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:

• 

  Stay away from this car! - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Finch31 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 99. A 2 dr Coupe, 3.8 V6. It has been a total nightmare experience. I bought it from a gal, that had previously bought it from a good friend. I had to get a rebuilt transmission after I hit 79,000 miles, then it was a water pump, then 2 thermostats and then at 99,595 it blew a head gasket going down the highway. I put a rebuilt enigne in it and soon had to replace the theromstat again. This car has cost me a fortune and thank god for the other day I ran into a deer which did some minor damage, but deployed the airbags and they totaled it out.

• 

  XLT-4WD-Dallas - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By ramisdom - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Have had Expl, Sub, Tahoe...Expedition is favorite...nimble, larger, easier to park, stable, plenty of torque. Like the AWD...very tough to fishtail on ice/snow/mud...great in bad weather around N. TX. The 4.6L is most capable, have pulled small loads, trailers/boats.

• 

  Bluebird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Rodney Goforth - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the most fun vehicle we have ever owned. Retro styling with 03 sophistication and power. The Corvette stays in the garage most of the time.

• 

  good truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By mothertrucker - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Have had a good experience with the truck. The truck looks aggressive and has a classic design. The 302 sounds really good with glaspacks on it. The previous owner was pretty rough with it, so the bed is starting to have a few rust spots. Fuel economy is decent, if I keep my foot out of it. Most of the repairs done stem from previous owners abuse. Replaced brakes, master cylinder, fixed some body damage. Very good drivability, with good acceleration and handling. I love my truck!

• 

  the best truck ive ever owned - 1999 Ford F-150
  By rejl55 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  the best truck ive ever owned

• 

  sweetness - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Vbad - February 28 - 9:05 pm

  I have not really enjoyed driving for years, but now me and the wife race to see you GETS to drive, ya its that much fun!

• 

  You need an Escape too! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Iona Escape - February 28 - 1:43 pm

  I love my Escape. It handles well, seats are very comfortable on long rides, and short ones too! It handles very well in the snow and I didnt even purchase the 4-wheel drive feature. The 6-CD feature is very convenient for listening to audiobooks -you dont have to switch after every CD is done. Put the first 6 in and enjoy the story. The hatchback is very easy to use - lightweight, easy to close. The back seat could use some extra leg room, but is a comfortable ride otherwise. The fog lights are awesome, my old vehicle had fog lights - you couldnt see a difference - these are very bright. Other than the expensive fill-up these days, Im very pleased I chose my Escape.

• 

  Awesome - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bigdaddy - February 28 - 12:40 pm

  In looking at the other reviews I must have gotten the best of the bunch. Aside from the initial rear brake problem, this car has been great. The transmission has worked flawlessly and the ride is fantastic. To fix the brake problem I went to my local parts store and purchased another brand of brakes and they have not had to be changed as frequently as before and work great! Cant say enough about the car. I would buy another but not for the $30,000.00+ price tag.

• 

  Shouldve stayed with a Toyota - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Chrisral - February 28 - 10:46 am

  The design is poor, during the summer when using AC condensation impeeds your line of sight out thefront window. The car is on its four recall. Im on my third catalytic convertor AT 32,000 miles. The tires from the factory had to be replaced at 30,000 miles, they were to be warranted until 65,000 miles. Manufacturer would not honor warranty because on had tires rotated twice. Which is a load of crap since the tire wear was even on all four tires. I shouldve stayed with Toyota but liked the look of the Fusion, Big Mistake. I will be going back to another Toyota. Farewell Fusion....very unhappy wIth purchase!

• 

  Great Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Jeffro123 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  There has been some bad stuff in the press about this car, but dont let that fool you. (Just ask Car and Driver, which the focus has been in the 10 best 4 years in a row) I am amazed at the quality and driving fun this car is for the money. 140k and going strong.