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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  Gas Mileage Surprise! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By UcoBronchoAdam - May 26 - 2:38 pm

  I knew I wanted a V6 for power and durability, but I thought that I would be compromising gas mileage to get it. I was wrong! The V6 is giving me close to 30 MPG on the highway and low 20s around town.

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  Had to replace Pirelli tires - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Brittll - May 25 - 7:52 pm

  We bought this for our daughter when she graduated from high school. Its a great little car and gets excellent gas mileage. She drove to Florida last August to do a internship at Walt Disney World and just this month her father and I flew to Orlando to drive back home with her. Lots of room in the vehicle and my husband is over 6. My only complaint is that when we went to come home we had the oil changed and noticed the rear tires were completely bald, front tires still looked good so we had the front tires put on the back and new ones on the front. Drove 1500 miles and now the rear tires are bald. I will never own another set of Pirellis.

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  Escape after 2 years. - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mike - May 25 - 10:09 am

  Purchased in April 07, 3.0L Limited model with all options except Nav package. An exhaust manifold stud broke off in early 09, very lucky to find it on the garage floor! No mechanical problems with it so far at 38k. Brakes and tires will be replaced soon. I did buy an extended warranty for this vehicle, since my faith in Ford was not that good. They probably will never be able to match Honda, Toyota reliability/quality. Too bad. Interior quality like most US brands is poor, leather is paper thin and painted surfaces are not durable at all. Replaced battery with an Optima for security since my wife drives this car. If the powertrain lasts until 125k I will be very happy....

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  My first SUV - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By MommaS810 - May 24 - 10:23 pm

  I recently had my car repoed and needed something to get me around. I found a guy selling an Explorer and jumped at the offer. I couldnt refuse the price. It has some body rust but nothing major. The previous owner put 2k of work into it and and the shocks are too small for the vehicle. The gas pedal eases to the floor and the back hatch handle is very tough. Other than the suspension and brake issue, it just needs a loving owner and a nice new oil filter...My biggest general complaint would be gas mileage, but I guess being 16 yrs old, it was top of the line then.

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  Good car good price - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Ben - May 23 - 6:27 pm

  The focus has gotten 39mpg hwy. aver. 27 mpg. Responsive,fun to drive. could have used some sound deadening to give a more quality feel. Orig. tires, Hankook shot at 17000 mi. tires rotated every 6000mi. Driving style conservative. Brakes warped too soon.

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  My second Edge GT - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Dad that likes fun - May 22 - 7:52 pm

  I bought a 2002 GT new and it was a fun car but the insurance was too much and I had to sell it. I just bought this 2001 GT convertible and it brings back all the great memories of that 02 but now the insurance is 1/3 the price. I love these cars because they are the cheapest fun you can use to commute to work. I get 27 mpg, 130 miles a day and my 3 year old loves it. Its loud (flowmaster) fun, fast, and engaging for a person that loves cars. Why anybody would commute in a boring daily driver I cant understand when you can get these things so cheap used and they get decent mileage....I was buying a new Challenger this year but think I made the right choice.

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  Great family truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Bert - May 22 - 2:52 pm

  Love the truck, can get family of four into w/no prob. Truck tow great, no lack of torque for hulling.

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  good car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By crusin14108 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Good car for the money,gas mileage 29 mpg average, reliable so far have 20000 miles on car, not real happy with blue oval service.

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  The Truth About The Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By DaBearshhh - May 22 - 10:00 am

  The Cobra is FAST. Handling is typical for American sports cars. If you are over 6 foot, Youll be aching in the Cobra, due to the visibilty or lack there of and the leg room........... as you will with all Mustang models. The stick is stiff and the 390HP will seem unbeatable unless you decide to go against a Vet. Stick with the GT or Mack 1 model until the Cobra gets to 420HP or higher.

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  Great value - Muscle Car Classic - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By nick - May 22 - 9:25 am

  I test drove a mustang convertible 16 years ago but put off the purchase because of the insurance cost. 16 years later I finally purchased a 2010 gt prem conv(one of the benefits of getting old...lower insurance costs) and could not be happier. This car is true American muscle car its powerful, fun to drive and a great value. The cons (axle, handling.....) are all shortcomings I can live with. So if you are in the market for a muscle car I would highly recommend this car. I considered buying a late 60s early 70s muscle car but decided that the Mustang would give me the same thrill/feel without the hassle of dealing with an ongoing restoration project.