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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  Before you buy a ford focus -Please consider this - 2014 Ford Focus
  By sonydigitalphotographer - April 20 - 11:43 am

  I bought my Ford Focus New in 2014 In a short period of time there was issues with shuttering in my transmission. I then had the trunk pop up 14 or 15 times a week while driving Its been almost a year since I bought it and it still has issues. The transmission acts the same and the trunk keeps popping open. Ive had it to the garage numerous times. Fords warranty in my opinion is worthless. It seems like the Ford Mechanics favorite phrase is "can not duplicate" this enables them to avoid a lemon law and not repair the vehicle Ford extended my warranty to 75,000 But I have to pay them $100.00 each time I take it in, even with the same issues that they could not fix I would never buy a Ford Ever Again I WILL TRADE IT OFF THE 1ST CHANCE I GET, EVEN IF I TAKE A LOSS ON IT. Consider this when buying a Ford !

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  Overall, "Great" with caveats - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By pdlcrzy - April 20 - 11:06 am

  Have owned an Alloy-colored V6 Mustang coupe for three months. Overall very pleased and recommend this vehicle to most potential buyers, given it is a two-door non-hatchback only for someone who regularly transports themselves and one other person. Quick, responsive, quiet, and reliable with dedicated professional dealer service. Driver position cramped, making ingress/egress difficult even for a slender person. Blower fan noisy at positions 3 and 4. Trunk access limited with narrow lid. Back seats only for small children and access difficult. BUT, its a great looking sporty car at reasonable price and very fun to drive.

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  Bad A** Toy - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Lakeside - April 19 - 10:00 am

  First Mustang, and worth the wait. Plenty of power under hood, and fun to drive.

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  Supercharged Fun - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By TheHylandr - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This car rocks!!! Fast is an understatement!!!

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  40th Anniversary Mustang rocks! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MustangM31 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a month and every day I see heads turn! I love it! I have the Crimson Red 40th anniversary package convertible GT with the Mach 1000 sound system. Awesome interior and exterior! Lumbar support in the seat is wonderful! Love the power. Hugs turns very well. Acceleration is awesome. Love the engine roar. Looks awesome. Originally the car does not come with a spoiler, so I had one put on. Looks great! If you dont have a Mach 1000 sound system and if your wallet can afford it, definitely get one! It is especially great to have when you have the top down!

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  Happy Ford Owner - 2004 Ford F-150
  By hdfatty - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice Truck. Handles, Stops, Starts, all good. I bought it because my last 2 F150 ran without major problem up to 100K. I pray Henry made this ones as good.

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  my review - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By spartanss8 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  vehicle reliability is good, ride is bumpy but the vehicle is a truck. easy to clean interior.

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  Too small - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Claudius - April 18 - 11:53 pm

  Like all SUVs and derivatives, built for small people. Center console (much too wide) seriously interferes with drivers legroom and knee. Maybe not a problem if you are 5"2, but it makes the car plain uncomfortable on longer drives for tall people. Seat comfort is mediocre, acceleration is poor (especially with 4 people in the car and/or any weight in the back). Needs more powerful engine and less clutter (get rid of the center console for a start).

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  Great Technology...horrible marketing. - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By geeemman - April 18 - 10:30 pm

  I looked at every Hybrid SUV and was convinced that the Ford Escape had the best technology for me. I wanted a Hybrid that the gasoline engine would turn off and it would run off batteries when possible. The Ford Escape was the ONLY SUV that would. I was surprised. What I hated was dealing with Ford! They make you take this very expensive and cheesy interior option package if you want an extra airbag. I think the option package added on an extra $3000! I was robbed ... especially when I found out that they downgraded the CD player from a 6 CD changer standard, to a single CD. Of course Id already paid before Id noticed. What a rip off!

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  Great LITTLE Car - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By Lenny Welch - April 18 - 7:21 pm

  Moving from an Isuzu Rodeo to the Ford Fiesta took some adjustment. Being 52" I expected no problems. But even after 2 years, I am still hitting my head on the door edge when getting into the car. Moving from a vehicle I stepped up into to a vehicle I sit down (lower than I am when standing) has been an adjustment. The cargo area is adequate, but have had some difficulty due to being shorter in overall length inside than the Rodeo. With the purchase of bumper to bumper warranty for 6 years has added a lot of peace of mind. It has GREAT value of gas consumption. I only drive about 3,000 mi. per year, and there have been several times I have forgotten about putting gas in the tank, for over a month, when I started with a full tank. Mileage is great. Pick up is great. For a small person, plenty of seat room, and room for my kayaking stuff. I tow a small/light weight trailer that holds 2 kayaks and after putting an extension to raise the connector ball on the hitch, it has been great for trips to the beach from my home about 1 hour away. For a LITTLE car, this vehicle has been quite functional and comfortable. Visibility is good for the driver and others on the road. Runs smooth, quiet, efficient. Upholstery is in great shape even after 2 years of beach trips and lots of sand inside. I have enjoyed having a little car, but look forward to moving up to a midsize SUV in the next 12 months,