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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  Does it all with STYLE and SPEED - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Island Hopper - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent do-it-all vehicle. It is faster than literally 99% of the cars on the road which is really pretty fun. It is also very cool looking,especially the 20" chrome wheels and all black interior, and it is LOADED. I have every available option, of which there are only 5, heated seats, sunroof, CD changer, bed extender and sliding rear window. It comes with everything else already, Auto Climate, autor dim mirror etc etc. It is a great way to transport 4 full grown adults in absolute comfort and sporty style, and still go fast, and be able to use it for Home Depot runs or hauling toys as well.

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  My First Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Sara - February 15 - 4:13 am

  I just got my car yesterday & I love it! Its very comfortable to drive & I got all the features I wanted at an affordable price. I love my moonroof, heated seats & mirrors along with my ABS & side impact airbags. It really is a fun car to drive. I wish I had more places to go so I could be in it all the time! :)

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  awesome - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Cindy - February 14 - 5:50 pm

  Ive always wanted a retro style Mustang and now that Ive got it, I couldnt be happier. Excellent handling and enough power in the V6 that you dont need to drop the extra for the V8. Seat belts are tight, but that adds to the sports car/power feel. I have people stop me almost every day to compliment my car. Wouldnt have gotten it without the Pony package. Just adds exactly what is needed to make this one incredible machine!

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  Ilove my 2007 Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Larry Williams - February 14 - 4:33 pm

  I think Ford has done a good job on this car. It is fun to drive, handles very well, Comfort level is good. A very good road car. I havent had any problems with my brakes, but I dont tailgate either.

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  Horrible transmission issues - little support - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Unsatisfied - February 11 - 3:19 pm

  Let me preface this review by saying we have purchased a lot of Ford vehicles in the past 15 years. This, without a doubt, will be our last. The 2014 Ford Focus dual clutch transmission is nothing short of abysmal. We have replaced the clutch 3 times already and the cars is not even 2 years old. This is not due to harsh driving, weather conditions or lack of regular maintenance. We take great care in maintaining all of our vehicles. The clutches last approximately 5000 miles before the horrible vibrating/shuddering starts again. When changing gears at low speed, the car violently jerks and is difficult to control. We have reached out to Ford Customer Care many times and the only solution they offer is to cover all clutch replacements up to 50,000 miles. How about recalling these defective transmissions and stop putting peoples lives at risk? I plan on selling this car long before the 50,000 mile warranty is up and buying a Toyota or Honda instead. Very disappointing Ford, very disappointing indeed.

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  Not bad...but not completely happy - 2009 Ford Escape
  By 1leftygolfer - February 11 - 11:46 am

  Like most consumers, I shopped around at competing models. The Escape - I like the looks, gas mileage (averaging 26 hwy and 22 city), and especially the ergo layout of the drivers position. At 64" I need to make sure the vehicle fits me, and other brands (Toyota, Honda) just didnt fit me correctly.

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  Silver Bullet - 2001 Ford F-150
  By DrChiefADS - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Incredible performance. Would like to see leather interior, and higher quality on the body assembly. The dash looks alot better with ballistic nylon package, and an Alpine stereo helps alot.

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  Great family truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jholzer - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This truck is great for a family. The cab is roomy and stylish. Having the regular explorer body with the pick up truck back is such a convenience. I love to drive my truck and would buy another in a second. Reliable, stylish and comfy.

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  My Stang Experience - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Jacquelyn1981 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. I mean, its my 4th mustang. Teehee. The sound system definitly improved. The comfort level, I am not so excited on. The back seats are so small either make it bigger or just get rid of them all together. The car gets almost 300 to a tank, if you let it run super low. Driving it though is fun. It handles well. Over all I like the car. The a/c doesnt blow that well either. I would recommend it to someone if they wanted a sporty car that handles well, and inexpensive too.

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  Awsomness - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Jersey - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Mustangs are the best cars ever made