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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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Ohio - March 4 - 2:43 am

  This is a head-turning car. It has everything--looks, performance and comfort. Heres the highlights: Vista Roof, Sync, Sony stereo, climate control, smoooooth ride, quiet ride and great looks. It has tons of room inside. I would recommend the white roof, ambient lighting package and the convenience package. If youre looking for a car that stands out from the crowd, the Flex would do it!

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  $30000 of Poor Craftsmanship - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Warrior6521 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  The absolute worst vehicle Ive ever owned. Fit & finish - poor, performance poor - reliability - poor - I knew the fuel mileage would be bad - but 11 mpg with the 4.6?!?! Problems too numerous to detail. Quality IS NOT Job 1 at Ford - nor is there Quality Care. I couldve spent much less for a Nissan or Toyota and had many less headaches. And to beat all - it isnt worth squat for trade in!

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  96 escort lx 2dr hatchback - 1996 Ford Escort
  By herb campbell ii - March 4 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle. fun to drive. dependable. looks great. very economical to operate. lots of compliments. not sorry i bought it by far.

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  The Crew Hauler - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By DaLokC - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I am a married man with 5 children. The Windstar was our first choice for safety above anything else. We decided to pay a little extra for some extra equipment, but the cost have been well worth it. We dont hear the kids complaining of being uncomfortable, and most of the time they are asleep before we even get out of town!!!!

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  best car ever - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By lyssa2232 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The best car i have ever had. It is comfortable nice and easy to handle and an afortable price range

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  Dont even bother - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jbb3y - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the only car I know of that has probles that even the dealer has never heard occur. The car has a radio faceplate attach with electrical tape at the factory (still not replaced), horrible electical gremlins (like inoperable headlights), alignment issues, will roll downhill while in gear with the parking brake on and 1 or R engaged, trunk come open while moving, seats make even 150mi drives end in a bachache, strange buzzes abound, and the power door lock have failed to work on numerous occasions. Nothing has been fixed in the nearly 3 years Ive had the car, and it has been to seven dealers. Last Dec it required 6 services to fix what the dealer had broken while fixing the alignment.

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  Ford Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ann ONymous - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Five Hundred is a great car. It is extremely comfortable, and fun to drive. Theres tons of front and rear legroom, and the features are great. I absolutely love this car.

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  Second Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Max H - March 3 - 9:30 am

  I own a 2006 Focus, and previously owned a 2001. I drive two 2005 Corollas as fleet cars at work, and must say that I consider the Focuses better in absolutely every respect: fit and finish, handling, interior design -- in every way. I do not know where automotive writers get their biases from.

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  Could use a few tweeks - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jim Myers - March 3 - 6:26 am

  Great fun car. Vastly improved handling over the 03 I test drove a few years back. Power and sound is good. This is my first Mustang and I have enjoyed it. I am 60 years and have owned Corvettes in the past. This car compares favorably for a lot less money. I wish I had deleted the spoiler as it interfears with visibility. I would rate the gas mileage as very good for a car with this kind of power. I am getting better than 18 MPG in stop and go traffic. I have the 18" wheels and believe that ride quality would be improved with the 17 s. Overall I like the car very much.

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  My Car Specs - 1994 Ford Probe
  By SilentDragon_ - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is rather sprty yet comfortable in all the same sitting, exciting to drive with a nice amount of torque but I admit im happy with this purchase