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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  THIS PONY ROCKS by Sean - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By BOLD MOVES - June 1 - 12:36 pm

  My 06 GT is Redfire/Black interior and 18" polished aluminum Bullets. This is my 5th Mustang since 1982 and by far it out performs all the others. To date, I have 8500 problem free miles on this pony. I added the Homelink rear view mirror, trunk cargo divider, window tint, nad XM radio. I consistently average 19 MPG city (without A/C) and up to 26 MPG level highway at 70 MPH. This is a "creature-comfort" Mustang...unlike the past Mustangs. The looks and questions I get in parking lots and traffic? Constant! Interesting note - night driving with fogs on attracts oncoming high beam flashers. All-in-all, if youre thinking of buying one? Do it! BOLD MOVES...YEAH!

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  Great Size - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Mike V - May 30 - 5:07 pm

  The mpg is good for a vehicle this size, however you need to stay away from trying to start fast with this truck. The turning radius is fantastic. All seats are comfortable and when the 3rd row is down, there is a good amount of room for hauling and storage. It has been a great vehicle. Downside of vehicle: the interior is a sand color and the steering column is the same color, on sunny days the reflection off of the column bounces onto the gauge panel and presents a problem viewing gauges. This should be painted a darker color or black.

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  Not Quite As Good As Taurus - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Swyler - May 30 - 9:26 am

  This is a good car for the money - features compare quite favorably to the Cadillac STS, which lists at over $40K. Engine offers plenty of power with the CVT, although it is noisy. The build quality is very good, but I liked my 2003 Taurus a little better. Its a little uncomfortable. The front door panels have something at the forward end that protrudes into your leg.

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  Reliable Transportation - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By bbm - May 29 - 12:34 pm

  I bought my 01 Sport after my 99 Sport was totalled 2 years ago with around 118,000 miles on it. Ive never had to anything other than routine oil changes, etc and Ive put about 20,000 miles on it. Im not easy on cars either. The only issues Ive had with it is that it is hard to start (it doesnt crank immediately) and the disc changer stopped working. Unfortunately, someone rear-ended me and totalled this one 2 weeks ago. As long as only having 2 doors (NOT fun for travelling or people with children) and bad gas mileage (15-16 mpg city) dont bother you, this is a great SUV. I would recommend an Explorer in a heartbeat.

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  Fun little car for most seasons - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Lyzardo - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, decent gas mileage, and well thought out interior. The traction control is great to have in MN winters. Although I thought the rear seat leg room was supposed to be decent, it really isnt. Dont plan on driving too many adults in the back seat for very long. The only real problems I have had so far are a "check engine" light on for no apparent reason at 18,000 miles, and problems with the tires. The stock tires on the ZTW just arent too good for wet and/or snowy roads. Ill be replacing them as soon as I can. Im thankful I have traction control, or the tires would be next to worthless in the winter.

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  Red Expy - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By brads03expy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Very nice truck. Beats our 98 Explorer we replaced all to heck. Cant believe how nice it drives!

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  Happy with my Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Nappy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Focus for 6 weeks, long enough for my 2 big dogs to spread their hair around. The leather seats, make it much easier to clean than with cloth seats. The interior is classy, stylish. The Focus is clean, classy, beautiful. Sound system is wonderful. Easy to figure out! You get a CD to pop in the PC or listen to in the car, that explains everything in detail. Last night, the Focus let me get out of a crowded parking lot- in record time--the maneuverability is great. Getting on the expressway is easy--its a speedy little car, too. And solid--no rattling like the other cars I test drove. This is my first Ford--and I love it!

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  I love this car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Cliff Burris - May 29 - 6:13 am

  I never have had a "small" car that I really love to drive as much as this one. It is French blue with a spoiler, and it is beautiful. You wouldnt believe how many "I love your car" comments I have received in just 2 weeks.

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  Road Warriors Friend, Indeed - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By BB - May 28 - 10:50 pm

  Comfortable (I am 63" 220). Adults fit in back seat. As for mileage, I did get 700 miles on one tank around town, plotting routes like Patton and driving like a snail. Generally, Driving not so slow as to be a speed bump but not like speed racer, I get 42 around town. As for Highway, it gets considerably better mileage at 65 than at 75 (yes, legal in some states). 65mph avg highway is around 37 mpg. 75 mph avg highway is around 33 mpg. 55 mph avg highway is around 39 mpg. Got the $3400 tax credit so initial additional cost of Hybrid model was a wash. In 40,000 miles, I have saved more than 500 gallons of gas ($1300) over a car which gets 25mpg. Service at 10,000 mile intervals is nice.

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  Great little SUV, our second Escape in a row - 2017 Ford Escape
  By David Charte - May 28 - 10:41 pm

  It is an EXCELLENT vehicle that does just about everything very well. LOVE the 2.0 Ecoboost.