car is very fun to drive. The look of the glass roof from the inside out is worth the money. Many positive comments on overall look of car. Exhaust note has a neat rumble. Driving down the road if feels like a million bucks and solid as can be. Compared to a Camero and debated long and hard between the two but from inside out there is no doubt this is by far the better car. Much nicer interior and one can actually see outside. I waited many years saving my money to buy this car and it was worth all the time.

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  Very fun car to drive - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By jeroutdoors@msn.com - November 15 - 12:19 pm

  Ive had the car for about 1 month and I love it! I got the turbo AWD and it is a blast to drive. Interior is very comfortable and well made. The car just has a well build feel to it. Good construction and good materials. Great car. Highly recommend.