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:

• 

  Awesome! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By blk05stang - May 3 - 10:16 am

  I just got this car 5 days ago and I couldnt be more pleased. I traded in my 99 cobra for this and let me tell you this car is 10 times better. I have black exterior with interior upgrade package, red leather seats, and its an amazing vehicle to say the least. My Cobra had pretty much every single performance bolt on available and this car feels just as fast stock with superior ride quality and handling. Thank you Ford, you hit a grand slam with this awesome machine.

• 

  best new car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jensen - May 3 - 12:10 am

  After a woefully disappointing experience owning a 2000 Focus, I purchased a 2002 Celica. It was everything a Toyota should be. It was reliable, great handling, uncomfortable and loud (road noise). I had no problems with it other than my aching back. On a whim, I test drove the Mustang, expecting it to be a piece of crap. I was caught off guard. It drove better than any car I had ever driven. The v6 was extremely powerful, and the 5 speed automatic converted me from stick and Ive always hated automatics. After having the car for just a week, I cant comment on reliability with authority, however, by the 1 week point I already had beefs with the Focus. I hear no noises and the car feels solid.

• 

  One of the best I have owned - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Claude E. Piper - May 2 - 6:13 pm

  This vehicle has been one of the best I have ever owned. Unlike what some extremist "greenies" have said about SUVs being gas hogs, this one is not! On longer trips while pulling a small travel trailer, it consistantly got 17MPG and on a couple of tankfuls it got 22MPG !! I would buy another one - no question!

• 

  So Sorry, Dont touch one. - 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By carpro6 - May 2 - 4:31 pm

  Aside from poor gas mileage 34.1mpg overall, the car is dangerous. Ford engineering has built a car with published specs for turning diameter and missed their spec by 4 feet. Making a U turn in the wrong place will either destroy your front suspension or worse cause you to back up into oncoming traffic. Trying to park in normal parking lot type spaces will end up with you backing up and realigning to get in w/o hitting the car adjacent. It also puts pedestrian traffic and cross traffic in danger needlessly. The car is an engineering nightmare. Poor mileage, noise and no hybrid help are top failures. CMax is dangerous. This is my warning to anyone who is considering a purchase.

• 

  Best daily driver Ive owned - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Weldy McWeldski - May 2 - 1:45 pm

