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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  2005 Escape is well worth the $$$$ - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ladyescape - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is living up to my expectations. Although the cruise control went out on a trip, the vehicle has performed well. Unfortunately, the seats (covered in cloth) are easily soiled. Mine came soiled. So you might want to consider fabric protection treatment.

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  its not a mustang its a cobra - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BIG 71 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I had owned a 02 GT I love that car it demanded so much attention and it preformed great for a sports car under $30,000 but the cobra is the best sports car I ever have driven I will always own a cobra from here on out the speed and handling is like no other and its a cobra.

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  Love the 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By WFoley - November 12 - 1:26 pm

  As a previous Passat owner, I love the look of the Euro cars. However, as a family man I needed more room. The 500 delivers! I have been very pleasantly surprised, it is a great looking car, very comfy, very roomy, easy and intuitive controls. Highly recommend.

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  Very happy - 2013 Ford Escape
  By david1888 - November 12 - 7:12 am

  Just bought my new 2013 Ford Escape SE model. I really like the new design and ofcourse the great mpg. So far no problems at all! Dont get some of the negativer reviews, but I guess everyones differant.

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  Great Car - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By dolinda314 - November 11 - 6:53 pm

  I have had this car for almost two weeks. We researched C-max on line before buying. It has exceeded expectations in every way! What a fun car to drive! I recommend it highly. We are exceeding 40 mpg now and expect to go much higher as it is "broken in".

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  Focus ZX3 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By scionandfocus - November 11 - 3:43 pm

  Took delivery of the second-least expensive version of the Focus available less than a month ago, a ZX3 S manual with air conditioning. With incentives, it had a no-haggle price of $11,062 (plus taxes, tags, and dealer charges). Toss in the cars roomy interior and great ride and handling, and the car seems like a winner. However, since we took delivery of the car, a problem with the manual transmission has appeared no fewer than five times, requiring three trips to the dealer that have yet to solve the problem. Hopefully this and any other problems with the car arent widespread. Shoppers: its worth counting on that to get what is probably the best small-car buy out there.

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  Transmission failure at 67k miles! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By KHill - November 11 - 3:30 pm

  I have always bought Fords, but this Explorer has really turned me off to them. At 67k miles the check engine light came on and within a day, the engine would not shift into 3rd gear. My mechanic has had a lot of 2002/2003 Explorers brought in for the same problem. (I guess Ford decided to try an enclosed transmission for these 2 years and found out it wasnt a good idea). Unfortunately they are not doing a recall because according to them it is not a safety issue. I think driving on the freeway without being able to accelerate over 20 miles an hour would definitely be a risk. So moral of the story is if you want to risk it and buy one, make sure its got a new transmission. Sorry Ford!

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  Love My Sport Trac - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By STLOVER - November 10 - 11:20 pm

  Bought a Ranger two years before the ST and couldnt use it for anything. The Sport Trac is great for hauling around my boat and snowmobile trailers. The four doors and easy in and out of the cab is excellent. The bed is very useful and more useful with a factory bed extender. The ST is great in the snow without the factory Goodyear tires.

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  Love It - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By boxerboi71 - November 10 - 5:13 am

  I love my 2004 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer. It rides great and has great heat, a/c, and radio. The seats are comfortable and the ride it smooth. Handling is good too. The only thing I would rather have other than my 2004 Explorer is the 2006 Explorer.

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  2014 Ford Fusion SE hybrid - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By K - November 10 - 4:11 am

  I loved my fusion. I only put Okay for "getting in or out" because I am taller but I eventually got used to it. This was the best car Ive driven. Ive driven chevys and Ive gotta say, the seats in Chevys are awful and overall dont like them. Recently my brother and I were in an accident in my fusion the windshield had a gaping hole in front of the drivers seat and the roof had a pretty sizeable dent, the dash had tears from the glass and deer, and the quarter panel had damage along with the little triangle window was busted out. It was totaled due to the cost of repairs to the roof, dash, and quarter panel. The car being totaled was in no way anyones fault it was dark and the deer came out from behind a car. I am so glad we were in a fusion instead of something less reliable. Im hoping to get another Fusion as soon as possible.