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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  2005 FX4 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By mike petrek - December 19 - 7:30 am

  Great truck. I did special order this truck, so I have every thing I wanted. The engine is strong 5.4l 3v 300 hp. Put after market muffler on truck, even runs stronger, canÂ’t wait till it breaks in at about 9,000miles. Great in snow. Paint job could be better; itÂ’s not bad but IÂ’ve seen better.

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  Best sedan for the money - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By prmonse - December 19 - 1:56 am

  I was looking for a affordable and comfortable sedan, this 500 is a great deal, you cant get anything domestic or imported that offers this amount of room and comfort for the money. For $27000 I got a fully loaded sedan with all the new technology, incredible room, more than adequate performance, since every magazine complains of the 203 hp engine, and excellent mileage for such a large car, Ive got 28mpg on my first fill up. Love the high seating position, the comfortable and quiet ride that doesnt preclude sporty driving when you hustle.

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  Reliable little thing!!!!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Shirley - December 19 - 12:30 am

  people complain about the way the focus drives it does shake at times and feels weird thats the transmission doing its job its not your basic automatic tranny itss a manual shifting gears for you so it will drive a little like a stick but thats how it saves on gas and has some speed to it!!!! I bought the car used at 30,000 miles and had it for two years now at 69,000 and let me tell you i travel often and this car was never in the shop for one thing i love this car!!!!

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  To loud - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Dont buy ford - December 18 - 8:46 pm

  The first things buyers should know about the 2012 hatchback at least, is that the upholstery material is not water or stain resistant. I live in Florida where it rains a lot, and the water stains from getting caught in a down pour are unforgiving. The interior of my car looks like it has giraffe spots. There isnt an upholstery cleaner out there that has removed these stains. What the heck was ford thinking!! Due to the close confines of the interior, the engine noise sounds extremely loud and it makes the car vibrate to much when sitting in park. This might be a nice, first car for a high school graduate to bump around in (its a step up from a golf cart) but for mature drivers like myself who want a peaceful, quieter ride, Big mistake!

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  Teenagers dream - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Hahathatsfunny13 - December 18 - 9:13 am

  I just purchased this car at the beginning of the month, and I absolutely love it. Its very fun to drive and the design is classy. I feel very lucky that my parents bought me this great car. I would recommend it to anyone, young or old.

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  Premature wear of brakes & rotor damage - 2003 Ford Focus
  By fjcooks - December 18 - 4:06 am

  Drives fine. Premature wear of brakes and damage to rotors is a known problem. Expect to replace rotors every 15,000 miles at $500 out of your pocket.

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  Speed and Functionality - 2016 Ford Edge
  By that girl - December 17 - 1:58 pm

  This SUV pairs premium features with the speed and handling of a sports car. I could not be happier with this family SUV (with a hidden wild side)!

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  Alot of SUV for the Money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By AJFalbo - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a mighty-mite SUV. There is a lot of vehicle for the money. Handles well (even at higher speed - no roll), great pick up, a lot of feature and extras. I was surpriced at the engines agressiveness and pick up. The interior design gives you that truck "height feel" yet you dont feel that you have to climb a mountain to get in it. The tailgate is great, window goes up and if needed the whole gate lifts up, a feature that I wish I had had on my 98 Chevy Blazer.

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  Love the 2007 Design vs 2008 Design - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By KarlS - December 16 - 5:40 pm

  We looked at the 2008 sneak-peek pics and the LA auto show write-ups & pics, but we decided we liked the 2007 interior/exterior design best because it looks less truck-like than the new designs. My wifes the primary driver, and she loves this vehicle. In the first 500 miles, neither of us have any buyers remorse.

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  My Great Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By AKid@50 - December 16 - 10:00 am

  An SUV that responds like a car. Had one for 10 mths with 10K miles. Only in the dealer once for a/c issue and a clunking sound. No problems eversince. Escape drives great, excellent 0 to 50mph, decent MPG. Its nimble and manuverable. Interior is roomy but "plasticky" but works for me with the kids. Exterior design is handsome and clean. Plastic body armor avoids dings. CRVs and RAVs are just too small and severely underpowered. My Escape is sometimes mistaken for an Explorer and thats fine with me.