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:

• 

  well built - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By craig kavity - September 8 - 2:00 am

  i think is is well built truk that was kept in fine shape and rides like new

• 

  last ford ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By lastford - September 8 - 2:00 am

  a large comfort van. Mechanicaly the worst ever made!! 62000 miles the engine blew. At 130000 the engine blew again!!. 65000 the trans blew. At 80000 the trans blew again! At 105000 the trans blew a third time !!! at 120000 the main computer blew !!! Ford knew about all these defects well in advance and tried their best to ignore them. Ford does not care about its costomers and I have learned a very expensive lesson and will never buy another one.

• 

  A Fun Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Vincer - September 8 - 12:46 am

  Ample power, handles well, its a fun car to drive. I have driven all cars in its class - this one came out on top.

• 

  Loving my C-Max - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By cmaxdriver - September 7 - 9:56 pm

  1250 miles on my C-Max SEL (not Energi) and I just filled up the second time, so that works out to 600+ per tank. So far love it. Driving mixed between city & highway.

• 

  A big car for the money - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jeff A. - September 7 - 9:26 pm

  We had been researching vehicles for some time, comparing the Chrysler 300, Toyota and Buick. This car had everything we wanted for a great price. So far gas mileage is right on target with sticker. It really feels like you are in a much more expensive automobile.

• 

  Great car! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By winn17 - September 7 - 4:17 am

  I purchased by C Max on Halloween 2012 and I now have over 15, 000 miles on it. My lifetime average mpg is 44.2, a combination of city and 55mph driving. Admittedly the mileage plummets if I should venture onto the freeway at 65mph+. The mileage improved with warmer weather. Absolutely love driving the car!

• 

  Great Value - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Chris from NC - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my truck five years and only one problem and that was with the tires. Im not nuts about the new body style and feel that I still have 100,000 miles left in my rig so I dont think I will trade this one in till I find something better,

• 

  Gonna Miss My Baby! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Djh - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Finally going to sell my first and only car that I ever purchased new. Had this one since buying it as a dealer demo in Late 1993 with only a few thousand miles on it. Just turned over the odometer a couple weeks ago and decided that its time for something bigger and quieter on the highway. Only thing ever replaced was a rear brake rotor, the clutch sensor, three sets of tires, and the recommended other maintenance including the timing belt exactly on schedule. Now that Ive written this, maybe I wont sell it after all!!! Boy did I rip up some back highways with this one!

• 

  good car! - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By Camshaft - September 7 - 2:00 am

  A WONDERFUL CAR! And I drive rough!

• 

  Simply Amazing - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Brian Antonoff - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I currently am a 97 Corvette Owner and I just bought a 2002 Thunderbird as a gift for my Mother. When I decided to buy this car for her, I never imagined that I would like it so much myself. So when I pulled out of the dealership and drove it for the first time, EVERYTHING about it amazed me - from the fit and finish to the power, to the great sounding stereo, to the way EVERYONE who passed me on the highway slowed to look at it. And if nothing else, NO ONE can take away the AWESOME job FORD did in bringing this car from its original root to the future.