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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  An all around good car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Shmoo - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I think that this car is very nice. It looks nice and does drive very nice. They sound system included is premium for the cars price, especially for a Ford. The only problem I have had is that it sometimes stalls(in an automatic!!) I have taken it to the dealership multiple times, but they find no problem. Overall, besides the recalls, it is fun to drive and an all around good car.

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  cheap mans acura integra - 1999 Ford Escort
  By zx2 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Over 63K with oil changes and no major repairs. I think I am still on the original brakes. Engine noise is high. Car rides smooth and not harsh over bumps. Agressively geared really flies. Hardly have to press on the gas pedal. Trunk is reasonable size. Very reliable in the three years I have had it, just starts and runs. I think this car thinks its a honda or a toyota, often gets mistaken for one. Only will sell because I need more room.

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  finally a Ford worth looking at - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By moonpie - February 25 - 3:23 am

  I bought my Fusion 3 weeks ago and love it. It was by accident that I even test drove the car. Bought it that day. I feel like I am in a BMW.

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  I Love My Focus! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Gann284 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I bought it used. Ive had it a little over a year now. I previously owned a 88 Mustang LX, so as you can imagine, Ive been in heaven! It handles great, its roomy and the factory stereo is better than some store boughts ive heard. Just hit 33,000 and still going strong. I was just told the brakes may need changing already- a bit early with the mileage. It has great gas mileage, especially for a college student like myself who commutes everyday. I also like the sporty look with the alloy wheels.

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  My First Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By american_ford - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car ans so far it is cool and fun to drive.

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  2008 Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Bill - February 24 - 2:20 am

  First off im a Chevy guy and my son bought this car and then I bought it from him. My son had the car for 3 years with no trouble at all and he wanted a new mustang so I bought this from him and I love the car. It gets great gas mileage and handles very well in all climates. the acceleration is right up there with my 90 corvette and I must say I am very impressed with the car. Ford has done these engines right and now im thinking of looking into some ford vehicles( just looking cause im a chevy guy). overall the Taurus has performed better than I ever imagined and I wish I had bought it earlier but it was a good car for my son and served him well. Its a 2008 with 81k miles and I feel it will be in the family for a long time. If you are looking for a great family car or just want a reliable ride then this is it, you wont be disappointed.

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  Best sedan or best car - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Mark G - February 24 - 1:48 am

  Best car I have ever owned or used so far. Great drive, fill. Easy to use features. Great on gas differently recommend and I would buy again in the future.

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  New 10-Speed (Schwinn :) Transmission - 2017 Ford F-150
  By QA Man - February 21 - 5:32 pm

  After the first 600 miles of ownership I am very impressed with my new F-150 XLT Supercrew 4x4. It has the new 3.5L Ecoboost engine and 10 speed automatic transmission (the tool only lets me enter the review under 6 speed) with 3.55 gears. After 7 years of trouble-free ownership, I traded in my 2009 F-150 4x4 with the 6-speed trans, 4.6L 3V (V8) engine, and 3.55 gears for this truck. The powertrain is what makes the 2017 truly shine. Power feels endless and the truck is deceptively fast. The 10 speed shifts far smoother than my old 6 speed. It always seems to be in the perfect gear, and shifts are quick. I have not experienced any gear hunting or hesitation while shifting. I have not yet towed with it, but did drive 100 miles with 600 lbs. in the bed (didnt even notice the load). Acceleration feels effortless, and the engine is so quiet it is easy to find myself speeding. The Sync 3 system is a huge upgrade over MyFord Touch, and it is really intuitive. Overall the truck is beautiful and has averaged 19mpg in mostly city driving (and plenty of idling during the cold winter starts). The cab is huge, backseat is comfortable for adults, and plenty of storage. I cant wait to take the first road trip! I do have two critiques. The front seats are a little firmer and less comfortable than the seats in my 2009. They are power with lumbar and are certainly comfortable, but the seats in the 2009 seemed to hit all the right spots and fit like a glove. The other critique is the ride can be a little jittery on rough roads when unloaded. It is still an acceptable ride quality, but I wish Ford would offer a soft ride option for those who dont need to tow 12,000 pounds (I will never tow more than 7,000). I am confident this truck will hold up just as well as my last F-150 with years of trouble free performance. Great job Ford!

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  Water Leaks - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Kate Robinette - February 21 - 2:00 am

  There was a defect in the design of the car so the callip pannel melted in the sun and pulled away from the windsheild. This allowed the rain to come straight into my car and I have had electrical problems since 2001. There is also mold in the heating sysstem that the dea;er gets rid of every time I bring thecar in, but every few times it rains it comes back and they wont fix it. Now my warranty is up, and I am stuck with it.

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  Sonic Blue Beauty! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Caseyla - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchase my first 2002 Ford Mustang and it rides like a beauty. Though the back seats are useless and the glove department is way too small I am completely satisfied with the power my car has. Every where I go people always starring and giving me compliments about how astonishing my car looks. I think Ford has done a excellent job