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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  11,000 miles and still happy - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By sherio - September 30 - 6:29 pm

  I am surprised by some of the negative reviews so I wanted to weigh in that I am at 11,000 miles and love my c-max. I did get a late model 2013 and had to wait for after recalls. Maybe they fixed the glitches before I got mine. LOVE IT!!!

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  Good Car - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Taylor - September 30 - 4:03 pm

  I love driving my SUV but it has been plagued with problems. All were fixed by the dealer under warranty. They gave us an extended warranty to compensate for all the problems. However, the transmission has been slipping for over a year and the dealership cannot duplicate the problem to fix it. I agree with the other posts. If Ford has had so many complaints about the transmission, they should recall it to encourage customer satisfcation and future sales.

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  Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By liv - September 30 - 7:36 am

  I bought my Focus the year it came out in 2000. I had about one good year until many recalls came out. I was stranded out of state when the fuel pump broke, and it wasnt until year later that I recieved a notice for recall for the fuel pump. I had the replace the head gasket and the water pump. Many valves leak and it has steadily lost fuel efficiency. I would not reccommed buying the Focus.

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  Loving the Lariat - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Matt Reymundo - September 30 - 12:00 am

  After looking and researching for a new full size pick up, we came decided on the 2015 ford lariat supercrew. This truck is a beast, and drives like a car. The ecoboost is surreal and when in sport mode it allows you to feel like your driving a muscle car. The Lariat does not disappoint...!

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  Just the right size truck - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Sam - September 28 - 9:13 pm

  I will always need some type of truck for hauling and have liked the Sport Trac since the first ones came out. The addition of the V8 and IRS on the latest model was the clincher. Truck has a very comfortable interior. Outstanding ride and handling. I love the excellent overall quality, it is very quiet with no rattles or squeaks. For someone that does not a 6 or 8 bed length, this truck fits the bill. Tows a 5000 boat very nice and with the traction control, goes up the slipperest ramp with ease. With the sales incentives and rebates, the price simply cant be beat for a fun full featured, loaded 4 door truck.

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  Awesome - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By D.Wit - September 28 - 7:56 pm

  For an SUV, its a great little truck. The hybrid/gas electric gets 35mpg, has room for 5 plus your stuff. Handles great in the mountains. Has 16 in. wheels stock, so you sit high to see well. Its just fun to drive! It doesnt look like a hybrid...looks sporty. Its my wifes truck, but Im 6.2 and 260lb and comfortable driving it.

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  my ford - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Martin Smith - September 28 - 1:46 pm

  fun to drive,fast,tows trailer with ease,great for snow, drag racing at stop lights,looks cool

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  Typical Ford - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By CarGuy87 - September 28 - 7:33 am

  This Escape is a Fleet vehicle that gets a lot of use - 25k miles per year. I was initially very happy when the company bought the Escape. The first winter the wrench light kept coming on disabling traction control. The power steering periodically shuts off, which the manual calls "normal". Recently this triangle light has been coming on almost daily which indicates a serious problem with the Hybrid system. The shift had to be replace after something broke inside releasing the car from park, resulting in a co-worker getting run over by the car. The gas/elec transition is rough, and the gas engine is loud. I understand its feet and itll have problems - but this is ridiculous.

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  built ford junk - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By bj - September 28 - 3:51 am

  unless you want to die in a car do not purchase this car.

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  So far so good - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Sgomez - September 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is very well equipped for the money. Lots of space and nice features everywhere. Power is modest but still the car is fun to drive due to great dynamics. Fuel economy is improving with time. Now its at 23 mpg. So far the only problems experienced is a squicky noise in the rear that I hope the dealership will take care of in the 5K service. The front wheels are always dirty due to fast fading brake pads, but so far the braking power has been adequate and enough. There is storage space everywhere in the cabin. The car feels much larger than it is. Focus is a very good car that Ford consciously failed to make a great car. Only they know why.