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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  Love the Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Arlene - October 22 - 3:32 pm

  Driving the Mustang is fun. I usually get 24-29 mpg lower for strictly city driving. Other than regular maintance I am at about 160,000 miles and recently had my first car incident with a u-joint replaced. I added a sun roof when I made the purchase and am passing it down to my son!

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  Best Mustang yet! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Lucas - October 22 - 2:31 pm

  Ive driven many Mustangs in my life. This is by far the best quality Mustang ever. The power is there when you need it, its comfortable (we took a 3,000 mile trip in it). The ride quality is unmatched when coupled with what it can do in corners. Fuel mileage is more than adequate as well. Trunk space is very good for a Mustang, not full size car worthy, but sufficient. Im very impressed with the Shaker audio system and the SYNC system is beyond cool!

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  Very Happy with my choice! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Diane - October 21 - 6:57 pm

  Loving my new Ford Escape!

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By jwinn44 - October 21 - 12:07 pm

  I love this car! It has a sleek look to it(Sporty yet elegant). Great sound system. Havnt had any maintenance issues after 50,000 miles. Really good handling(I had to swerve sharply on the highway once and the car was very responsive and easy to control). Very comfortable and plenty of space(even in the back seats). Great car for long comutes.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Sam - October 20 - 11:13 pm

  Since I bought my truck in 2008 Ive put a little over 50,000 miles on it. It has been an an excellent truck. I had a 1997 Ford F-150 4x4 and I must say a drastic improvment on Fords part. The 5.4 liter Triton is an all around great motor. The overall performance of the truck is great. I take it to the family farm, the hunt club, home, jobsites, and college. It has done everything I want and more. Ive even had to pull out jeeps, chevys, and Dodges at jobsites. The only thing extra Ive put on it was a K&N and a bullydog system upgrade chip. Great reliable truck, I recommend the 2004 F-150 Lariat 4x4 to any one.

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  Even better - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By SnoutDawg - October 20 - 12:26 pm

  Wow, this car is even better than I could have hoped for. This is not the Taurus we knew not even close. I got the Limited front wheel drive w/ every feature but adaptive cruise. This is a pure world-class vehicle. It has endless space, and technology, dazzling design, and plenty of power and handling. The exterior look is stunning. I feel like a celeb with the way I get stopped by impressed strangers. I actually like the smaller glass lines gives more private, comfy feel. Very quiet inside and out. Only cons for me are relatively limited interior storage, and no coin storage.

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  I love it - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By greenville sc - October 20 - 11:12 am

  I just love my Taurus! I am now having to put it to rest due to the transmission giving out on my. I really want to repair but it would not be worth it to put in $2000 and then have other problems start happening. I will be at the Ford dealership to purchase another. Sadden...

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  Soccer Mom Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Sterling Hick - October 20 - 6:30 am

  In a word - practical. Its carried everything from my kayaks to furniture. Ive had only very minor problems (air bag sensor) and it is phenomenal on gas. Only down side is that its a bit on the boring side. I had an Escort ZX2 before this, and that was a lot more fun to drive.

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  Best of the Best - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jim Roberts - October 20 - 2:30 am

  I am a true car person. I have owned way to many new cars over the years and this is truly the best. The first thing to do for gas mileage is to change the air filter to the K&N. Use Mobil 1 oil and my mileage has ran as high as 41MPG when trying. I get a constant 30MPG when my wife drives and that is great. She just drives and does not worry about mileage. She has never gotten any better than 17MPG with any other car that she has had both large and small cars of many makes and models. Thank you Ford for taking a large step for fuel. The others have a lot of catching up to do. Ford rules

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  Drive It Like You Stole It! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Fearless in Cashmere - October 19 - 7:50 pm

  I have always loved the Classic Birds. I used to help my brother Jeff restore them when we were growing up. So when the Retro Birds came out, I had to get one. I waited until the last year & got my 2005 50th Anniversary Thunderbird "Cashmere" Edition #884/1500. This is a very solid car!I trust this car impicitly, having driven it cross-country twice and drive it daily. Still have had NO problems -except a little COP issue (not police officers!), & thats why I gave "Build Quality" a 9. But beyond that, eveything works very well. I got a solid 22mpg city/hwy mix but since I put on a K&N cold air intake Im up around 24+ even with my driving. I hope you enjoy driving one as much as I do! Peace!