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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  Wow - what a car! - 2012 Ford Shelby GT500
  By keboss302 - February 17 - 5:25 am

  I have had eighteen Mustangs (old and new) over the years, including GTs, Mach 1s, a Cobra and a Boss 302, and this one is simply in a different league. First impression when driven off the dealers lot: Drives just like a normal car. No bone-jarring ride, easy to shift, easy to steer, very comfortable and refined. Then the differences start to appear. The ride is supple over rough pavement, but it sticks like glue around corners and you will experience renal failure before the car loses grip. The shifters throws are short, a little notchy, but you get used to it quickly. The clutch and electric power steering are light but precise. You feel low and heavy - and fast. And the car can dance.

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Norman Harris - February 17 - 3:03 am

  Its got the comfort of an Expedition, corners with no braking and pulls a trailer like its not even there.

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  ups and downs, - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By nothing_n3w - February 17 - 1:30 am

  amazing car over all, a little to low of topspeed. but out puts so many cars 0-60

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  hands free lift gate is a menace - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Wayne - February 16 - 5:40 am

  The hands free lift gate is very touchy. If your feet are just under the bumper & you are getting something out of the back, it can start to close on you. They state that it will stop if it feels there is something in the way, but way too much pressure must be placed against the gate for it to stop. Several of my friends have been bumped hard on the head. Also, once when I was opening my automatic garage door (my car was parked about 1 foot away from the door) the lift gate started to open even though no buttons in the car nor on the key fob (it was in my pocket & nothing bumped it) were pushed. The bottom of the gate was jammed against the door which made the garage door stop opening. The bottom of the gate was bent & I had to get it repaired at the body shop ($1,000). I decided to disconnect the sensor so it wouldnt work. It can still be operated using the remaining buttons.

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  Ford Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By aliasisstupid - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Its the second new Taurus Ive owned. The first I leased, this one I bought. Theyve got boring styling to me, but it gets through the snow, keeps me cool in the winter and Ive never done more than change the oil and rotate the tires. And the Duratec is fast.

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  Getting Better / Like it more. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By "L" - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Iam back !!! Mileage has improved somewhat. City mpg from a low of 20 (wife driving it)to 24 and 25-30 in the highway. I got a cool 30mpg this past weekend. I did the same trip as when it was new back in Nov 1st. I got 24.9 then. Did not use the AC this time (It was cold) 70-75 mph. Noise level on newly paved roads is more tolerable. Can carry a ton of stuff in the back with seats down. Love that RDS on my radio.I Hear 2004 has 19 more ponies? and better mileage ? Test drove the Toyota Prius, great car but I can put alot of gas in my Focus with the $8k+ difference in price.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Florida1 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I never considered a Ford until I test drove this Explorer two years ago. I have not had one problem with it since I bought it. I drove it cross country (Seattle to Orlando) and the seats proved to be extremely comfortable. I have the version with side airbags and wished the front seats had head rests though. There is also a rattle in the trunk from the plastic loose. I cant seem to make it go away. The truck is very powerful and beats many cars off the line while it pegs you to the back of the seat on acceleration. I might consider another Ford next year, but they are going to have to get more refined before I buy over a foreign model.

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  teenagers dream truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By hunter green xlt 4x4 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck used with 88000 miles because it was a great buy and it was the truck of my dreams. Im 17 years old and the Ford XLT 4X4 with its Triton v-8 was all I needed to make my senior year awsome. Hunter green exterior and gray interior, it looks and runs great! Gas mileage? What gas mileage! I put Flowmasters on it and next Buckshot tires.Look out mudholes.This truck is a teenagers dream so far!

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  Great Car! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By lynnedwin - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car for the two years that I have owned it. The only required warranty work has been to replace a coil that would occasionally cause a stumble that was only noticeable in fifth gear. I am so impressed with this car that I have put my name on the list for the next available 2003 Mustang Cobra. Ford has totally impressed me! This car is so much fun to drive that I look forward to every driving experience in it!

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  a permanent ford explorer fan - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By BJSullivan - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Have 4300 miles on an XLT model. The whole family loves it. This truck has made Ford customers out of us.