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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  Great Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By FocusFan - December 26 - 8:11 pm

  This is my first car and so far it has been great. Weve had it for a year and it hasnt had so much as a battery problem-Extremely reliable. The car is easy and fun to drive with tight steering and a lot of zip to it. Both the interior and exterior have a really cool design. I do a have some complaints The interior-actually the whole car- has an overuse of cheap plastic and the brakes squeak, but only in very cold, rainy, or snowy weather. If youre looking for a reliable car you cant go wrong with the Focus.

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  great car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By chuck1 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Have had no problems. Its really smooth on the highway and cruises well. The ride is nice, and the engine is probably the best feature. Gets about 24 mpg on the highway, which is not as good as its supposed to be, but its plenty powerful. The seats could be better.

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  This vehicle could have been more reliable - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By woodinva - December 26 - 9:26 am

  Replaced Good year Tires RTS at 10k ( dealer replace) then again they wore out at 40K . Tranny replaced at 37K miles. Shocks replaced at 40K miles ALl new Front end & ball joints replaced at 40K miles. Bearings replaced at 40k miles. Got new Michelin LTX M+S at 40K miles now rides like a dream if you ROTATE tires every 10k miles.

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  75K No Problems with reliability - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Terry - December 25 - 8:03 am

  Owned for 4yrs and 75k miles. Drive 70 miles a day on main hwys to work. No major issues. 36 - 38 mpg. Just had serviced all good . brake pads 75% left. Upgraded tires for better winter traction. Rear deck material falling apart. Drivers rubber molding comes loose.

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  Initial Review - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By jepearson - December 25 - 2:00 am

  So far, I am pleased.

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  FUN MUSTANG - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By MIKE - December 25 - 2:00 am

  tHIS IS MY 3RD MUSTANG. THE BEST ONE SO FAR. GOT TRIPLE BLACK CONVERTIBLE. A GREAT CAR FOR A GREAT PRICE.

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  Nice truck, Terrible Fuel Economy - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By maxlessca - December 24 - 3:56 pm

  Ive been looking around for my first vehicle for the last 2 years. I really wanted a car, which could tow a 2000lb trailer. I eventually gave up the struggle and bought a Ranger. It was the 4.0L with every option except 4wd. All my friends/ family love it. I was so happy with my purchase... until I started filling it up. It has terrible fuel economy. Im very light footed and I average 11mpg city and 18mpg highway with cruise on 60mph. (Worst fill-up so far was 9.5mpg) Also, the 6-disc CD changer went on me the first time I put a CD in it. It jammed up on me. I love the towing capabilities and the features (air, cruise, power everything, strong engine), but the fuel economy is terrible.

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  2000 Ford Contour Sport - 2000 Ford Contour
  By GB - December 24 - 7:08 am

  This vehicle has incredible performance for the price. Its fast and handles great and is comfortable inside. Most fun car Ive had since an 86 Mustang SVO. Drove it on a 2000 mile trip and it got 28 MPG as well. Im surprised there is not more of an enthusisasts aftermarket for these.

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  Love this car!! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By James - December 24 - 5:37 am

  Ive driven this car from Florida to new york multiple times, and its amazing!! Very comfortable and easy to drive. It has superior handling due to its fully electric steering. I was almost in an accident due to a sudden stop and the brakes on this car are awesome. It has a pretty good sound system, but the problem is I can never get the Bluetooth to connect on my phone!!. The car has decent acceleration with the 2.5 liter, but not the best at passing cars on the highway (takes a while), but it easily cruises at 100mph on the highway. Driving through the mountains, the engine is pretty noisy if you do around 80mph due to high reving. Other than that, its an amazing car and I love it!!

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  Room for improvement - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Sharon Machicek - December 23 - 7:07 pm

  My biggest piece of advise on this SUV......drive it at night time before you buy it, because night visibility is horrible!! Front seats are not comfortable but back seats are great. Love how the back seats recline. Were a family of three so plenty of room. Love how fast it accelerates in "sport" mode. Ride can be a bit rough, but 22s will do that. Ive had a couple issues with the driver side door not registering its closed. Had to take it in on two separate occasions to have it fixed. Had a sensor go bad & back up camera stopped working so had to be replaced. Overall I like my Edge Sport, but the lights on it are ridiculously bad. Would I buy it again....no. Looking forward to the day I trade it in.