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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  Nice ride - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By jjauch - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Nice Ride, good fuel economy. Handles nicely even in bad weather. Good value. Would buy again

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  best car in its class hands down! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By shane - September 6 - 6:06 pm

  I have a 06 Ford Focus ZX4 SES. I just have to say that this is the best car in its price range. I love everything about it. I got this car as a early high school graduation present. This car rocks.

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  F150 SuperCrew King Ranch - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Mini-B - September 6 - 3:03 pm

  I cant find anything wrong with this truck. My father-in-law claims that it is the Cowboys cadillac!

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  Work Truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By mrkmvk - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Dont think I would buy another one, unless rusting on body and gas mileage has been improved.

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  Big Red Truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By J ay Devereux - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had truck one year, was a one- owner non-work truck w/ 99K. Beautiful fire engine Red really stands out. Have only driven it 2000 miles but have really enjoyed. Strong 5.0 V-8 never waivers. Roomy cab comfortable. Nice factory mags. Imposing front grill. Have added Flowmasters,oversized tires, upscale Leonard shell, bullbar, steps. Looks great and is very muscular when time to work.

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  Totaled -- Thanks! - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Ford No More - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car for my daughter in 1999 with 70,000 miles on it based on safety and hoped-for reliability. Way wrong! Would have been better off spending more for a Toyota. The Taurus has been a money-pit. Fuel pump ($700), A/C ($1800), and on, and on. As my daughter kept saying, "its dying again!". Worse yet, even though the car was already 7 years old when purchased, its lost 75% of its cost over the past 3 years! She just got rear-ended (shes fine) and the car was totaled. Im SO glad!

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  best car Ive ever owned - 1993 Ford Escort
  By annieo - September 6 - 2:00 am

  bought this car new - have driven it everywhere - across deserts, over mtns, off-road, in cities. It still gets me through a 60 mi commute over two mtn. ranges, and Im getting 35 - 38 mpg. Ive replaced some stuff - clutch, radiator, timing belt (twice), etc. - but for almost 200000 mi, thats nothing but maintenance. Fun to drive and very trustworthy!

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  Couldnt Wait to Get Rid of It - 1996 Ford Contour
  By JoyP - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I had a lot of problems with the car. The first day I owned it the check engine light went on, that should have been a sign that the car was a piece of junk. By the time I got rid of it I didnt even want to sell it to anyone, I traded it in to the dealer so they could deal with it.

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  SUV But Still Impressive - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Laura - September 5 - 5:06 pm

  Did really well for an suv-gas mileage wise. It only dropped about 1 and a half mpg when a/c was on continuous which is impressive considering the shape of the vehicle. You can only get so good of mileage in a suv.

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  Great sporty & cute - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Suzer - September 5 - 2:00 pm

  Its one of the nicest suvs out that is small enough when you drive alone you dont feel like your driving the short bus & big enough to seat 7 when needed or fold all seats in back down for hauling.