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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  One of the best cars Ford made - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jay - February 26 - 4:25 pm

  We own Ford Focus for almost 8 years and I have to say we had the least problems with with cars from all other cars we owned in the past. I never had to take this car for any major repairs. This is a very simple and quite reliable car. I had more problems with VW Passat and Saab 9.5

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By angelC - February 26 - 8:03 am

  I wanted to treat this car with kid gloves. However driving in the DFW metroplex in rush hour traffic doesnt allow for such. Shes handled everything with grace, style, speed, and accurate performance. The additional driving height gives me a much better view of traffic in front of me even if its a tall vehicle such as an SUV or pickup. The steering wheel mounted controls were 2nd nature after just a couple of hours. Unlike some of the competitive vehicles I can easily see out the rear window for going in reverse. The A/C system cools down the car fast and keeps it cool. Corners great. Accelerates smoothly. Comfortable seats front and back. Conveniently located cup holders. Love everything.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By mejollyredgiant - February 25 - 11:30 pm

  OK Ive only had my license for 4 years but Ive owned and test driven quite a few cars. By far this is the best and funnest car, for the price, Ive ever had. So far all I have had to replace was the battery and the alternator which for me was super easy and took like 5 minutes total in labor. So far I have only put on a short shifter, BBK cold air intake, MAC off road mid-pipes, and an SLP loud mouth cat-back on it, but I hope to do more soon. The worst gas mileage I have ever gotten with this car was 18 mpg city and thats before the mods, which now I never see below 20 mpg city even if I race it and highway is at about 28 mpg being relatively nice to the throttle!

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  Built Ford Tough - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Lee L. - February 25 - 7:50 pm

  Ive owned Dodge trucks all my life. Theyve been great but I wanted a change. I looked at Dodge, Ford and Chevy. Im glad I chose the Ford. I pull an 8000lb. trailer and it handles it surprisingly well for a 1/2 ton truck. The Dodge and Chevy definitely have more "get up" but the Ford pulls very well. Interior is definitely plush and the exterior is very sharp, especially with the 20" wheels and two-tone paint. Im very happy with the truck.

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  Absolutley Phenomenal Car! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Ryanrz - February 25 - 4:07 pm

  I drive 42k+ miles a year so yes I drive a lot. After having some unexpected problems with my Camry I figured Id give a Ford a try. Let me start out by saying this was a replacement for an 07 Camry XLE V6. My wife has a 08 Accord EXL. First of all it is so much more comfortable, my mileage is 28.5 on the highway and 20 in town. It has power to spare. It runs and drives worlds ahead of both my Camry and my wifes Honda. My Camry had 88k on it when I traded it in. Many problems with engine, cv issue, had rotors replaced under warranty, and tranny leaked at 85k. Was not cheap to repair. I am approaching 102k and have never seen a dealer for anything but regular maintainence. Unreal

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  Love my Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By JesY - February 25 - 12:31 pm

  I have read so many complaints about this van and I am shocked. I bought my van used 3 years ago with 15,000 miles on it and now I have 65,000 miles. I love everything about it. I will probably drive it until the wheels fall off. We have recently replaced the tires and the brakes. We have taken several trips to other states and the gas mileage has been good. My husband and I have owned all Fords except one vehicle and will continue to be loyal Ford owners.

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  Happy with my Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Happy with it - February 25 - 11:49 am

  This is my second Focus, and about the 10th Ford Ive owned. The vehicle has great reliability, I do all highway driving and have averaged about 31.5 MPG. Its not as good as my old Mazda GLC (averaged 51 MPG) I had in college, but for a commuter vehicle its pretty good. I intend to give it to my 14 y.o. as his car when he is ready.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By D. Crawford - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Second Explorer weve owned. Love both of them. The Exporer Sport is very stable. I got it sliding completely sideways on ice on the interstate at about 65 mph, slid onto gravel shoulder and pulled right out of it. We have 4.10 gears for pulling a small camper so mileage isnt the best but Im impressed with the V6 power. More room than a Cherokee or Blazer. No design problems and is well built. Will buy a third.

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  My favorite car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By rentamobile - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Since I am very short. I especially love the adjustable food pedals. It has made it much safer for me in the driver seat. I do not have to worry about the air bags hurting me. I love the comfort and reliability of this vehicle. I can carry 5 large adults comfortably. It travels longs distances with ease and comfort. Even after 11 straight hours of driving, I still feel comfortable in this vehicle. I would definitely recommend this car to everyone I know.

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  Love My Ford! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Rin Tin Tin - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely impressed with my truck.Looks much better than Escalade.Runs and rides smooth and quiet.Fit and finish is superb.No rattles,everything is solid.Has all the gadgets and all the gadgets work well.Sold my F-150 with 245,000(original engine, trans., and rear-end)to purchase 2003 Expedition.I think I have another great Ford on my hands.Sold 1988 F-150 for $3,500, still running great.Mechanic checked compression and said all of truck still great.Friend just traded in a 2001 Dodge with broken engine(for ANOTHER DODGE!)Suckers can have their Dodges.I want nothing but a Ford,thank you.A Chevy might do if Ford didnt exist.Thank God Ford does exist!