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:

• 

  Great Car... Reasonable price!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By greatcar - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. I bought it in 2000 and I have had my Focus ZTS since than and have no plans on getting a new car anytime soon. It is a great car... and is fun to drive. This car is worth every penny of the 17000 I paid for it. It is reliable and cant be beat.

• 

  2002 1/2 Update - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By judy - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Purchased after trying many other SUVs both foreign & domestic. Fit our needs all around. Waited for the newer production model that included real bucket seats w/ a headrest, foglamps, leather wheel, & autodim mirror. Used info off the internet (edmunds & others) to get a great deal - $1000 under TMV!

• 

  NO BELLS AND WHISTLES - 2005 Ford Focus
  By IRONCLAD68 - December 15 - 2:36 pm

  PLAIN BUT VERY FUNCTIONAL.FUN TO DRIVE,TIGHT TURNING RADIUS,QUIET AND ROOMY INTERIOR.REASONABLY COMFORTABLE INTERIOR.IT HANDLES WELL ON CURVES AND HAS A PRETTY SMOOTH RIDE.SOUND SYSTEM IS NICE AND IT HAS A SPACIOUS TRUNK FOR ITS SIZE

• 

  "The Nipster" - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Chris - December 15 - 6:36 am

  Overall very very happy with my Focus, fun to drive, quick on its feet, unobtrusive but capable of surprising the go quicker crowd.

• 

  Horrible Value, Poor Workmanship - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By jcmorning - December 14 - 11:17 pm

  I bought a brand new Shelby GT500 in December 2010. It was my dream car. However, four years later, that dream has become a nightmare. Everything is breaking on the car, which I rarely drive. The latest straw was the Clutch, which the dealership is saying is worn out. The vehicle only has 23K miles, and doesnt even need new tires! It has had one owner, and one driver(Me). Do not buy one of their vehicles (Ford). Buy an import instead, at least they are more reliable. I am broken hearted, and now just broke....

• 

  No - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Tom Mulkey - December 14 - 10:35 pm

• 

  Great all-around vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By TB - December 13 - 8:20 pm

  Great gas mileage! This vehicle is perfect for driving long distance and can manage simple trips to the grocery store all the way up to rugged camping trips with cub scouts.

• 

  The 500 after 6 months - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chuck - December 13 - 3:43 pm

  I bought my 500 in May 2005. I previously owned a Lincoln Town Car and was looking for a car to retire with. The size of the 500 was just right and its price didnt take much of a bite. After my initial test drive I was sold. The fit and finish of this car was as good as any I had seen. The CVT transmission is one of the smoothest I have ever experienced. Granted the interior leaves a bit to be desired but the economy and performance is right on. I have read some reviews that said it was under-powered. I dont find this so. The 50 to 80 passing speeds are so quick that you hardly realize that you have achieved 80 when passing. With my six months with the 500 I have had no problems.

• 

  This is a great vehicle! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By jrtexas - December 13 - 10:50 am

  We were very fortunate to get a great deal on this Pueblo Gold SE FWD. After 2 weeks of ownership we are thrilled with the comfort, interior roominess, style and ease of driving. Gas mileage looks like its in sync with the EPA estimates. Acceleration and power is great; no problem with the engine or CVT drive. Whats not to like?

• 

  This is a Ford? - 2007 Ford Edge
  By milesi826 - December 11 - 9:06 am

  After driving my new toy about 1800 miles, I am loving it. It looks great inside and out. Now, we are trading my wifes Expedition in next week for a second Edge. It feels safe and sturdy.