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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  One Hot SUV! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By BriGuy - July 27 - 3:16 pm

  This was an anniversary gift for my wife and she can be picky. She is in love with this little SUV. The leather interior is up there with the best Ive seen in Audi or Volvo. The power is up there with the V8 in my Grand Marquis. Glass moonroof is awesome. Sound system is incredible. Im not trying to exaggerate the review but this has been the best car we have ever purchased and I have owned 15 or so.

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  Get a Crownnie! - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By BIGSMOOTH215 - July 27 - 6:06 am

  My Chrismas present was a 2005 Crown Victoria LX, was a perfect gift for my brother and I, its perfect on trips, in the city of Philly. These cars are very easy to maintain and friendly on regular gas. These cars a very easy to supercharge ( if you like racing ) Other than that no major problem, smooth rides and great trunk space

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  YOUR DOING IT WRONG! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By meabn - July 26 - 3:16 pm

  Please. The only thing wrong with this car is Microsoft sync. I take no pleasure in saying this but I am afraid that some of you are way better at giving opinions than the measures of central tendencies. Google it. This vehicle is an epic leap forward for Ford (less sync) and sips gas. Post break in it will blast by 47 MPG. Again, learn what "average" means and how to apply the term over time- if you dare. Unfortunately, most are confusing (or dont understand) mean, median, and mode versus vehicle life time average MPG during driver learning curve and vehicle break in. Kinda Fords fault as well I guess.

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  Great car...overall - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By carguy1002 - July 26 - 2:06 am

  I bought this car and took it on a 500 mile road trip the next day. I have the SE with 202A package. As most reviews say, dont expect 47mpg. I am getting 41mpg, and that is really trying (expect 37 driving normally, city or highway). I think this is good for a 3,700 pound car with a tall profile. The interior is really well built with great visibility. There is plenty of leg room in the back (though the bench is a little low). Only plan for 4 people though, the car is narrow. Good luggage space, you can easily get 2 VERY large suitcases back there (3 normal ones). The SYNC sucks. The screen looks nice and you get Sirius radio, and its affordable at $570, so I would buy it again.

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  one bad pony - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By m5tng89lx - July 25 - 10:00 am

  think a stock svt rocks? for a mer 3500 extra i hit 502 rwhp, thats around 600 at the crank! rpmoutlet.com has the kit plus you need the borla cat back exhaust and bassani x-pipe w/high flow cats, lil loud tho. get rid of that stock long throw shifter for the pro 50 short throw, big diff! if your worried about warentee issues, can easly be put back to stock even without having a p1000 code in the computer!

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  Great Car - especially for the $ - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 03ZX5SVT - July 25 - 10:00 am

  When I first bought this car I knew it was oriented to the performance side of the market, but I didnt realize how well sorted out the car was. It is a pleasure to drive on the highway on my daily communte and Ive taken 1st place on the autoX on the weekends. The power is excellent for its class and price and the 6 speed transmission makes it fun to run throught the gears. Handling is simply unbelievable - Ive out paced miatas, porches and other expensive and more powerful cars on the track. My car has been mechanically sound too. No real problems to report. I Highly recommend this car - especially as a used one can be had for very little $$$

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  I JUST LOVE IT! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Stacie Eady - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 99 Eddie Bauer that was fully loaded, and what I thought was perfect until I got my new Limited. Anything that I didnt realize wasnt convenient on the E.B., quicky became clear. The new design has so much more space, drives and handles like a sports car but has all of the luxuries of a high end sedan. Though, I had most of the same features on my E.B., they have been improved upon. It has such a clean look inside and out. I almost purchased a Volvo. The same safety features the salesman impressed upon, are present on my Limited. Ive never owned a car more than 2 yrs, but I drove my E.B. for five years. I may keep this one 10.

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  Want to downsize to one vehicle? - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By tracker464 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  The ST is about two-thirds car and one- third truck, which, along with its great looks, is why I bought it. We could sell a car and a truck and cut down on time-consuming checkups and maintenance/repair costs, tags, car washes, etc. It doesnt ride quite as smoothly as a luxury car, but its not as rough as a regular pickup either. It is so versatile, and you can see that the car/truck combo is really catching on by the dramatically increasing number of them on the road. If, like me, you just dont need something as big as an F150 (or similar) crew cab, I think the ST offers the most room and comfort of any smaller size crew cab out there.

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  Buyers Remorse? - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By sam - July 25 - 2:56 am

  Comfortable, but transmission was replaced -- after a big hassle with dealer. Had to rent a car (my car is leased). They put me through the ringer. I feel Ford needs to treat their customers better. I should have bought a Nissan.

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  Finally Arrived! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kevin - July 24 - 8:23 pm

  The Mustang is even more than we expected, even after reading the great reviews the past 8 months. The positive comments come from all ages, you should have seen the middle schoolers swarm our Torch Red GT. Worth the wait!