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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  Recommend for Budget Shoppers - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By bigblair - July 1 - 2:00 am

  If you dont have a lot of cash, this truck is for you. Get a Hayes manual for repairing it yourself, cause it is easy to do maintenance on and Ford Dealerships will charge you 150 bucks for a 40 dollar repair.

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  I love my Mustang - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By Jeanne - July 1 - 2:00 am

  The car I always dreamed of owning. It turned heads the whole time Ive owned it. Still getting compliments after all these years. Sad to part with it.

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  Love It. - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Wild Willy - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Just a great car. Regular 3000 mile oil change and other. Wax at least once a month. It looks and drives like brand new with 120000 miles. Proud to be seen in it!!!

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  A Great Fun Car! - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By asg420 - July 1 - 2:00 am

  nothing beats this car if you are looking for a fun, cool, smooth ride! Besides the looks and sares and thumbs up you get while driving - the car is really comfortable and smooth - Stereo is great with top up or down - Hard top removal needs two people . Conv top works great - HUGE trunk!!!! Seriously for a car like this - the tunk is functional - Try getting that many grocery bags in a boxter or z3 or miatia - If yo love the way it looks - Youll love the way it drives -

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  Not bad for 1st SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Dreama - June 30 - 4:36 pm

  For my first ride, this Escape is a choice I have yet to regret. I got it more for safety (for my child), but the design (both interior and exterior) caught my eye from the start. I wish the engine had a little more bite, especially since its mated with a 5-speed manual, but its not too bad nonetheless. It was worth the money I paid.

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  The Ford Five Hundred - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By thundrol - June 30 - 8:06 am

  When I first saw the vehicle I knew that I wanted to have one of my own. I got one the next month, and boy have I ever had fun with it. I have not regretted getting it since the day that I got it. The performance of the car was phenomenal.

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  2013 CMAX - NOT worth the money - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By the_handiman - June 30 - 6:52 am

  Purchased our CMAX SEL 11-16-2012 because the sticker in window said 47 mpg, city & hiway. As did the sales person. Have owned the care for 3 weeks and have taken on short 100 mile trips to check mileage. At best the vehicle gets 33 MPG. Took it back to dealer and they say you have to wait until 3,000 for vehicle to get advertised mileage. Car is not worth the money. I do not advise you buy one, put your money on a vehicle that will give you your monies worth and from a dealer that will support you ..Ford should be ashamed for false advertising and poor excuses for the vehicles poor performance. Dont expect any support from your Ford Dealer or Ford !! Does not come with a spare tire either

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  awesome - 2005 Ford Escape
  By AfroMn31 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  it is awesome and when i went through mud it felt like i was goin through the best thing ever

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  Somewhat happy - 2001 Ford Focus
  By skiepke - June 30 - 2:00 am

  The car itself has been a great reliable auto. I have a problem with the service of the dealer that sold me the car. Im not please with that.

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  Wouldnt Trade it for The World - 2000 Ford Focus
  By LoveMyFocus - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! I got it as a graduation gift and drive it every where. It is almost four years old and I am about to roll over to 100,000 miles! I intend to drive this car until it falls apart, and with the way it is going it will be a while before that happens! I cannot say enough about the great size and handling of this car. It is so fun to drive and I get compliments on it all the time. I definitely will stay in the focus family when I decide to get something new!