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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  My First Car - 2005 Ford F-150
  By My First Car - December 16 - 6:33 am

  I am 16 and this is my first car/truck. Because I am 16 I had a lot of shopping to do and there is no doubt that I made the right decision. For a truck its size it has GREAT fuel economy. I get 17mpg in the city and almost 26 on the highway -- its amazing. I used to hate ford cars but there is no doubt that they have the BEST trucks.

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  Brute Force and Good Looks combined - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Terpman - December 14 - 3:30 am

  Bought the Shelby several weeks ago...very impressed...power to spare, great handling, inside is comfortable and snug...eats up the road

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  Kudos to Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By OBX1 - December 13 - 4:20 am

  Very satisfied with style and performance. We have a family of 5, and this fits our needs quite well. Used it on the beaches in NC, and am looking forward to a snowy winter.

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  Big Red - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Ford_Guy1996 - December 13 - 3:56 am

  My van is a very good van and especially good because of its size (which in fact, was the overall reason we were looking for a van) Its fuel economy, well, we werent expecting a prius, so it could have been worse. The exterior is very acceptable for a 01 and the interior is very well thought out, with lots of cup holders and other thoughtful touches, although perhaps too well thought out; I find gum and candy wrappers all over the place from our kids. I commute many miles daily to chi, so I am looking for a new car but Big Red has served me very well. Although I have had only one problem with the engine sometimes it does not operate when its hot, but Keep making econolines, Ford! Thank you

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  A Pound for Pound Bargain - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By LeeH1068 - December 12 - 11:44 pm

  My overall rating would have been higher had the V8 engine been available with a shutdown feature at highway speeds to increase overall mileage. The Corvette has it. I bought the car 9/7 and put 10K miles on it by 3/1. It came with the 265/35/20 tires and they really hold the road. Replacements will be in the close to $300 each range but they have a 500 wear rating and roll out smooth. The pre-settings on the driver power seat allows for easy exit and entrance. The interior is well done and high quality. The car is surprisingly quiet with top up or down. I bought the Mustang because I need as much trunk space as possible for my trips and unlike the hardtop convertibles, the Mustang top folds onto itself with no intrusion into an almost full size trunk. The top goes up and down quietly and fast. I downgraded the Navigation system because there is no way to alphabetize your Favorites or eliminate previous destinations individually. There is a myriad of options in the gauges and lighting features. The engine data that is displayed is far beyond the average driver. The car is a bargain in todays market. Options included automatic with paddle shifters, Nav system, tire pkg, upgraded interior, 120,000 mile warranty.

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  2006 Mustang GT Manual - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By FalconDude - December 12 - 4:10 pm

  So far I have only 325 miles on the odometer and the car is still under the break-in period. There are few major changes from the 05 model. But my car has two: the new tungsten grey paint and the 18" wheels. Both are a wonderful addition. Overall, the car feels solid and rattle-free over bumps. The new 18" wheels and slightly adjusted suspension do a reasonable job of dealing with roadway ruts and potholes. The new grey paint is metallic and highly reflective. The exhaust note is worth the entire price of admission. The 5 speed manual is a joy to shift and is the best manual Ive ever owned or used. Rear seat is fairly cramped, but I expected worse.

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  The last of the full sized cars - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Daves 99CVLX - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car over 2 years ago and have put 14000 miles on it since. I have not had a single problem with it in that time. Plows through the New England snow and handles cross country trips with ease. Takes on the heat of the south without blinking (although, it is a good idea to upgrade your alternator to the one in the police units, the stock one is pretty weak).

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  Very happy! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Jake Kirk - December 12 - 10:00 am

  This Explorer Sport is perfect. I drove a Geo Metro for 6 1/2 years before upgrading to a SUV. The price was right and fits my lifestyle to a tee. It has enough space for moving anything. Its just me and my wife, so the back seat isnt a concern. Our friends tell us its comfortable back there. The dealership had exactly what my wife and I wanted, including a bush guard already installed. Whomever leased this truck before us, a big thank you to you for keeping it is such great shape.

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  Fun Little Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Robert Moulton - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I like the bold styling of the Edge package, and the quick response of the 5-speed/3.0 6 cyl engine.. The Sonic Blue metallic paint job is a real head turner.. The 6-cd am/fm stereo system has a really clean sound....

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  The older she gets, the better she looks - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Workingguy - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I have around 117,000 on my 2000 LX. I have been getting lately about 31 around town and 38 on the highway for tanks averaging around 35. It doesnt use any oil and the front end is still solid as granite. I havent had any problems with the car except for replacing the fuel pump and the alternator. The AM radio gets a bit of noise from the ignition system, which Ford never could fix. I will eventually put a filter in the link to see if that works. Otherwise, the Focus seems to have been a good investment. Based on the experience I have had so far, I expect the Focus to last well over 200,000 miles.