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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  Traded my Escalade ESV Premium and MUCH HAPPIER - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Jim Keys - June 25 - 3:06 pm

  After frustration in owning 3 successive Escalades that had the ride of a broken tractor and the ergonomics of a cracked brick, Im much happier with my Explorer Platinum. The ride is a world better, the human factors engineering is far better and the controls fit me naturally. At 66" I was concerned about headroom and shoulder room, but the Explorer comes through in spades. The ride is almost as good as my Lexus LS460 which was my favorite car ever. Despite the Cadillac dealer trying to always convince me that the Escalades shortcomings didnt matter, they mattered to me. After blowing out all 4 shocks of my 18-month old Escalade without hitting anything major. Dealer agreed theyve had a lot of suspension problems. Sorry Cadillac, 3rd strike, youre out. Explorer is off to a great start.

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  All Around Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By John I - June 25 - 9:00 am

  This is truly a family vehicle. We have the DVD system and seating for 7 which has been used repeatedly. The automatic 4wd is great. We were running through 15 inches of snow this winter with no problem. We get 18+ mpg and drive the vehicle very hard.

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  Fun Until Parts Start Breaking - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By Chad - June 25 - 4:30 am

  This is a fun car. Great acceleration and top speed. Hugs the road nicely. Car looks and sounds great! Ive had this Mustang for 5 years now. Struts started going out after 3 years, I still havent fixed that. The A/C and clutch broke very soon after the bumper to bumper warranty ended. Cost about $1,500 to fix. I went online and this was a common issue in the 30,000+ mile range. Now, right after the 5 year engine warranty ended, the water pump is going out. Replacing that and the hoses is going to cost me another $1,000 if I do it at a dealer. WARNING: Worst of all with this car. If I had know this I wouldnt have purchased the car. The heat in Arizona is hard on batteries, once you get acid on the battery cable, it will get inside the wiring and slowly eat its way through everything until all your electronics are burned out too. Luckily I caught it before it damaged anything. Its a special cable that you can only get from the dealer and they have to drop the transmission to replace it. $1,000 to replace that. I asked the dealer and a local about other options and how to avoid it in the future. They said this faulty cable is the only option on the Mustang, and you can only slow the problem down, but that Ill probably be back in in 5 years with the same problem. ITS A BATTERY CABLE! I love driving this car but Im tempted to sell it and never look back. A battery cable should cost $20 and be a do-it-yourself project, not some $1,000 ordeal.

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  LACKS POWER - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By STANNY - June 23 - 11:36 am

  The car seems to have a hugh hesitation when weather is warm or cold and a lot of pull on the motor. It seems to have no 0-30mph get up and go.

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  Underpriced - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By troy - June 23 - 7:23 am

  When compared to other models in this class this vehicle is a steal. The performance, comfort, style taken into effect this vehicle should start at $24,000 but who is complaining.Test drive Fusion, Camry, and Accord,and see for yourself, plus you can keep several grand in your pocket.

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  2005 Focus ZX4 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By j black - June 23 - 4:43 am

  We are very pleased with our 05 Focus ZX4. We also have an 02 Focus Se wagon which we are also very pleased with. The 05 does get 5 to 7 mpg better. The torque curve has been noticeably improved, especially at passing speeds. The stall ratio of the transmission has also been changed. The engine feels very strong when starting from a dead stop.

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  Rons Review - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ron Jean - June 23 - 2:00 am

  For the most part the new f150 is a fine truck. My main complaint is that they droped the ball matching this motor with this truck.I find it very slugish on the lower end of the power band. The truck i traded in had a 4.2 6 cylinder with 110000 miles and it still had more bottom end tourque. They need to put more horsepower under the hood!!!!!

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  good - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By joseb - June 23 - 2:00 am

  the most roomy and comfortable vehicle of any type ive ever driver/rode in; even luxury cars

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  Happy Explorer Owner - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sandy Puppy - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have owned two of the older Explorers. This new design is far superior. It rides and handles like a car compared to the older design. I am very happy with it. The gas mileage with the V6 is not quite what I expected. I am averaging about 16 MPG, but i was hoping to get about 18.

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  american muscle - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By frank brysacz iii - June 23 - 2:00 am

  who said aericans dont make an drive a muscle car anymore. ford is proof that thy still make them, and ameicans will drive them, whether for fun, or just because we can.