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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  Ford Needs to Promote this Car! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Doug - April 16 - 12:50 pm

  I have never owned a Ford product before but was drawn to the safety features and interior room, Very roomy for kids and gear. I think this car has a lot of Volvo in it but at a Ford price. Car feels very luxurious and solid on the road, too. I dont understand why Ford is not promoting this car more-its a bargain given the features it has.

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  Love the truck - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Jack Krimmel - April 14 - 4:10 pm

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  Money Pit - 2004 Ford F-150
  By WestCoastJeff - April 14 - 12:19 pm

  Has the worst engine Ford has ever manufactured. You will only get past 150k miles if you are extremely lucky. Mine has 130k miles, new engine just done, rear end is going out, rear power slider leaks and needs replaced, and transmission shifts erratically some times. Took it into Ford dealership when I was having trouble with the engine and they said thats just how fords run and drive. Well 2 weeks later threw a rocker arm and destroyed cam and bent valve. Please do your research and never buy a Ford with a 5.4l engine it not worth the risk unless you get one that has a re-engineered reman engine in it that addresses all the flaws.

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  I love my Freestyle. - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Moore - April 13 - 10:23 pm

  I feel safe in the vehicle. The ride is firm but very comfortable. I moved from an Explorer and an Expedition but I dont feel cramped in this vehicle. I travel from San Francisco area to Phoenix every two months so I am in my car for long periods of time. I am getting approximately 90% of the advertised mileage. I dont travel at the speed which would allow me to get what is published on the sticker. Manufacturers tend to advertise mileage attained at speeds much lower than what is actually experienced therefore a buyer of any vehicle should realize they will get slightly less. Overall my wife and I are very pleased with our purchase and believe we received what we expected.

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  Best family car - 2016 Ford Flex
  By M F - April 13 - 1:12 pm

  This is my second Flex, I traded in my 2009 for a 2016. It is the best family mover. My husbands Ford Explorer doesnt have nearly the space or flexibility as my Flex. I can haul 6 kids and all their stuff. The cargo area is deep so you have a lot more space than some other cars. It has great leg and head room, even in the third row. The third row sits up, like stadium seating, so it is less claustrophobic. My SEL has a 120V plug and well as many charger locations which is definitely needed. The sync system works very well. I looked at Toyota, Nissan, Honda, GMC, Buick, Hyundai but the Flex was definitely the best.

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  super crew - 2004 Ford F-150
  By SOONERJOE - April 13 - 10:00 am

  by far the best truck i have ever owned in over 30 years of trucking, responsive, quite and comfortable

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  bryan heckhers view on the F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By bhecksher - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy with the new F-150, it is the BEST truck I have ever driven. I have been driving trucks since I was 16 years old, I am now 40. Drive one for yourself! I really have to say Thank you Ford Motor Company! You produced and truck that is functional, durable and fun to drive! Built Ford Tough and still with a soft ride!

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  mustang sally - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By arobrod - April 13 - 10:00 am

  nice and easy, i work for the dealership

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  GOOD BUT COULD BE BETTER - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By CORY G - April 13 - 10:00 am

  VERY GOOD LOOKING EXTERIOR. INTERIOR COULD USE A NEWER AND MORE ADVANCED DESIGN.I LIVE IN OHIO SO WINTERS HERE ARENT THE GREATEST AND SURPRISINGLY THE FEW TIMES I DID HAVE TO TAKE IT IN THE SNOW, THE CAR DID VERY WELL.BETTER THAN MY TRUCK IN FACT.THE 4.6L MOTOR RUNS THROUGH ALL THE GEARS GREAT EXCEPT 4TH GEAR IS A LITTLE SLUGGISH. BUT AM HAPPY WITH THE LOOK AND PERFORMANCE OF MY NEW MUSTANG.

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  Bopping Baby - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By firecracker - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The tires shine the dealership used stained my white car so parts of it had to be repainted. The clock/cd unit had to be replaced because the clock lost min. 10 minutes per wk. But my "Tang" is a beauty and lots of fun to drive. Get 21 mpg on local drives and 26mpg on trips. It is my Bopping Baby. Love it.