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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  Mustang GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jerry - August 22 - 2:10 pm

  This is one fast, fun car to drive. The engine is powerful, the 5 speed transmission shifts with ease. The Mustang GT looks great, I get comments about it everywhere I go. Shaker sound system will blow you away.

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  2000 ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Ray Orlowski - August 22 - 2:03 pm

  I had to tow my son exployer with this truck.

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  Excellent - 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Anonymous - August 21 - 8:47 pm

  Very pleased with this car. Was hesitant to by a hybrid being worried about the AWD Capability, but it has exceeded my expectations. I always feel safe and confident going through tough weather.

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  Sweet Truck - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Tony Poole - August 20 - 4:34 pm

  Truck is pricey, but loaded with technology, drives, handles great. V-6 Ecoboost, VERY powerful.

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  Skip the Automatic and buy the Manual! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By kevinmillerphx - August 20 - 2:14 pm

  I bought the SE with the Manual Transmission and the Sport package - and Im sure glad I did! I have SYNC with none of the MyTouch issues. I have a great transmission with none of the Automatic issues. This car is fantastic! I traded in a 2002 Subaru WRX, so I like power and handling. The 2012 Ford Focus hasnt let me down - it seems much more nimble than my WRX was. The power isnt as great, but Im sure a few mods will help that department. I considered a Titanium, but decided it wasnt worth it for all the extra hassle. I can install a better sound system than the Sony and really didnt want any of the other challenges. Im glad I went with the SE!

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  05 Darkhorse - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 05Darkhorse - August 19 - 11:46 am

  The 05 Mustang is everything promised. Handles great, acceleration is terrific, very comfortable interior. Two good size guys fit in the front seats with space between us ! Rear seat is tight, great for kids. Sound system is very good (Shaker 500 ). CD player a little shaky. Warnings about Mustang being sloppy on wet roads and snow were exaggerated. Traction control a big help. This car turns a lot of heads as it passes. Combination of looks (mine is black w/ upgraded red interior & dash) and sound as you hit the gas. First car in 20 years that Ill keep.

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  Breaks - 2005 Ford Escape
  By denjmel - August 19 - 10:00 am

  The rims of the front tires keep having break dust on them. Cannot keep clean. The service manager said all FORD trucks have that problem. I can not accept that as I have had many vehicles before and most recently have had 3 diffrent types of vehicles (Nissan, Chevy truck & Saturn)and have never had this problem before!

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  an american bentley - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By powman - August 19 - 10:00 am

  this car is one tough ,rugged ,fast ,good looking ,extremely comfortable riding piece of american engineering marvel wouldnt trade it for any thing else, in fact when I get really old some day Ill propably still own this old FORD

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  Still running & I do not plan to sell - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By wallace4482 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 01, works great, got want i wanted. No major issues. It is half pick-up and half SUV. Still looks good and runs well. The only weak point is the brakes, replaced at 50,000 miles but still does not seem perfect.

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  2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Donna R. Mcintire - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I had been looking for a couple of years before I saw the sport trac model. It is just what I was looking for. Passenger room, 4-dr, moon roof, back window control and body to transport.