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 real package - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By smellwhat - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I just got the "rig" i bought it to replace a 95 GMC yukon. The changes are great and the ride is excellent.

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  Buyer Beware - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Mrs. Den - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This cute, sporty car has been awesome...until now! Only four years old and both the transmission AND engine have gone belly up in less than 40,000 miles...NOT GOOD! More trouble and money than its worth ~ gave up and traded it in for a Toyota!!!

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  The best choice I never did make - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Rach - January 20 - 1:33 am

  I didnt make the decision to get a Focus -- my husband and the salesman did. I wanted the big SUV. Of course, it was a blessing that I decided on the Focus, especially with the price of gas these days. It is WONDERFUL on fuel! I get about 432 miles to the tank and I get 36 miles to the gallon. It has a 12 gallon tank. Great on the pocket book. Much better than 15 miles to the gallon! It is fun to drive, but because of the fuel economy, the 2.0L engine doesnt have the pep that my former V8 had. However, I much prefer to save the gas and money. Would definitely recommend it as a car for anybody who likes to drive, despite the rising fuel costs.

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  DO NOT BUY THE 2012 FORD FOCUS - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Lisa Cooke - January 19 - 4:50 am

  I bought a used 2012 Ford Focus SEL. While its a sharp looking car, the amount of time it has spent in the shop is ridiculous. The dual clutch is a joke. It went into the shop for shuddering, they replaced the TCM or reprogrammed it (not sure which one).. It lasted a few months but then had to go back into the shop for the same thing. they replaced the clutch. That was 4 mons ago and it is now back in the shop to replace the clutch AGAIN. if I didnt have a warranty, I would be trading it in just to get rid of the headache

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  Florida fun - getting 30+ miles/gallon - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By flawill - January 19 - 3:16 am

  Rented a Prius for a day to "check" out the hybrids - was told that the Ford Escape was similar to the Toyota. Almost bought a Prius - but really wanted an SUV. Searched the internet for local dealer inventory; good experience, good salesman, good finance manager. I think showing up the last day of the month helped - with the Edmunds info in hand. Mileage in city is usually 32. Having trouble getting 30 MPG highway.

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  Ford Fusion great car, but transmission poor - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Rick Severance - January 18 - 11:22 am

  Overall I really like the car but theres something about the transmission that sporadically acts up within first 5 minutes of driving it, where it doesnt seem to know what gear it needs to be in and thus causes tach to jump around. Then it goes away. Usually always just a slow speeds..

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  Best Mustang Ever - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Rootdl - January 17 - 8:46 pm

  I just received my 2017 Mustang GT Premium that was ordered back in March. I ordered it with the performance package, premium leather and the 6 speed manual transmission. This is my first Mustang that I have ordered and I do have to say the wait was longer then I expected. When the car finally came in, the dealer was excellent in getting it ready for me to pick up. The interior is very nice and well thought out - the only down side is there is not a whole lot of room in the back seats. That is about the only negative I can say about the interior. I ordered the premium leather with the red accents and they are very comfortable and look GREAT! The 5.0 Coyote is one strong motor. It has all the power and go that you will need. Very strong and very quick. When you step on it, it wakes up and you will be through the gears before you know it. Very impressed. All I can say, Ford did a wonderful job on this car. This is a true American Muscle Car. It is built from the ground up to be a Mustang and no other chassis in the Ford line up shares any parts of it. Great Muscle Car!!

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  I love my Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By sohc2001 - January 17 - 2:33 pm

  This vehicle gets used as a primary work/play vehicle, as well as Fire Dept. response. I have the 4.0 for peformance reasons, it runs great.

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  My Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Pnkldy2525 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love it! The Mustang is the best car in the whole world. I think everyone should own one of these. It is so comfortable and the body of the car looks great. My favorite part is the sound of the car. It is so cool.

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  bought it used but love it - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By andy fan - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I cant understand the under rating some people give this cruiser on gas milage. I recently went into the mountains by way of MT Airey NC {Andys hometown} across US58 in Va. to South Boston Va.,and averaged 28 MPG.,with the air on.How could anyone expect more with such a large and comfortable car? As for me, Im very pleased and reccomend this vehicle to anyone considering a Crown Vic!!!