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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  Best Used Car Ever ! - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By lisag - February 25 - 1:51 am

  I bought my car from my neighbor almost 1 year, for $500. I figured It would last a month or so, 6 months tops. 1 year later, Im still driving it. Its been a great little car. Sure, Ive had to have a few repairs done, but none of them were major and most were things I had to have done with a car 20 years newer! Ive considered selling it, but its been so good to me, I think ill just do a few cosmetic repairs and keep it. Its reliable and it has never left me stranded. Great car for the money!

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  Bullitt Mustang gets it right - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By mrolfers - February 25 - 12:47 am

  Ford got the Bulllitt Mustang right in so many ways: I love the low-key, retro styling cues throughout. No stripes, no fins, no flames, and very little chrome. Slick shifter, engine pulls hard, and has a satisfying muscle car exhaust note. I owned an 86 GT and this thing handles like its from another planet. You can actually throw it around curves without the rear end breaking loose at the slightest tap on the gas. Excellent seats and very comfortable on a couple of 300 mile road trips. Id like another 200+ HP or so, as the car does run out of power before Id like, but I couldnt afford the Shelby GT 500. I rarely get to drive it that hard, so its a mild criticism.

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  Good so far - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Midwest - February 24 - 4:06 pm

  Bought this from a credit union (repo) and have been having fun. Have done a lot of maintenance that you would expect at 125,000 miles. Shocks, water pump, tires, ball joints, etc. Now that it has what it needed, I would drive it cross country with no hesitation. Its good for its age. Awesome in snow!

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  My New car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Melissa - February 24 - 12:26 pm

  This is my new car. I would buy no other. It is fun to drive and be in. It has enough space for my two kids.

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  Cant believe I bought a Ford - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dgeho - February 24 - 1:00 am

  A good looking truck along with the V8 power made it attractive to me. The car-like ride, handling and good visibility made it attractive to my wife. If you are looking for a good towing vehicle that will fit in your garage, this is it. We test drove quite a few trucks before deciding to purchase, but it was an easy decision based on the price/available options/and nice design. There are some areas that could use some updating and the service you get from a Ford dealer is a little shaky - but the vehicle is very solid, quiet and easy to drive.

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  Escape to hybrid SUVing! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By rgg - February 23 - 4:30 am

  I had a 2001 Escape V6 AWD. Great car, but gas mileage was not very good. The Escape AWD gets a consistent 28mpg on the highway (thats at 60-80 mph with the a/c on), and about 24 mpg in town, with a full load. (No hybrid ever gets the advertised EPA mileage in town). Performance? Only imperceptibly less than the V6 gave me. Punching the gas and bringing in an extra 40hp from the electric motor lets me pass anyone on the highway. Some people tell me, "sure, you get great mileage, but is it worth the difference in price?" Yes. The difference is tax-deductible, and with gas costing $2.50/gallon, Ill be ahead soon. Also, Im reducing our nations reliance on questionable oil suppliers.

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  Great So far - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jimmy DeLoche - February 22 - 10:00 am

  There were some problems when I first got it with the timing. After two computer upgrades, its running stong. Fun=value=10

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  Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Luis C, - February 22 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has been reliable, comfortable. It has a wonderful turning ratio, a good sound system and an overall smooth ride.

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  Explorer 2004 v8 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mkirby - February 22 - 10:00 am

  nicely put together and incredibly safe

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  Could have been a great car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Tom - February 22 - 4:26 am

  Mine is actually the SE model not the SEL, I liked the looks and handling of the Fusion, although its a little rough on a bad road, also the price was right, its such a shame that Ford has kept this underpowered engine for so long, it is so slow at take off and merging, I should have gotten the V6, otherwise a nice car and a good value.