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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  Never Had A Problem - 1997 Ford F-150
  By ravenbutterfly - August 9 - 2:00 am

  I have been having my truck since the first came out with the new style. I havent had a problem with. I just changed the original battery that was in it about 3 months ago. I just replaced the tires on the truck, because it was overdue.

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  Not a Real Car - 1991 Ford Tempo
  By native - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Well, it might as well have been made of aluminum foil. Things fell off of it, out of it, but unfortunately nothing fell on it. Repairs were costly and difficult. And the best part was when it set on fire. Oh, yes, that was fun.

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  Got Fun? - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By saphire_honey - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is my 3rd Mustang. I havent found another car as fun to drive as this one in this price range. Its got the sport, the muscle, the look (and the looks I get while driving it are worth every penny-good and bad), and with all of these great qualities it also has class. A little difficult to achieve so many different characteristics in just one vehicle..well Ford has managed to produce one. This car is loads of fun to drive and the most reliable...

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  Fun little car - 1992 Ford Escort
  By Keithc - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is quick and very fun to drive. This car also has style with its fog lamps, alloy wheels, and spoiler. This car is cheap and youll have a blast driving it.

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  MY FOCUS - 2006 Ford Focus
  By char - August 8 - 10:03 pm

  I love my 2006 Focus ZX SES. Its a lot snapper than my 06 PT CRUISER that I had. I love how comfortable you are when driving long distances. Good price with all the features I got.

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  No longer an Ecoboost Skeptic - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By szaheer - August 8 - 9:09 pm

  I have always been skeptical of an ecoboost mustang, this car however is a fantastic surprise. Great acceleration , great handling and a fantastic interior (premium). Be aware, blind spots are an issue, so BLISS maybe a worthwhile investment. Overall, driving to work is now something I look forward to!

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Charles and Jean - August 8 - 2:56 am

  Purchased a fully loaded Ford 500 Limited with everything except the adjustable pedals. We have driven the vehicle today over 112 miles and have only used 1/8 of a tank of gas. In my truck I would have used 1/2 of a tank to travel the same distance. Fun to drive.

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  ZX2 Mania - 2000 Ford Escort
  By R Jewell - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought as second vehicle. Low mileage and 3 yrs old. Fun to drive. Good cornering ability, good gas mileage. Cruise control works seamlessly. Wish I had bought one with manual trans though. Automatic labors sometimes under acceleration. Car fits my needs like a glove and looks good doing it. Economical and reliable so far. Love it.

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  great to drive - 2002 Ford Escort
  By cspeedy976 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  it fun to drive and good on gas.this is my second car. the last one was a 1998 now i have a 2002

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  my ford has never let me down - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By fords rule - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I take my truck 4 wheeling and have actually made it into rougher terrain than trucks with lift kits and bigger tires.It wheels awesome.I also pull a camping trailer with it into the mountains and I have to say that the only thing that I would change is next time I purchase one,I will get the 4.0 liter.My 3.0 liter is excellent for wheeling but it would be nice to have a little more power pulling my trailer up hills going down the highway.I still would give this truck a two thumbs up.