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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  New GT is a performer - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By M.L. S. - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car of all I have owned. The last time I bought a Mustang was in 1972. Waited way too long.

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  A Fun Vehicle - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By JaycenRose - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I totally love my car! It is a convertible and I use it all the time since I live in Southern CA. It handles really well and I enjoy the six CD disc changer.

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  Nice - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By A Carr - July 11 - 8:20 am

  We bought this car to replace our 04 Tribute. It gets marginally less gas mileage - about 22 overall vs 25 for the Mazda. But it has much more room, is much more comfortable, rides more smoothly, and carries more cargo/passengers. It all - a hit, a palpable hit. Like other raters, I wish mileage were better, but this is a large vehicle, rather boxy, with a big engine. If you need 30 mpg, get a smaller car...or wait for the hybrid.

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  NOPE!!! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Paula P - July 10 - 9:04 pm

  You couldnt give me another Ford. Bought this with 2,200 miles on it and had it to the dealership 2x with exactly ZERO help from them or Ford. I guess the only positive would be that it would definitely put a crying baby to sleep with all the jerking, vibration and abnormal noises it makes while driving. It is down right embarrassing to even have passengers in this vehicle and drive down the road. I dont understand even with a car over two years old they still dont have a solution to this unacceptable reaction to just pushing the acceleration pedal. This could get 50mpg and I will still say NOPE!

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  Crown Jewel - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By bob - July 9 - 3:20 pm

  The Ford Crow Victoria is virtually indestructable. Used by law enforcement around the world. It is well built, comfortable to ride in and drive. Excellent visibility with good handling for a large car. If Ford Motors discontinues this one theyre crazy. I am decidedly one sided and will buy another when the urge hits. Till then, Im happy with what I have and hope Ford Motors will continue the excellent work.

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  Go Explorer - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Claude Hutchison - July 9 - 5:33 am

  This is the most dependable, capable vehicle I have ever owned. It has never let us down from from the high Sierras to the coast of California. Has wonderful carrying capacity and flexibility in configuration. Now at 149,000 it has taken us everywhere in comfort and style

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  Great Car - Now a Classic? - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim Tritten - July 9 - 5:03 am

  Nothing but total satisfaction. For the life of me, I cannot see why this car has not sold better (other than lack of advertising) and why it is now being discontinued. I guess the good news for current owners is that the car will likely become a classic.

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  The Wagon that isnt! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Matt - July 8 - 7:06 am

  A very sharp vehicle with interior design that was very well thought out. Ford has finally got a clue on customer satisfaction. I would encourage everyone to try the new Freestyle.

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  Extremely poor reliability, failed after 2 month - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By angry_custom1 - July 7 - 9:55 am

  The engine had crazy noise, dealer said it is normal. The door chime is not there, now after 7 weeks, the transmission failed. Ford not only lied about the mpg, they did not even test it, they just decide to put a number there, but they have the audacity to insult Hyundai when NHTSA fined Hyundai, yet [non-permissible content removed] government did not even investigate Fords lie. Asked Ford ex-employee, told Ford demand the orginal transmission maker to reveal their trade secret to Ford and Visteon, then both companies compete for Fords business, of course original supplier was angry, possibly provided low-quality parts to Ford. Ford should just go out of business!

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  2008 Escape Hybrid AWD w/ Premium Package - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By TahoeJimRocks - July 7 - 9:00 am

  Had the Escape for 2 months with 2K miles on it. Mileage is excellent 25.5mpg lowest during break in, highest 36.6 on 300 mile trip. Very short hops kill your mileage (less than 5 mi). Nav system is easy to use. GPS is very accurate. Audiophile sound system is great. Side step rails are no assistance getting in the car because there is no grab handles in the interior. Very comfortable leather seats - seat warmers are a must in cold climate. 110 AC plug is great - no power adapter needed for iPod, finally an audio jack in dash. Usual wind noise with moon roof. Since batteries are in real storage area under deck there is a lack of storage. Roof side rails are plastic and flimsy.