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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  2001 Explorer Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Doug A. - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This thing rattles and squeaks like its 30 years old. I previously owned a 98 Explorer Sport, which influenced my decision to purchase this vehicle. The 2001 has a more powerful engine and handles a little bit better, but every other part of this vehicle has made a turn for the worse.

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  Best selling sports car in the world! - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Rick Gore - January 8 - 11:41 am

  Because of this. Discounts on new Mustangs are very hard to find.

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  2005 f-150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By brian - January 7 - 4:40 am

  Great truck. Very happy with towing torque. Style inside and out is second to none.

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  Just what I needed - 2014 Ford Transit Connect
  By buzzaround1 - January 6 - 11:47 am

  I just bought the fully loaded Transit Connect Titanium model last week. So far I am really enjoying it. I went from a lnfiniti FX35 so I was a bit hesitant to make such a drastic change at first but the more I drive it the happier I am with my choice. I had been in Italy this summer and rode in a more striped down version. That was roomy and able to carry 7 full sized adults on our various adventures. I had never considered getting one for myself but after looking at the Flex, Explorer, and the MKT, frankly, this really fit my needs the best. This had the fuel efficiency, tech goodies, AND hauling room! Plenty of room for taking my paintings places. No need to rent a van!

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  A lemon at every turn - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By cdjamison - January 5 - 12:13 pm

  We purchased this vehicle used - a lease return with 40,000 miles. It needed a new transmission at 50,000, the head gasket went at 70,000 (this was covered under warranty, but was in the shop for a month), the main wiring harness caught on fire at 90,000 (this had been replaced under a recall before we purchased the van), and the list goes on. Weve averaged $1,000/yr in repairs on this vehicle. Dont buy a 95 Windstar!!!

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  i love my Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By beverly durrell - January 4 - 7:26 pm

  i love this car. It was love at first sight. It rides great, looks even better. Only very small drawback is gas mileage. I wouldnt change a thing on it.

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  Love My Edge - 2016 Ford Edge
  By haiminfl@comcast.net - January 4 - 6:27 am

  I shopped for a few SUVs, tested Escape and Honda CRV and both were too small for me. Then I tested the Ford Edge Titanium with all the options and it felt the perfect size for me. I even started out wanting the V-6 engine and tested both the V-6 and 4 cylinder EcoBoost and decided on the EcoBoost because the power was there and the MPG was higher than the V-6. The EcoBoost engine is so quite and has great power so I decided to go with that plus its the standard engine and the V-6 is a option over $600.00. I bought the Titanium Model with the Tech Package and 20 inch Wheel upgrade package and it has the new Sync 3 which is great. I think if you are looking at a Mid Size SUV you need to look and drive a Ford Edge.

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  so far so good - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jay - January 4 - 2:30 am

  Have 5000 miles on it. Been in snow -- all wheel drive works good. Drove to Florida and back with no problems.

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  2005 Explorer XLT Sport --A Winner!!!!!! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Rick In VA - January 3 - 7:56 pm

  After having two previous Explorers, we decided to test drive some other 2005 brands to compare. Toyota 4- Runner-next best. Nissan Pathfinder- loud engine and tire noise and rode like a truck!! BMW X-5-what were those Germans thinking? Noisy and harsh ride!! Mercury Mariner- a beefed up Escape,harsh ride and small. Land Rover LR-3,let me buy a lake cabin instead! None of these would compare to the ride quality, noise insulation and overall handling tightness of the 2005 Explorer. Then add the 4.6 V-8 and it is true perfection. Status symbol(NO), but you keep your radical fender flares and tri-star emblems on your foreign SUVs. As for me Ill keep my Ford!!

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  You get what you bargain for - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Codey - January 3 - 4:56 pm

  5 months in and 3 trips to the shop later. Got a call today saying one of the clutches for the dual clutch automatic transmission needs to be replaced. Such a disappointment for car that is only 5 months old. The transmission jerks like crazy, shifts are hard and loud. Really disappointed because the engine in this baby is full of life and gas mileage is great! Traded in an 01 Nissan Maxima with no problems to be left stranded while my new car gets repaired. Next time do your research before you make a big purchase.