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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  Just Bought One - 2005 Ford Focus
  By mrslgoza - September 25 - 3:20 pm

  I just bought my Focus about 2 days ago, and I have put a little over 150 miles on it. Ive been impressed with the way it drives. I have always owned a car with a manual transmission, but this little car has been a new experience for me. It has a lot of power, and there is no change in power even when my whole family is in there, nor when I turn on the air conditioning. Neither has made the engine stall what so ever. I drive about 80 miles a day and I feel this car is going to be the best with fuel efficiency, it has been so far. I am proud of the 100k mile warranty on the engine. It made it so much easier making my decision for purchase. I am very pleased so far.

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  New owner with less than 3000 miles - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Bob Stewart - September 25 - 1:11 am

  The lane guidance and adaptive cruse take a little bit to get used to the automatic functions. These features work well but are unnerving the first time used. Handling, braking and acceleration are excellent better than my previous Mercury Grand Marquis V8. Auto wipers are somewhat intermittent in operation and sometimes not as effective as they should be. Second row seats have good leg room, third row seats are tight for adults. Heated, cooled and massage front seats are great for a long drive. Ford should offer a running board option as vehicle is a high step up without running boards. The only negatives on the platinum model that I have found are the lack of fitted running boards and the Ford MySync Touch being the older Sync system. The phone Bluetooth functions are limited to read text and no speech to text function available. The brake assist should be improved to not just flash warning bar and increase brake response but system should apply brakes to stop vehicle. Review at 9 Months 6800 miles: After several long trips I still love this car, heated /cooled massage seats reduce long trip stiffness, versatility of use with 4X4, fold down seats, roof rack & class III allow use in any trip. Trip to mountains with seven passengers was comfortable for everyone and kids loved the third row seats. Only negative is automatic wiper function which I may just turn off in the settings options. Wipers for no reason dry wipe on a very intermittent bases.

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  Best Car Yet - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By richaardg - September 24 - 5:52 pm

  After a thousand miles I am well satisfied with my Fusion. MPG for me is 44 to 51 by driving as taught in Drivers Ed and liberal use of Cruse. I bought all the safety features except park assist and love how they work. Lane Keeping is great. The backup camera is the best I have seen in any car and I have looked at a lot of them before buying my Fusion. Active Cruse Control really works well too, especially on interstates. The SE model is well equipped and My Ford Touch is no problem contrary to what Consumer Reports says. I also am glad the Moon Roof was optional. I did not have to buy it.

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  fun - 2006 Ford Focus
  By otto tringle - September 24 - 1:30 pm

  The suspension is tight, and with the five speed it is very nice in traffic. Now youre not going to beat a hemi but if youre on the stick youre going to jump ahead of those not paying attention. As far as size, it is not for large people, but fits me with room.

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  April 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By mark - September 24 - 9:53 am

  Ford 500 is a great car if you are concerned with safety. My wife noticed that her line of vision is great no matter where she looked. The side air bags are a great feature. We are very happy with our purchase.

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  Awesome little Peashooter! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Luke - September 23 - 10:16 am

  I have had my car for a little over a month now and I love it! This is my first car that I bought. I picked this car because It was affordable and for some reason it had a more powerful engine then the Honda Civic which was 3000 dollars or more! I got really good deal and this car is very reliable and I will enjoy driving it for many years to come!

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  Best Car ever owned to date - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By C Phelps - September 22 - 10:53 pm

  I think this is an excellent smaller type truck for a woman or young girl. It has tons of storage space is very pretty. Mine has four doors and side air bags with a 40/60 rear seat and lots of extras. I just love it...and I am an older woman. It is much sturdier built than the smaller trucks the size of the Ranger but not a full size truck. I have not had it long enough to rate the gas mileage but it seems good so far.

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  vinnie500hd - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By vinnie - September 22 - 9:56 am

  My new 500 with all chrome accessories is shiny black and fun to drive. The only thing I dont like is the soft suspension. Turning quickly makes the car sway left, and right, but driving on a highway with the CD blasting at any speed everything is fine.

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  Pros & Cons - 2001 Ford Focus
  By atomicbri - September 22 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Focus ZX3 is a fun to drive car. It handles excellently and has a bit of European flair in its hatchback design. I can also load all kinds of stuff in it. However the reliability is sketchy.Numerous recalls, recalls that were fixed seem to have the same problem creep up again(Battery cable was changed only to melt again). The brand new ones now come with 10/100,000 Powertrain warranty, but I wish mine had that because I think the new ones have the bugs worked out while mine still has the bugs. A shame since this car is truely a joy to drive and its versitility is great!

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  Silver FX4 F-150 Supercab - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jonathan C. Smith - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Recently traded a Ranger on the new F150. I cant stop wanting to drive this vehicle. It is very quiet and powerful with the 5.4L Triton and we all know that Ford makes the best trucks and i certainly back them 100%. My F150 was a dealer demonstrator.