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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  Near perfect pickup - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Bill Winkler - October 27 - 4:05 am

  The low end power on this V6 is insane. With the addition of dual exhausts, better breathing into turbos, this truck would be scary fast. A friend has a brand new Ram 2500 with 6.2 motor and it has less torque than this "little" V6. Torque and HP is better than Ram or GM trucks. The interior amenities and techy goodies in this truck are really cool but also functional and targets safety, as well. People that have ridden in the back seats say its cavernous. There a few items I think would make this a perfect truck. 1) more front seat comfort. While the massaging option on my Limited is nice, front seats seem to be a little rigid. Great leg room, but would like a little more length in seat area. Navigation commands still need improving. You should be able to ask navi questions and get answers similar to Siri on iPhone. Trying to get to a location without stopping and typing in locations, restaurants or other amenities is cumbersome. Start/stop option on this pickup is one of the best features offered and should be standard on every vehicle, diesels included. This will save billions of gallons of fuel yearly. But all things considered, Im looking forward to keeping this beauty for at least 4 years. Also looking forward to what Fords got in store for down the road.

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  Excellent, best car I ever had or drove - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Laurie, Surprise - October 24 - 11:40 pm

  My Focus drives like a dream come true. I dont have to worry about whether my kids are safe in it, because of all the safety features that have been implemented. It was very easy to get the car seat in, and I love the fact that it is soo efficient on the gasoline that it wont land me in the poor house either. I would not let anyone talk me into selling it. This is the best car buy I ever made. It is also the best car I drove.

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  Me and my Focus are inseparable! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Kate in OKC - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I dont make a lot of money, and so price is the first thing I look at. Gas milage is second. I wanted to get rid of my clunker and find a reliable new car that I could feel safe and comfortable in and yet looked ultra- cool. Enter the Ford Focus. The roomy interior easly accomidates me and three friends plus luggage. The steering is ultra senstive and its got plenty of power and speed to aid in any driving emergency. I get between 25 and 35 mpg. I havent found a car thats easier to drive or more fun! Its excellent ride on short and long trips is definately a plus. Its no secret, the next car I buy will be another Ford Focus.

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  40th - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rockroles - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The Mustang still hold true to american muscle. Its fun to drive and I know that all the minivan owners out there are jelous

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  This Escape loves the feel of the road! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By CwbyNChgo - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I had an Explorer before I traded it in for this Escape. I looked at all the smaller SUVs.... This one handled better than all the others and after putting over a 1,000 miles on it in a month, Im glad I bought it. It truly is a pleasure to drive and handles like a charm. I got the price I wanted for my trade- in AND for my new Escape. Just do your homework on the vehicle, then stick to your guns.

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  explorer vs. escape - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Jarl Peltonen - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded a 2002 Escape for the Explorer XLS. My initial impressions were for the added cargo space and handling. The 2004 Explorer has improved handling with a little swaying in turns, but overall much improved. The blind spots are almost non existent due to the door pillar being further back. The cabin is quiet at high speeds vs. the Escape which was very noisy. For the price this is a perfect vehicle for my needs.

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  Great Truck! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By bryce thomas - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has had absolutely no problems, and the quality is great! Ford dealer maintenance has been great as well. I would put this up against any FOREIGN vehicle. I am proud to support America and our workers in buying this great vehicle. American pride keeps Americans employed!!!

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  Glad I Picked It - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By vroom - October 24 - 8:06 am

  I love this car. Last car was a 97 Mits Eclipse convertible turbo. This one feels large and substantial and better attached to the road. Oh yeah, and so much faster its crazy. :) I have the standard interior, but I think it looks great anyway. The dash is black with subtle metallic flecks that helps add a touch of depth. It roars down the road with confidence. Handling and performance are both outstanding at this price range. It gets TONS of compliments. If you get one, be prepared for the attention. ;) I was originally looking at the RSX type-s, G35, and Z Roadster. Im glad I picked the Mustang.

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  Were Impressed - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Rickmktg - October 24 - 7:26 am

  Purchased our Hybrid 1 week ago with Cash for Clunkers. After 360 miles were at 38.2 MPG on a 50/50 hwy/city combination. Impressed with the dashboard information, have it set to the 60 minute bar graphs so you can see how well you did on mileage in ten 6 minute intervals. Learned quickly that stepping on the gas, then coming off it slightly yields better mileage than applying steady pressure. Was very surprised to have Sync Traffic and Directions in the vehicle, basically we have navigation for free. However, since Verizon Wireless wont allow Bluetooth text messages, the traffic portion appears to be useless, but directions feature is nice. Quiet coming up driveway is very nice.

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  2003 Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Luigi - October 23 - 10:16 pm

  Forget it, this car by far is the best car that i have owned. Every aspect of this vehicle adds up to its greatness. At the beginning i was a bit concerned about mpg, reliability, and comfort. I drove from New York to Vermont, last exit before Canada. I got 28.5 miles a gallon, even with the heat on. Have you seen the size of this car? It could be -30 degrees like it was out there and it started up right away no flaus and the heat of thr summer up to 105 degrees, no problem. This car offers a smooth ride, and fun to drive. I Love This Car.