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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  Very pleased - 2007 Ford Edge
  By 77 Ranger - January 2 - 9:56 pm

  Traded in a 2004 Ford Escape. The refinement, power and overal feel is leaps and bounds better than our trade in. So far we are in love with just about everything with this vehicle.

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  She is snowhite - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Rhonda lyons - January 2 - 9:22 pm

  The car is a really great car comfortable and easy on gas fun to drive

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  Very Nice, Not Quite Perfect - 2012 Ford Focus
  By facelessdrone - January 1 - 9:37 pm

  Not like any Focus Ive ever been in before. Outstanding quality of materials throughout. Looks and feels equivalent to a Mercedes -- no joke. Feels "big", solid, and quiet while you drive, but has speedy performance when you want it.

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  Would buy another - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Buyaford - January 1 - 1:46 pm

  Like the ease of loading and unloading groceries,golfclubs,and boxes from shopping trips. Vehicle is sound and secure and I like the way it handles like a car rather than a truck. The ride is very smooth on the freeway and with the sixteen inch tire upgrade it handle the bumps very well. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Ford has improved quality overall and I will continue to buy American as long as they continue to build quality vehicles.

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  Just Like My Old 5.0 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Brian - December 31 - 5:30 pm

  Ive been buying Mustang GTs since 1984. This is by far the best one yet. Its the kind of car that just doesnt get you from point A to point B without a lot of fun. Since Im creeping up on 40 I figured this would be my mid-life crisis vehicle.

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  No transmission issues for me. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bigbaby - December 31 - 3:24 pm

  After 3 months and 2000 miles driving mine, I think they fixed the transmission issues on the Auto,Manual with some kind of recall/patch. Mine is smooth, quiet, only issue is very slight delays backing out and starting from stop, but not so bad to be annoying. Have yet to have a problem with the car. Started off getting about 34 MPG but now closer to 30. Think its my mix of driving, summer gas, and non-stop a/c on now.

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  FANTASTIC DRIVE - 2002 Ford Focus
  By DEL323 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is 2nd only to my BMW 3 series for less than half the price. The handling is great, steering feedback is excellent and power is adequate. Its been very reliable so far.

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  My Little Pony - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Rowee101 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my Mustang, The way it drives, the way it looks and even the way it sounds. The one thing I dont like is that almost every Mustang driver I see on the road thinks his is better and feels the need to race. Im no better because sometimes that driver is me. But Ive been lucky so far...only one speeding ticket.

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  Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Saltnppr - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV, fun to drive, nice interior and great design for drivers wheel, with radio and air controls handy. Average milage between highway and city is about 12 mpg. AWFUL!!!!

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  zx3 - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Deejinator - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car overall, handles well and gets great gas mileage. mine has a little over 80,000 miles on it and still runs like new