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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  The best vehicle that I have owned! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Roger Wilson - April 4 - 11:16 pm

  I bought this truck in 2008 at 39k miles. It had a knocking in the front end when I turned corners. I was told it was tie rods and charged 1000 bucks to fix. No problems driving until the familiar clunk happened again last year that was worse with cold weather but eased up in warm. I got under the truck and noticed that the sway bar link rubber gasket had been totally eaten up by the mount. 15 bucks for a new one..then did the other side for fun since it was easy and cheap. I bet that was what it was when I payed 1000 bucks 7 years ago. I am now at 112k and replaced all the shocks, brake pads and the two front rotors though the front right was the only one that needed it. I put new tires on it and it now rides like it did when I bought it in 08. the rear differential seal had a gradual leak that I replaced myself as well this past weekend. It is the XLT with all leather seats and rubber floors. it is so easy to clean and no seat stains! The electric rear window is nice and I love the bed extender. The family can ride in it comfortably when I need them to as well. I thought about trading in for a 2010 but there is nothing wrong with the truck after all the maintenance work has been done. Im going to keep it for a while longer.

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  you gotta love it!!! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By jameszr1 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had NO problems what so ever with this vehicle. I got the 5.4 V-8 which does use some gas, but when you get on it it goes..seats are great..finished off nice...plastic grill should go in favor of aluminum.

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  Driving is Believing - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Baby Viper - April 4 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Focus SVT is by far, the best handling car I have ever owned. This car driving dynamics are unmatched in its class. Please! If you want a car with sports car handling, awesome brakes, excellent ergonomics, and powerful sound system for under $20k, then the Focus SVT is for you. I recommend you take one for an extended test drive. Driving this care will make you a believer; and it that isnt enough, you need to read all the reviews and comparisons. By the way, drive the competition to. You might want to be start in the $30k range...The SVT has no competition in its class. Hurry, dont wait to long neither, theses are built in limited numbers

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  Perfect Road Warrior - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Steven N - April 4 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought the car I was deciding between the Mach 1 or the 03 Cobra. I chose the Mach 1 mainly because of the lower cost and I liked the fact that it was non-supercharged. I love this car and am extremely glad I bought it. It can easily eat up any camaro and with a little work corvettes too. I havnt ran it on the track yet so I am not sure of what it runs number wise.

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  Can you say - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Betchacantride - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with nearly every option I wanted (pwr everything, sunroof, roof rack, nerf bars, keyless entry, 4WD, leather, etc). I purchased it 2 years old with about 56k on it - which is a lot for two years, but not much overall. Needless to say, due to mileage the warranty had expired, but I remember Fords as being fairly reliable - not the case with this 2000 Model. I have had the fuel system fail on my among other things. I should have bought a Chevy Tahoe.....

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  My first year in my Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Michael Bares - April 4 - 1:56 am

  After a shaky start in my Ford Escape Hybrid Im now pleased with my purchase. I knew that the gas prices would soar this year and wanted to be the first in Denver to have one so I found mine on eBay and flew to NJ to pick it up. I must say that Ford did respond quickly to some major trouble in the beginning -- my entire high voltage battery module had to be replaced after a couple of months and they did take care of it. Now I find the vehicle is running beautifully and fuel economy has improved to around 30mpg combined city/highway. The only misgiving I have now is having gotten a personalized plate (B-GREEN) Too many people want to talk to me in traffic and even some take pictures.

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  Slow but Spectacular - 2017 Ford Fusion Energi
  By George Donovan - April 3 - 6:26 am

  Sure, it lacks quickness and the trunk fits a few groceries as the known downsides but, everything else about this car is just fantastic and I am very satisfied with this car. I really enjoy the electric capability of this car. About 2/3 of my 1600 miles so far are electric. Sure, I wish it had more electric range but for the price of the vehicle it is fine....and I never have to worry about finding a charging station.

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  Nice looking car - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Hans - April 3 - 3:34 am

  At 92000 miles transmission went bad on my hybrid. I was lucky it was under warranty . They said the warranty on transmission would only be good for the remaining warranty off 100,000. The dealer told me that this new transmission was around 10,000 dollars from the factory. Would I bye a ford again ? No My son also has a Fusion hybrid also has problems with it at 33000 miles. Thats what you get from a Mexico built car.

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  2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Carl McClary - April 1 - 12:56 pm

  Unacceptable reliability from the start, beginning with malfunction of a/c vent linkage from floor to face, steering linkage rattle (replaced), leakage from map light, brake light switch, dealer spark plug malfunction, and poor transmission handle functioning. Have taken this vehicle in for repair far too often.

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  Get Your Kix in a new Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By mark - March 31 - 7:00 pm

  When the new GT came out, I just wanted it and ordered one. Never before had I even driven a Mustang. The day the dealer called to say my car had arrived, I expected the courtesy van to pick me up. Instead, the sales guy picked me up in my new car. When he pulled up, I fell totally in love with it. In Windveil Blue with the five spoke competition style wheels (the "boy wheels" my friends and I say), the car is fabulous looking. I am astounded by the attention it attracts. On a daily basis strangers in cars and on foot express how they love the car. If you want attention, dont get a Ferrari, Mercury or BMW. Get a new GT and rediscover the fun of driving.