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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  Excellent - 2009 Ford Escape
  By pete162 - April 8 - 8:49 pm

  Had since new, very reliable , cheap to maintain, fuel sipper with plenty of power with the I4 2.5 liter engine. Always hand washed and waxed,it looks almost as good as the day we drove it off the lot.

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  Great Car - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By allanj60 - April 8 - 2:40 pm

  We bought our 1.6 Fusion exactly 2 years ago and have only 6,000 miles on it. We are in our mid-seventies and do mostly local driving and very little highway diving. We get just over 18 mpg. The car is very comfortable and quiet with great handing.

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  The Best compact car in reasonable price - 2014 Ford Focus
  By ssoeun - April 7 - 1:02 pm

  My first time to own Ford, most Asian people scared American cars for less reliability but not like the 1990s, now American cars even better than the Japanese cars in both quality and comfort. The Focus beats the famous nameplates of Civic and Corola in both power and comfort and much cheaper price. I love my Focus my wife and my son also love to drive it than my Altima. Small but when I drive, I feel like big car-- quiet, smooth, and quick to turn the corner or on the free way and great fuel economy. And I paid the lowest price for the year end 2014 clearance. I will buy the other one for my son when he go to college next year.

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  Pony up for fun - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By Chris Walls - April 6 - 4:54 pm

  As a past Trans AM owner I decided to come over to the Ford Mustang. The car is a kick to drive, quick and responsive thanks to the stability computers. The seats are comfortable even on long drives. The ride is a little bouncier than I would like due to the stiff suspension but it is certainly not rough. I like to play with this Pony a lot, love the feel of that 302 getting it done. The MPG avg. stays right around 22, so you have a range of about 340 miles.

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  Love Our Ford Flex - 2015 Ford Flex
  By Marian Pozgay - April 2 - 5:01 pm

  Roomy, comfortable, quiet...no road noise while driving in comparison to other cars we have owned. Easy to drive and love the ease of getting in and out of it and the styling. Stands out from any other car on the road and get a lot of compliments on it! Exceptional family car!

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  Im in love! - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Wendy Lee - March 27 - 8:18 pm

  Loving my new Escape! Fun to drive after having 4 Toyota sedans in a row. Love sitting up high. As a single mom, with one young teenager, this small SUV is all we need! Love the quick speed, easy handling, etc.

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  The Pony - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By James McGale - March 26 - 11:31 pm

  Took me forever, but this Mustang finally grew on me and I picked mine up in February. Unfortunately, I live in Niagara and the snow had ruined my chances of bringing it out in early February, but now that I have been able to drive it throughout March... Wow! Am I impressed. Great looking car with amazing acceleration and overall performance, constantly finding reasons to get out and drive it. Love the interior design and feel of the seats, nice touch of the 50 years pony logos on the seats. Wanted the convertible, but the prices were getting too high for me. I am not going to comment on the mpg statistics because I know what I am getting into with a pony V8. Overall, satisfied buyer.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By toomanyfords - March 26 - 7:49 am

  Bought 99 in 2001 new with 5000 miles. Owned it for 10 1/2 years and put about 100k miles on it. Never had one single problem with it ever. Good on gas and fun to drive. The only maintenance I ever did were oil changes.

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  Great car - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By mrnatertater - March 24 - 9:42 pm

  I love this car. I got rid of my 2012 focus. Couldnt stand the transmissions in those cars. My fusion however shifts smooth, rides great and looks amazing inside and out! I have the ruby red with the se appearance package. I got this car to use to mostly drive back and forth to work. Im getting on average 28-30 mpg combined. I highly recommend the fusion. I also have a 2013 explore which is great too. Ford has really stepped up their game in the past 10 years! You will be very happy with the fusion!

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  Love my new car! - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Connie Griffin Cochran - March 24 - 6:06 pm

  I just traded in a 2010 Ford Expedition EL for a Explorer Sport. I loved my Expedition, but dont really need all the room. I am short and it was starting to really bother my knees and ankles getting in and out of it. So we traded it in and boy am I glad! I am loving the Explorer Sport. It drives like a dream. Very smooth and handles well. The ecoboost is fantastic. Very good gas mileage so far and the interior is very nice. I was worried I wouldnt like a smaller car but it feels big inside and I am very pleased with our purchase.