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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  review - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By valerie rinehart - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my new car. I like the handling much better than the 2000 Expedition that I traded for this new SUV. Handles more like a car than previous models. I also love the rear seat, folding level with the floor.

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  Limited - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jvrunner - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Dont know if it as good as my 1996 (130,000 miles and very strong) but seems really solid with no trouble. If Ford could get its service together this would be the SUV to buy.

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  Probably the last car I’ll own. - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Dave Walker - February 22 - 2:08 am

  Bought low mile 2001 ZTW wagon used, it’s pushing 130k. Been a great car. Fun to drive. Best seats ever and I’m 6’4”. Old, worn warhorse but I’m scared the sunroof won’t close if opened, my AC is gone and the fan only works high. Got my money’s worth out of it.

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  Great car - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Ron Roberts - February 21 - 6:18 am

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  Look elsewhere. 2015 Ford Focus = Lemon - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Tiffany - February 20 - 6:46 pm

  Before getting into my 2015 Ford Focus I owned a 2008 Ford Focus. My 2008 was unfortanlly wrecked and I loved the car so much I diddnt want anything else other then my focus back. I ended up landing in a 2015 Ford Focus. The first week I had the 2015 focus I brought it into the shop for a shakey transmission and poor acceleration. I was told nothing is wrong with my car. A year later having the same issues and a few more that includes the focus dying and stepping on the gas with the Rpms running up to 5,000 before it jerks and sputters and makes a final move. my focus currently needs a new clutch and a few sensors with only 15,000 miles. I come from a ford family and have owned fords my whole life but this will be the last "New" ford I will ever by. My 1997 Ford escort ran better then this 2015 Ford Focus. They changed the transmission in this 2015 Ford Focus and I think its the biggest mistake ford has ever made. I hope they recall this car before they lose a lot of valuable customers. My focus will be traded in at the end of this month once I was told they needed it for 8 to 10 weeks for repairs. My advice would be look elsewhere if you want a ford dont buy it new.

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  Amazing Car! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jonny - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car! I was looking at a Hybrid and I was thinking about a Prius but they are too small and I didnt like the futuristic interior. I would highly recommend the leather seats and, my favorite, the 8" navigation screen. Sync is fantastic voice recognition for directions, phone calls, finding places of interest, etc. Overall, a great experience that is worth every penny!

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  Best Family Van Alternative - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dadto3 - February 19 - 11:36 am

  This is hands down the best car we have ever owned. With 3 young kids in car seats we needed space and functionality but we did not want to sacrifice performance and style. This was the best alternative to a dreaded minivan. We tested several other brands but found no other better value, performance, and gas mileage for our money. I will most definitely recommend the Freestyle to anyone with young kids that does not want to be stuck in a soccer mom minivan.

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  Mr. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bill Burton - February 18 - 8:13 pm

  I live driving at a higher seat level. I can carry my electric scooter in the rear area of the car. I like the idea of having four air bags. I like very much not feeling the gears shift; continuous drive. There is ample power when it comes time to pass another vehicle. The power drivers seat is a good option. I havent used the two fold-a-way seats in the rear, but it is good to know they are there. On the whole, I am very pleased with my purchase of this vehicle.

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  Good Value - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Ryan - February 18 - 2:50 am

  This truck is okay, already have a few problems with it starting, and a strange jerk in the transmission, i dont know if it is the console mounted shifter or what.

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  Mariner Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bob - February 17 - 11:46 pm

  I bought the 4WD Mercury Mariner Hybrid. I find it to be just a little nicer looking than the Escape. It is the same platform and averages 30 MPG. I now have 7K and no problems at all. It fits my family with 2 car seats in the back & still room for shopping or luggage in the back. Also it has front, side & roof air bags. These are great in the snow. As a pick up truck owner all my life I was quickly able to adjust to this little SUV.