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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  White FTX - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Doug - July 18 - 7:53 am

  Had a great buying experience as usual at my local Ford dealership (Ray Skillman). My wife fell in love with our 2016 White Lariat FTX as soon as she drove it and I am afraid she is going to drive the wheels off it before the first year. All the bells and whistles you could ever need and looks great. The leveling kit and 6 inch lift forced me to change the trim on the garage door to get it in. I have only found one car wash that is able to take it because of the tire width. There are a few things that keep it from being the best F150 I have ever had. The Home Link wont work no matter how many times I try to get it to work. The door seals seem a little noisier than I am use to even though they dont leak. The V8 5.0 MPG sticker not even close which I knew wasnt going to be but would be nice if they were more honest about it.

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  Great Used Car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By vishal konnur - July 17 - 7:38 pm

  I got this car or $2200 with 103,000 miles. For the price, it was a great car. Spacious, enough power and great features .

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  Not all I hoped for - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Emwood - July 17 - 10:03 am

  Purchased this car for functionality, comfort and versatility. 3 yrs and 55K miles later, I have gone through 3 sets of tires, 4 alignment adjustments and 2 new sets of rear disc brakes. (front brakes are fine) Very happy with interior and amenities. Will always have a DVD system now as I loved this one. Ford was thinking of themselves when they built this one as you can only get wiper blades through Ford, and only Pirelli makes the necassary size tire. (not cheap!) Loved the flexibility of the 3rd row option and a great car for road trips. Would like for it to have lived up to the mpg. (average 19 and 22) Extremely disappointed with the resale value. Trading it for a used Lexus SUV.

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  I Still Cant Believe It - 2005 Ford Focus
  By ChaddyMoff - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I drive 500+ miles a week in my commute. I got rid of my Neon a few years back because I was sick of being crammed into an econobox. Now with 170,000 on my Intrepid ES, I decided to head back down tin can alley. I found a refined, extreeeemely impressive economy car. This car has got options that would not be available on other economy cars in its class. The 6-disc, in dash, with auto-sound quieting, steering wheel stereo and cruise controls -- I am becoming more convinced daily that this thing cant be beat for the money. I got my SES in the Blazing Copper. It gets looks and comments everywhere I go.

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  Loved the car, Hate the mishaps - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jess - July 16 - 9:46 pm

  I was the first owner of my Focus and the last. I loved the car and will miss it. Had a few recalls. The down part was had to replace motor at 90,000, always felt like was putting new tires on the car due to some alignment issues (mechanics could never figure it out) and had trouble with the exhaust. Up to recently was doing good and out of no where the motor went again only 70,000 miles later. I hated to give it up but hate to keep putting work into it. Had to give it up and look for a new one. Would I buy another Focus? Yes I would but not the new ones, think they are ugly.

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  Batttery drain problem - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Larry T. - July 15 - 5:58 pm

  A very fun car to drive. Lots of looks & feedback from people. But having problems with battery drain when not in use for 3-4 wk. Lost 1st battery to dead cell 2nd starting to fade. I hope Ford will recognize problem & issue warranteed fix (Im now off warranty). I notice several others on Mustang forums with same maybe a stong lobby to Ford will resolve this with recall or TSB.

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  Good and Bad Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Florida Momma - July 15 - 2:00 pm

  Bought the Edge last March and have been very happy, with just a couple of exceptions. The gas mileage is horrible. Granted, I live in Tampa and drive in the worst possible traffic, but Ford promised 18-22 MPG and Im lucky to get 14, and truly blessed to get 15. During the buying process, I turned my nose up at crossovers that avertised less than 18, and here I am getting 14 anyway. Also, I now have to replace my 2nd blinker bulb after 1.5 years. Ive never had to change a blinker bulb in my life before, and now this is twice in one year on the same car. Worries me a little on the rest of the quality. Time will tell.

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  Great Running vehicle - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Robin - July 14 - 4:18 pm

  We bought used in 2006. It had 75,000 on it. We have not had a problem one with the vehicle. Its very dependable. We have driven 2 or 3 times back and forth from Michigan to Florida and from Florida to Missouri once. We have put tires on it once and replaced rear brakes in 2008. We would definitely buy another Explorer! The rear seats could be a little more comfortable, but other than that - we love it!

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  So far, so good, but... - 2006 Ford F-150
  By David - July 14 - 3:00 pm

  Very nice and comfortable truck. I love the formal exterior but it was the interior that eventually sold me. I have the tan leather and the flow-through console, and I love it! This truck drives very nice. The ride on the highway is firm, but not annoying, and despite this trucks large size, it is very manageable in town.

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  They dont build them like this anymore! - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By broncobustinman - July 13 - 10:09 pm

  I bought this Bronco from the dealer and paid $16500 for it fully loaded and has a 5.8L that has never given me trouble. Had about 40k on it, now 8 years later I am at 95k. I have spent the usual amount on the ususal things that go bad in time with any car or truck (i.e ball joints, radiator hose,exhuast pipe, brakes, shocks, front end bushings, battery, the original one lasted 7 years! All in all this truck has given me dependable transportaton where all new cars cant. I ll drive it till the wheels fall off. I know it will last for me to give it to my son (hes now two). Keep them all original they are beautiful trucks just the way the Ford made them.