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:

• 

  Solid Car - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rob54 - November 21 - 11:40 pm

  Well built; they improve it every year. The "old" platform makes it a great value and it makes for a quality car because Ford has all the "bugs" out of it. It does have one minor wind noise in the driver side window, however. If you arent a car snob, this is a car to look at, and you cant beat the price.

• 

  The new SUV - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ken - November 21 - 11:30 am

  After years of driving Big SUVs, this is the ticket. Great mileage, plenty of room, great fold down rear seats, more leg room for the kids. We are very pleased with this vehicle. The Volvo inspired safety features were a real selling point. Ford has a great 2 year lease on these, I couldnt beleive how affordable it was. I would like to have the sedan (FORD 500) as my everyday company car.

• 

  New car owner 1 year late - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Mr Hypnotist - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought the 2002 v-6 5-speed mustang in Feburary 2003. It is brand new with only 38 miles. I traded my 1988 v-6 auto camaro in with 161,000 miles, when I seen the mustang advertized for under $12k. Over-all it handles great. After driving it a couple of weeks and 2 washings, a small area on the front bumper has the clear coat blistered, so the car is currently back at dealer where they are repainting the bumper. I owned my camaro for 14 yrs, so am seeing if this mustang will last as long with as much mileage. So far, I am verrrry pleased with entire car.

• 

  Damn Ball Joints - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By big c - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Overall its been good, Only issues are squeaky brakes whenever I brake between the speeds of 35mph to 50mph since day one Took the truck in 3 times regarding this...never could find anything they replaced the brake pads only once. EGR sensor failed. And 2 replaced ball joints in 2 years. I dont off-road either. But its been dependable.

• 

  First time ford - 2005 Ford Focus
  By rjvt006 - November 19 - 11:40 am

  I love this little car. I drive alot for work and I needed something that was easiy on gas but could hold its own in fast moving traffic. I had never owned a ford before.(actually Im the first one in my entire family to buy one) So I was a little nervous when I bought this car. But I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Bulletproof after 65,000 - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By peter - November 19 - 9:36 am

  Comfortable and quiet, except for the buzzy engine when you accelerate hard. 2 1/2 years old now and flawless. Averaging about 28 overall, about 26 highway and 32 around town. If youre coming from a high-powered vehicle, you may not be happy with the slight lag in acceleration when you need to accelerate hard, but thats the only flaw with the system. I have a light foot; its supposed to learn how you drive, so maybe those with a heavy foot wont have a lag. 100% trouble free, normal maintenance only, which is not expensive. Rides much better with the Goodyear SR-A tires I put on. OE Continentals were hard as a rock. Great snow car. A very satisfied owner. Thanks Ford.

• 

  Replaces the family car - 2005 Ford F-150
  By D.Gauthier - November 19 - 5:00 am

  This truck is great for family vacations, or grocery shopping or going anywhere. I have the one with the top that covers the bed and i love it. It makes the truck look sportier and compares with an Avalanche. This vehicle replaces my minivan, yet i can haul anything I need to besides kids. It is also safer in an accident, in that I feel all passengers are safer.

• 

  My new Escape - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Deborah Foster - November 18 - 9:48 pm

• 

  Great car, dont complain about MPG. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Socktown - November 18 - 7:10 am

  Someone complained about getting 26 mpg in the ST? The window sticker on mine clearly stated 21city/32highway. Its a high torque, short geared engine. Its not going to sip gas. Please dont criticize a machine for doing EXACTLY what it said it would do at the time of purchase. Now, I traded a Mustang GT Convertible for this. New baby and all that. I couldnt be happier. Acceptable gas mileage (I also get around 26), great fun to drive quotient and excellent room.

• 

  Great Little SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sheepscrossing - November 18 - 6:06 am

  My wife and I needed something that was more fuel efficient than the Tahoe we traded in. This little SUV has plenty of room inside for the two and some of the grandkids plus its got plenty of pep when you press the gas. And it stills gets close to 21 MPG driving in town. Were very pleased with it.