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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  I love this SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Leon Coudriet - August 8 - 8:16 am

  Donnt buy an 08. The 09 has a bigger engine, 4 wheel anti lock brakes, a 6 speed automatic trans. The steering is smooth, easy, and I can turn shorter than my 2000 Focus. The ride is quiet, smooth,and the bucket seats are very comfortable. I bought the white suede with camel interior. The car has everything on it except Navigation, heated seats, and outside mirror. I just had reverse sensors added yesterday. Oh yes I have the leather seating too. Sirius radio is great and not that expensive when the free radio expires.

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  Late-Life Crisis... - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By quietguy - August 8 - 1:13 am

  My 5th Mustang since 85, two of which were GTs and two were Cobras; now this one. Mine is the automatic, tan interior with Legend Lime body color. I remember April of 1964 and the unveiling of the new "pony car". $2,400 and it was yours. 41 years and an additional $28K brings me the freshened 05 iteration. Time and prices have changed but this new version of a well loved nameplate gives us "boomers" an opportunity to recapture a bit of our "free love and go fast" attitudes long lost in the fury of modern living. The Ford finally did it right; went back to basics and restored the visuals and added some topnotch engineering. The car is fun to drive and look at!

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  New Owner Review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By mcoene - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Being 65" with a long torso, it was tough for me to find an economical vehicle both in terms of cost and fuel economy. I have a long commute and so far am delighted with my new ZX3.

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  Sweet Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By BigJed - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This truck is sweet. I have owned it 3 months and average over 16 MPG. I have even had one tank near 18 mpg. The 5.4 has plenty of power and pulls a boat great. I love the FX4 package, and it does great off road. This is a good all around truck.

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  Good truck....but - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Hifirush - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Expedition is a nice vehicle, overall. The independant rear suspension allows it to ride like a large car and is excellent off road. It is smooth and reasonably quiet. The 4X4 system, when working right, is also very good. I have had mine in the shop for 4X4 problems over 6 times and it is still not fixed. The interior is well thought out and is pleasing to eyes. The towing ability is great and my confidence is high with the large brakes, the brakes are excellent! When it is behaving, I love this truck.

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  Still Loving It, Except For... - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MBC - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Since Day 1, I have loved everything about my Explorer-itÂ’s roominess, style, sound, handling, and more. 3rd row seat is great, although it may pinch your hand when lowering it from behind. Only 2 complaints; First, I keep finding plastic covers around my car that have come off where the seats are bolted to the floor; must be pretty useless since they have experienced only gentle use. Secondly, the front seat belts have gradually worn away some of the plastic framing at the seat belt adjustment location.

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  2007 Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By greg from michigan - August 6 - 12:20 am

  I love this car! I get looks and comments everywhere from total strangers and they all love the design and performance. Vista blue is an awesome color with the white stripe. Fit and finish is great. I test drove a Solstice, Pontiac G6, and a Mitsubishi Spyder convertible. This car blows them all away and is cheaper to boot. It also has a trunk thats pretty darn large and a back seat that is adequate. I am getting between 21 and 25 mpg and have plenty of power.

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  I love my Escape Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bill - August 5 - 7:50 am

  When gas prices began to climb I started looking for better fuel economy. A friend suggested looking at hybrids. The local Ford dealer had one in stock. I test drove it and fell in love. The gas mileage I get is in line with the EPA estimate. The interior is well designed and very comfortable. I just wish it had the navigation system. I havent had one problem with it. When/if this one wears out Ill get another.

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  Ford Motor Company - F=Fix O=Or R=Repair D=Daily! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By TW - Unsatisfied Customer! - August 4 - 5:51 pm

  I purchased a 2012 Ford Focus SEL in August 2012. Brand new car with no mileage. After a few weeks of having the car, it happened, your worst nightmare....MAJOR manufactured Ford Motor Company parts just failed and caused me a world of spending time-off from work, commuting back and forth, and just a very stressful time dealing with car issue after car issue daily and weekly, and on a "NEW" car!! Every year from 2012-2016 I have had "MAJOR" mechanical, technological, and Ford Motor Company manufactured parts issues! How is this fair to your customers? How can Ford Motor Company "NOT" help to resolve these issues rightfully with the customer? What ever happened to "Ethics" and "Morals", doing the RIGHT thing by your customer? The Executive Chair states in their Website, “I believe the purpose of a company is to make people’s lives better,” he says. “That is how we became great in the past and it is how we will become even greater in the future.” This is a false statement. Many consumer lives have been turned upside down, inside out, and damaged due to Ford Motor Company!! This is not acceptable customer service! Ford Motor Company has not created any "EHTICAL & RIGHT" strategy or plan to "HELP" their customers with car issues due to Ford Motor Company "FAULT". They are making us pay for Ford Motor Company mistakes! What ever happened to Customer Care??

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  GT Convertible Impression - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By steve - August 4 - 4:23 pm

  Ive had my GT vert for a month and have put 2,000 miles on it. Love the appearance and all the compliments from strangers who just walk up and want to talk about the car. Wished the 2005 had some of the features that were in the prototypes but not included, like 18" wheels and the decorative intake cover. There were minor convenience things that were not included in 2005, like interior trunk release that I was disappointed in. The car is fast, but like many Mustang owners I want it to go faster. Computer thinks too much and the throttle by wire causes a delay when accelerator is floored for passing and merging. Would highly recommend but there are few tweaks that need to be done.