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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  Bad little car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jered - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Had a few problems with mine but hey, its a performance car not a basic daily driver!Love it and bought a second Focus beacuse of it... GET ONE NOW!!!

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  SVT - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By cool kid - December 6 - 10:00 am

  NIce Car, its a mustang people, buy it. Old School. Enjoy Life

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  So far, so good - 2007 Ford Focus
  By hootynkel - December 5 - 10:03 pm

  The car so far is what I expected and a little more. 4 tanks of gas and average right around 30 mpg with mixed highway and constant stop n go driving. This car is very easy and enjoyable (very fun at times) to drive in all situations so far.

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  Reliable and fun to drive - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Anne - December 5 - 9:21 pm

  I bought a new/preowned 2014 Ford Focus Sedan, basic model (not an SE or Titanium), 5-speed, manual transmission. It had 16,000 miles on it at purchase. After driving it daily for 2 years, it now has 33,000 miles on it. I have only taken it in for new tires at 30,000 miles. I have had no trouble with this car at all and it is a pleasure to drive! (Mind you I change the oil and rotate tires whenever the timer on the car tells me to) In 2016 it still looks new and runs like new. I highly recommend it to drivers who enjoy controlling the car with a stick shift, good power, a sleek look and the decent gas mileage that comes with a compact car.

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  Whiny engine - 2007 Ford Edge
  By michael - December 5 - 8:43 pm

  I had high hopes for my new 2007 Ford Edge. I really like it and it is fun to drive and I think it is very pretty. My dissipointment though is the irritating whine coming from the engine area when giving it the gas off and on. Took it to two different dealers and they compaired it to other Ford Edges and stated they all made that whine. That should not be like that

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  2006 Mustang GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By JJP - December 5 - 5:50 pm

  It is the under $30,000 bargain of the decade. Great performance, stunning looks, very comfortable on long trips and 26 mpg on the highway.

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  Excellent for the price - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By heatstroke - December 5 - 2:20 pm

  Ive been driving the Ford Fusion Sport for a week now and I can say that Im very very with my decision. I was leasing a 2007 Mazda MX5 (Miata) for two years and needed something to replace it that was more practical but had go fun factor. For the price, this car is hard to beat. I test drove the CC as its nearest competitor and for the money, you just get A LOT more car with the Fusion. Its quick and relatively quiet. It also has a nice luxury feel. Ford did a great job and I look forward to holding onto the care for about 6-7 years.

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  Overall performance of this car. - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ZamAir - December 5 - 2:10 pm

  I just purchased my new 06 convertible Mustang. All black! This car is amazing. Drives like sports car and the same time feels like you are driving an old Cadillac. I was considering getting the V6, but after driving the V8 with manual transmission, I was convinced that the V8 was my answer for my new toy! (hands down). If youre thinking about getting this car as an extra car for fun driving then I would recommend the manual V8. If you enjoy music and have an extra few dollars then get the Shaker1000.

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  Great Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Happy Ford Driver - December 5 - 2:06 pm

  We purchased our Focus after months of shopping. We finally decide to go and test drive the Focus. To our surprise we loved it. It is a very comfortable car, has a great drive, and is even a little bit sporty. I love the dash board and the lights, the ride is very smooth. The gas mileage is great we have been getting 33-34 mpg. This is around town, but we are driving conservatively. Great car for the money, glad we made this purchase, I highly recommend this car.

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  Police interceptor - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By JX426 - December 5 - 5:53 am

  Fun car, people think im a cop. Very fast, fun to drift, burn out with. Very roomy. Large trunk. Has more hp and torque than my dads 5.4