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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  Exceeds Expectations - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By mppppm - May 19 - 8:36 pm

  Bought used three years ago with 22,000 miles. Now has 96K + and Ive had no problems at all. It averages 27 mpg highway. I havent even done routine maintenance - just regular oil changes, a new battery and plugs ... and it keeps on going. I love this car!

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  Probably the best I have ever owned!!!!! - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By RogerFarmer - May 19 - 8:24 pm

  I purchased the truck with 3,000 miles on it. I have put 1,000 miles on it. It has the 4.0. That is the fastest 207 horsepower that I have seen! I own 2 other Fords that are still going strong. The gas mileage could be better, but that is nothing. It is probably the best truck that I have owned. I love it, and would highly recomend it. The price was a songcompared to the other truck on the market!!!

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  Golfmill Ford Tom Posiewko Thanks - 2012 Ford Focus
  By darryl63 - May 19 - 1:38 pm

  Went in for an oil change on our 2011 fiesta and left with the 2012 focus hatchback.Loved the service from Tom. He was very attentive to our needs and friendly. Our total experience was simply awesome. We continue to love this dealership in everyway.We look forward to a long and happy relationship with them and ford.Our car is everything we hoped it would be and more.We are not strangers with Ford products we drove the Fiesta a year and was well pleased with its performance.For service and delivering an excellent car to us we give these guys five stars. Thanks Tom and to your team!!!!

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  Reliable than its looks like - 1994 Ford Escort
  By krgr - May 19 - 11:05 am

  I bought this car in 2006 with 88K and owned it for about 3 yrs. I never had any major problem with it, so reliable. Excellent on gas. I got about 36-38 mpg consistancly on highway. Very inexpensive to buy and maintain. So much comfortable handling stuff like furniture, groceries etc with its fold down second row.

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  wow - 2009 Ford Escape
  By sbittner - May 19 - 12:53 am

  We were looking at rav4 , crv and escape . All were close in drive and comfort but the escape saved us almost 6000 rite off the top . The 7yr bumper to bumper took any fear of durability out of the equation . The 4 cyl with new 6spd tranny has plenty of get up- SURPRISE!

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  Functional, reliable, and fuel efficient - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Mike in NH - May 18 - 11:16 pm

  Ive had my Focus for a year and have had no problems. I love the room it has in back. It was the only hatch that could swallow my goalie equipment without having to fold the seat down. I check my mileage every fill-up and have never been below 27 and highest was 34mpg. Typically 28-29 in mostly short trip driving, no highway (but not really stop and go either) The ride feels a bit like a Jetta, which is a compliment-- great handling, nicely tuned suspension. However, much less expensive and Ford reliability is outstanding these days.

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  Powerful, Reliable V8 - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Cody - May 18 - 8:42 pm

  An all around great quality car. I highly recommend it. The V8 has plenty of power, I have added exhaust and Intake which are a must for this model. The exhaust adds that mean rumble while the intake adds hp and saves major gas. The only down side is the interior is cheap, but doesnt look too bad. It is also rough in the winter, but what car isnt?

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  2002 sports track - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RC - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I like it overall, improvement over my 95 F150. Solid, no rattles.

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  Good Pep For The Money - 2004 Ford Focus
  By joshandjess143 - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I was skeptical about this car at first, but came to love it shortly after driving it. I love the 2.3 engine its got more pep than i ever expected. I would recomend this car to any one on a buget and wants a fun car to drive!

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  Mach 1 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By keaklek - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Great car for get up & go. Speed there when you need it. Driver confort perfect while passengers complain abit