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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  Ford gets it right! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By brian1986 - June 20 - 4:49 am

  Ford Way to go, Ford! I love driving this car.  We bought for our son.  I liked the 2012 restyle.  After driving it, I was sold.  While some may not enjoy the double clutch automatic, I like it since it reminds me of a manual but I dont have to shift it like a manual!  It cruises along through the 6 gears flawlessly.  It rides like a much larger car.  It is very quiet and rides well.  I now find myself thinking of how I can get my own Focus without upsetting the bank account.  Unfortunately, it will be a long wait because we also bought an Escape for my wife :-).

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  I love this car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Just do it! - June 20 - 4:20 am

  Both my husband and I have had only foreign cars in the past. He has a 2009 Honda Accord and I had a Toyota Camry before I decided it was time to buy a new car. I test drove both the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. The Ford Fusion won hands down. I love this car. It really should be in a Luxury car class. My husband is trying to covince me that he should drive my Fusion and I should take his Accord. No way! The Accord does not handle as well as the Fusion and cost us more money. Its about time an american auto company came out with a car like this. If you choose to buy a Honda Accord or even a Toyota Camry instead of a Fusion, its your loss big time.

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  Recall for Air bag that can kill you if it deploys - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By mike Ringwald - June 19 - 6:22 pm

  If the 2014 Mustang has a recall for air bags, run away. I have been waiting all most two years for Ford to fix the problem on my car. I was at a dealer today Ford, they offered me 11 grand for my car, the reason so low, we can not resell your car until the airbags are replaced its unsafe to drive, but they expect me to keep driving the car or park it until the promised in the future fix. If you have some you want to get rid of this is the car to buy.

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  plan your loading and day thoughtfully! - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By socko - June 19 - 4:46 pm

  1st, creature comfort aka ergonomics. The odd-looking ignition/door/fuel door, and get this: 2-turn hood unlatching "Tibbe" key, is tricky to insert, hard to duplicate other than at the dealer, VERY expensive with the remote functions. You get 2,dont lose it, salesman warns! Fat to carry spare in your wallet, and no one seems to know if a plain "non-remote" copy will start vehicle. With just rear glass, turning from angle street intersections tricky to see oncoming traffic from right. I would recommend passenger side cargo door glass be standard. Acceleration for a 4 banger adequate, even interstate on- ramp with a load on board. brake pedal feels odd, as if booster is pulling it down.

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  Fun car with a great price - 2000 Ford Focus
  By nes1984 - June 19 - 5:20 am

  Great car for the money, needs some more options like softer seats, more horsepower, bigger gas tank.

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  Great car! - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Teresa Martin - June 18 - 4:56 pm

  This car has been on the VIP program at Sheehy Ford since 2012.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kaehlerpie - June 18 - 2:33 pm

  We bought this Freestyle Limited the first week they came out and could not be happier. With 2 toddlers, the full canopy air bag safety features, AWD, and the DVD player are just what we needed to make trips more enjoyable. As a Pro Cyclist, my race bikes travel in style on top of my Freestyle when equipped with a Thule Bike Rack that uses the factory Ford roof rails. It not only looks like a Euro car, it drives and handles like one as well. 2 thumbs up to Ford and Volvo for collaborating on this excellent design.

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  Bobs Review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Robert Dandurand - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. It is a really good car. I love it

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  I GOT IT AGAIN - 2004 Ford Focus
  By DAKING* - June 18 - 10:00 am

  GREAT!SO MUCH THAT I TRADE-IN MY 2000 FORD FOCUS SE FOR A NEW 2004 FOCUS SE AND GOT A $3000 REBATE PLUS $4500 OFF FOR MY OLD CAR TOTAL $7500 OFF THE PRICE OF THE NEW DO THE MATH...IAM SO HAPPY...SEEEYYYAAA....

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  Fun Truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By nyricanf15 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Never thought of owning a truck until I drove the Sport Trac. It had everything I needed from comfort to cargo capacity.