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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  The best American Car on the Road - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Andrew - February 1 - 12:30 pm

  Yes, I know its made in Mexico, but this is a home run for Ford. I get 600 miles a tank in town. I live in a part of the country that can be flat for the most part and this definitely helps MPG as I can coast quite a bit. This thing flat out rolls! It has no engine braking down hills so it can take off like a soap box derby racer. The SYNC system works flawlessly with my iPhone. Sound quality is great from the Sony speakers. I cant complain about anything so far other than a little bit of yearning for a better seat. Very satisfied with the purchase.

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  best bang for the buck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By gonzo - February 1 - 2:00 am

  after six years and over 146,000 miles my f150 supercab looks and runs great. only minor repairs of normal wear and tear. engine and tranny are still as smooth as the day i bought it. overall, great fit and finish. this is my fourth ford truck and its by far the best Ive ever had. my next truck is definitely a ford.

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  SHO - Drivetrain Good, The Rest is Bad - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Grey - February 1 - 2:00 am

  The drivetrain has held up well. Everything else has fallen apart or off. Sunroof leaked. Paint flaking off. New radiator, new radiator tank. New starter. Ford mechanics cant get the "Check Engine" light to go out - I gave up. The engine is VERY expensive to maintain. Parts crack and break in the interior even though it is garaged in a mild climate.

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  Best and most reliable car Ive owned - 1995 Ford Probe
  By DBonta - February 1 - 2:00 am

  No problems with this car other than you can rev it well past the red line wich destroys the water pump. This car has been reliable and a joy to drive from day one.

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  Dont buy a 2016 Explorer - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By CaliMom - January 31 - 5:10 pm

  I love the smooth and controlled ride of the Explorer but that is the end of my praise. I have owned this SUV for over a year and Im so terribly disappointed. This vehicle is lacking in comfort and reliable electronics. The seat length of both front buckets and 2nd row bench are short, cramped and just all-around uncomfortable. Legroom is non-existant. I have 3 kids and a tall husband and this SUV is way too small for us. The 3rd row is tiny and hard to access. Cargo space is nice but robs the car from much needed leg room. The entire vehicle is just designed narrow and cramped. There is so little room that my purse ends up on the cargo mats daily, covered in dirty shoes. And the electronics... I often refer to my car as having a mind of its own because the horn randomly beeps at me for no reason (much to my teenage daughters extreme mortification). The cargo hatch/door on back also refuses to close on occasion for no reason... and sometimes closes on my head while loading groceries. And... after one year, the door lock has broken on the passenger side, one of the backseat seat belts completely shattered just from tilting the seat forward, and the poorly placed and cheap USB port covers have broken off. Really??? Come on Ford. You can do better.

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  Im On My Third - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By kybfore - January 31 - 2:26 pm

  This is the third Crown Vic I have owned. I ran the first to 141K and the second to 176K. I have put 14K on this one to date. While the ride on this one is a bit stiff, it is compensated by excellent handling. My wife just says, "Its fun to drive." On a recent road trip of over 850 miles, I held my speed down to 65 and got 30.6 MPG overall, without air. Now, tell me what other vehile gets that fuel efficiency in the comfort provided by the CV? I understand that Ford is discontinuing the CV for consumer use, so I will probably have to go to the Grand Marquis in 8-10 years when this one needs replacement.

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  i love my f150 supercrew lariat - 2004 Ford F-150
  By kinglis - January 31 - 10:00 am

  ford has really done it this time. i owned a toyota tundra previously and fords new design has touched on a lot of the toyota quality. when ford says quality is job one, they are not lying. this truck exudes style, i love the drive, the retro interior and to be honest there is not a thing about this truck that i dont like. watch out competitors with fords up and coming lineups they are going to be on top of the world.

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  Great truck!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By daniel3 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Fun for hunting out in the wild for animals and birds and great for storage.

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  Best Value - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By redskinswimcoach - January 31 - 10:00 am

  We test drove several SUVs, including Durango SLT. Explorer had the best ride and reliable ratings we could find. The 3rd row seat was easy for kids to get in and out.

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  Holds up great when you get T-boned - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By SusieQZ - January 31 - 10:00 am

  With only 4000 miles on my Explorer, my children and I were T-boned by a car traveling 60mph. The car hit the drivers side passenger door and back. Im not sure how much the repairs will be yet but it really does not matter since we are all alive. I feel that being in the Explorer with all of its saftey features saved us from serious injury. This is the first car that I have ever mourned the loss of. If they total it out I will definetly be returning for the same exact model, color, everything! And definetely back to Palm Springs Motors! Oh, by the way, we were hit by a guy who ran a stop sign on a freeway off-ramp.