  **MANUAL 5 Speed Transmission** I purchased my focus in January of 15 for a little over $16,500. Ford was offering some massive model year end rebates and I couldnt have asked for a better price. I have put 45,000mi on the car since I purchased it and have had absolutely zero problems or complaints. (Still on original tires, brakes, etc.) Overall the focus offers decent fit and finish for its segment; my cloth seats are comfortable and supported, the gauge cluster is well laid out, etc. Im 61" and can enter/exit or cruise long distances very comfortably. As with any car Ive owned, I wish it had an extra 100hp,; but the 2.0l is plenty quick for what it is. The clutch engagement and pedal feedback are above average, the gearshift has a little slop but engages with confidence at every gate and provides a relatively short throw. Braking effort is mild, the focus stops quickly in an emergency but in everyday usage the rear drum brakes cause for a little more frontal braking dip than Id prefer. Handling is excellent for the price: very responsive steering with little wheel effort and a firm but grippy stance. Suspension is on the firm side; though aside from lightly feeling every bump, it by no mean invokes discomfort. Honestly, I beat the living crap out of this car. 6500rpm in 2nd gear while merging onto the freeway every day, double gear downshifts for passing, E-brake slides every time it snows, etc. I work in a steel mill with no paved roads, and this car handles potholes and ruts Id never expect of something with such a low stance. Ive nailed potholes that would swallow a motorcycle and kept on cruising without a hitch. I can truthfully say that I am astonished at the reliability and resilliance of the Focus, especially considering the torture I expose mine to regularly. I cant really speak for clutch life; but at 45,000mi, mine behaves like it did when it was new even after teaching my fiancée how to drive stick. So here comes the bad stuff/things that irritate me, and really its all very petty. The cup holder placement makes shifting a little awkward when youve got a thermos stuffed into either one. One instance in January with an external temperature of -15°f, the center screen that displays radio station information failed to power on until I restarted the car. Never had the issue again after that, but its worth noting that I have never experienced any issues starting the engine in cold weather. The radio/speakers are a typical stock system, so dont get your hopes up if you buy the SE version like I did. Sound quality is pretty good, but aside from that Its exactly what youd expect from a commuter car. The glove box interior space is a little weird... Very deep but not very tall. If you keep a gun in there, youre going to have a hard time reaching into the abyss to find it with your seatbelt still on (Id suggest a shoulder holster, because the center console isnt much better.) Save the glovebox for storing baseball bats, crossbows, or fishing poles. The brake/gas pedal spacing and pad size make heel/toe shifting nearly impossible, but thats probably just a carryover from the cars automatic transmission configuration. Its not a race car, so I guess I cant complain too loudly. Traction control has to be manually deactivated through the menu displayed between the speedometer and tachometer every single time you start the car. Its be okay if it was just a TC on/off button on the dash, but this set-up requires navigating several menu screens and a 5sec wait time. If you drive in the snow often and intend to paddle through rough spots with high speed wheel rotation, its a pain to go through all that trouble every time you plan to drive. Annoying, but livable. My car came equipped with a sunroof I neither ordered or asked for, but it wasnt listed as a charge on the option sheet so I guess I just got an extra. I dont use it much; but once when I clicked the switch to shut it, the pane of glass bounced back open after closing like It had encountered an unexpected blockage. Second time it closed and stayed that way, Ive not experienced the issue since. Lastly, theres this weird little pocket sewn into the left front corner of the front passenger seat that doesnt exist on the drivers seat. Its a pocket, whats the big deal? Well its a worthless pocket with no justifiable purpose or shape. The best use Ive found for it is stashing a spare lighter or small amounts of stuff best kept concealed from plain view... Money, drugs, whatever youre into; that pocket is your business. It still irritates me for its obscurity, but you can be the judge. Side note: The headlights are far reaching and well focused, the brights are exceptionally brilliant so if you have a grudge against oncoming traffic - This car is for you. The steering wheel and gauge cluster are exceptionally designed as well. Buy a (manual) Focus, beat the crap out of it and love it forever. Zero regrets.

• 

  Blue Oval is Back - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Happy - May 1 - 2:53 am

  Picked our new Flex and were immediately impressed. The exterior is bold and draws looks that other crossovers wish they could get. The interior is the nicest Ford has produced to date. Plenty of room in all seats even the third row and Im 62". Cupholders galore with six passenger seating, great options like auto- folding second row seats ambient lighting and the colors for the exterior. Some may not like the looks of the exterior but the interior is awesome, remember you sit in the car when driving. Give this car some serious consideration in your shopping.

• 

  Good Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mitto - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I really like my new F150. Dont thave anough miles on to comment on the durabiltity but my 97 wnet for 130K and still ran as new when traded. The new Ford has good power, good handling, hauls anything you could want to put on a trailer or in the bed and the interior is the best in the retail truck world! However, Ford will need to continually improve the quality control on some of the small stuff. Body panel alingment and finish is not much better than in the past. I know its not a Enzo, but for around $40K the doors shouldnt kick away from the rocker panel on the bottom and almost touch metal at the top.

• 

  F150 XLT 5.4L V8 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By sdumenil - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my F150 XLT Supercrew two weeks ago. So far this is the most refined ride and best looking truck on the market. I looked at the dodge,nissan and toyota full size trucks and none compare to the F150. My best friend drives a new Dodge Ram and the ride is terrible, the turn radius is rediculous. Several posts compain that the engine is not powerful enough but the 5.4L V8 is very strong and the accelleration is very smooth, dont believe the hype.

• 

  40th Anniversary - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Randraven - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 40th Anniversary Edition 5 speed Coupe and I love it...Its got leather, Mach 1000 sound,all the goodies.It had 5 miles on it a 4 days ago, Now Im at 300. I almost slept in it last night...Seriously though, Buy the right car and it is "True Love".I couldnt have made a better choice.

• 

  kicking - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By bob dob - April 30 - 10:00 am

  it kicks more ass than any other car ive ever owned does, it makes dodge look like a girl with its puny little viper power.