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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  New to Ford! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By GreenFarmer - October 20 - 7:20 pm

  First Ford that I have ever owned, but so far, loving it! It was the perfect car for commuting and fits our family perfectly. If we were all large framed it might not work as well. It is a fun car to drive, and makes my commute much more bearable.

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  Nice looks bad engine - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Jason1973 - October 20 - 3:46 am

  Actually I have a 98 F-150 but everything is the same on the 2002s I like the looks of my Ford F-150 but Im experiencing what Ford calls piston slap and Ford would not do anything about it. Learn your lesson from me and dont buy a truck for its looks because when I start it up in the morning it sure sounds like a ugly truck. Do your research to see if the problem was fixed.

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  F.O.R.D. - Fix Or Repair Daily - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By soldmymustsang - October 20 - 2:00 am

  After driving it for like a month, I started noticing all kinds of squeaks, the cheap cheap ultimate cheap interior materials, and my multifunction switch blew. I have noticed that almost all domestic brand vehicles use very cheap interior materials. Take a look at the foregin brand cars, they use good quality materials and it is build tight! And please, change the interior design of the Mustangs... Ford hasnt redesigned their dull interior design in almost 7 years! I absolutely hate domestic cars, I will never ever get one again. Companies like GM and Ford should learn from companies like Honda or Toyota

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  Looked good.. - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Michael Nevettie - October 19 - 4:48 pm

  Traded in my 2015 Focus SE (sometimes lagging downshift acceleration, poor stereo) for a 2016 Titanium Hatchback. Persistent pull or drift to the left at times exacerbated by braking. Had grey goo on my sunroof, broken piece of plastic found in glove box on unknown origin. Slight squeak upon starting, rattle in in right front, sunroof buttons too small to push, tire (hum) noise, drivers seat is power but the back will not independently recline (no lever), Sony stereo needs more precise mids & highs adjustments.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By UMSuperfan - October 19 - 8:16 am

  After waiting two extra months for the car to arrive from when Ford told me to expect it, I was worried I would be disappointed. I am not! This car is everything I could have wanted. I get looks from all kinds of people and the power is amazing. It sticks to the road through turns and even in rain. Everyone wants rides.

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  My second Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By John Adelsberger - October 19 - 8:06 am

  I cant begin to tell you how incredible the experience has been since buying my 05 Mustang. Not one day has passed that hasnt included at least 2 people coming up to tell me how "hot" or "awesome" this black beauty looks. The new design meets all the expectations that were put out before its arrival,and the performance of the new 200 hp engine is more than enough for city driving. Its almost embarrassing to drive because it turns heads wherever I go. Truly awesome and a dream come true. Thanks to all the Ford designers who are responsible for this MASTERPIECE!

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  best car eve made for reliability - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By steve64 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Mine was actually a 1988 LX five speed with a/c. I bought it used in april 1997. I bought it with 192000miles on it. It never gave any trouble and I drove it to 234000 miles. It had the original engine, clutch, etc and was a great car. The car never used oil between 4000 mile intervals! The coil went bad at 234000 miles. The mechanic I took it to put water in the engine and cracked the piston. Jerk, he ruined the best car I ever had!

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  not again! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By steve64 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  It was a beautiful car. basically reliable, but many minor problems. Chrome bumper strips peeled off, low coolant light came on, water leaks inside car, power window kept going out and back on. Rode too hard for my tastes, especially impact harshness. V6 good on gas at 28 mpg, but short gearing kept the car revvy while accelerating. seetled down at cruise though. Handling seemed pretty good though and the car was quiet enough. Oh, it had the a/c go out and the intake plenum went bad causing an oil leak, both fixed under warranty or before purchase, great service from dealer, if a little inconvenient, but for $4000 what can i expect?

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  Best Car I ever owned - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bobby Fisher - October 18 - 10:33 pm

  I have owned many cars, including Cadillacs and Lincolns, but this Crown Vic is by far the best overall of any car I ever owned. I started driving in the early 60s when cars were cars. My Crown Vic is as close to the cars of those days as you can get. Very comfortable, great ride and what a trunk! My mileage is better than the 97 T-Bird it replaced. If Ford ever stops making the Crown Vic I will have to buy my cars on some other planet.

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  Focus Points - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bill Brown - October 18 - 4:03 am

  I needed a vehicle for my sales job (I carry chemical samples). The Focus Wagon fit the bill to a "T". Spunky car. It is definitely spartan (interior) but the car more than makes up for it in performance.