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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  kicks @ss!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By nick b - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I pulled off the lot w/ one of the 1st 05s in southern california and am happier than expected. This car blows away my previous 2 mustangs w/ comfort and performance.. I highly recommend!!

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  Best car ever owned! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By oatmeal - July 2 - 10:00 am

  The car even at idle sounds great, but punching this thing is a pure adrenaline rush. It pushes hard, but is very confident. The looks are striking, especially with the red leather interior, and I always get thumbs up from people I pass up. Even in the parking lot tons of people come to look at the car. This car is really impressive. I have the manual, and it is very forgiving. Even at 400rpm the engine still turns, and you dont have to switch gears near as much as a small engined car. Seats are VERY comfortable, the mycolor feature is cool, and the shaker 500 system sounds great. MPG isnt that great, but you cant expect much for a car with this much grunt. Wont trade for nothing.

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  Sweet, Sweet Pony - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Liam L. - July 2 - 7:33 am

  This car is great. I am averaging 24-25 miles combined highway and city. It is stick shift so that helps. I have dreamt of this car since I was 10 years old and am highly satisfied. I got it for 26.5 as my Shamaley Dealership. Glad I purchased it.

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  A great design! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rob L - July 1 - 11:46 am

  I did a ton of research before I decided on this pickup, and let me say that it has been a great experience to own one. Build quality, handling, power and comfort have all lived up to expectations so far. I also like the feeling of safety I get from the front-end crash test that I saw on television last year. As an Emergency Responder, I can say that it was really impressive in that there was minimal passenger compartment compromise. As a family man, I really appreciate the safety features considered in this vehicle. I really wanted a 6.5 foot bed, but if you can live with a 5.5, this is one well-built product.

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  need physical therepy - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By j cat - July 1 - 9:18 am

  this is not a vehicle to use to drive more than 1 hour. the seats caused my legs to get numb.. drove this 2400 miles and I was sore for 2 days after I returned it. the good is MPG 32, brakes also. the bad directional control too high/road vibs in the steering wheel / stability on uneven hywy vehicle rocks side to side/ steering is too tight ,just a small movement causes the vehicle to move too much/engine is loud on loading up grades/transmission stays in high gear too long on slowing down/engine has not compression,low torque. the real bad , delay in acceleration when stopped .. when the power pedal is depressed at idle the engine is not engaging for about 1.5 sec.. not good when trying to get back on the road .

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  great car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Carol C - June 30 - 10:20 pm

  I have owned the car only 3 weeks but love it. It is comfortable, quick, and very quiet, especially in the lower gears (I have the 5-speed) but is seems to rev a little high when it gets over 60 mph which is my only complaint about this car. I owned a 2005 Escape XLT 4WD that I traded for this (which rode like a skateboard that got 18 mpg) and the mileage on the first 2 tankfuls of gas has been about 27 mpg which is much better than what I was used to. I am keeping this car forever.

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  Dissatisfied - 2002 Ford Focus
  By unhappy - June 30 - 5:43 pm

  Transmission started slipping at 20,000 miles. Tires worn out by 30K. Transmission now leaking fluid. Low gas mileage.

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  C-Max 2014 performing well ...but didnt start the other morning - 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By richard_brown - June 30 - 4:11 pm

  Ive had the C-Max for 3 month, and its *great*. Im above 52 MPG in my little commutes around our generally flat Southwest town -- have not taken it on freeway or long trips. Its very comfortable for the driver and passenger (not sure about that back seat), is zippy when it needs to be, and its nice being elevated like a mini-SUV. I dont use the Sync system except for my MP3 player which sounds good. Im spooked by the refuse-to-start reviews...and the other day the battery was dead! I just returned from a month-long trip, so Im hoping thats the cause...and Ford is working on the issue judging by the forum posts at fordcmaxhybridforum.com...but still!!!

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  Unbelievable Reliability - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Big John - June 30 - 2:26 am

  I cant say enough about this truck. I bought new in 7/04 and now have 58,000m, and as of 4/09, I had a blinker lightbulb go out. THATs IT FOR REPAIRS!!!! I changed tires and redid the brakes as was necessary due to wear and tear, but otherwise...not a single problem (other than a lightbulb) in almost 60,000 miles. Not even a squeek problem. If you can find this as a used truck, I would GO FOR IT. I long hauled my boat and at other times my trailer, and had NO PROBLEMS towing them over mountains etc. More than enough power on my 4.6L Triton V-8. Who needs the bigger V-8? Not me!!! One of the few truely quality items I have ever had the joy to own in my entire lifetime. (Im 56).

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  Great Ugly Car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Suto - June 29 - 2:00 pm

  A surprising car. The 2.0 is significantly faster than my beloved 2003 Protege ES. The ride is nice and soft, yet the car handles really well. There is a lot of body roll during spirited driving, but this isnt a performance model. Big truck easily fits a lawn mower. Soft seats, decent dead pedal placement, high seating position. If you dont care about looks, this is the best American car. Better than Neon and Cobalt Now the bad: This is an ugly little car. It looks like something poor people would drive in the former Soviet Union. Also, the interior is cheap and ugly, and after a while the plastic starts to smell. The engine sounds really weak, and the transmission shifts oddly at times