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:

• 

  Fun little hot rod from SVT - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Chris - May 19 - 1:59 pm

  What a great car! Having owned SVT products in the past, I have always been impressed with the performance, handling and all around fun factor of these cars. This Focus was no exception. That being said, it does have its "quirkiness", mainly that the engine has an emissions-control function that makes the revs hang in-between shifts and that the dual-stage flywheel takes some getting used to. However, these are easily corrected by a "tune" for the ECU. It also adds 10 HP to wheels and allows you to scan for DTCs. The car handles extremely well for a front driver. You can actually get it to four wheel drift!! I have the EAP package-a must have!

• 

  Engine shuts down completely - 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By brices - May 18 - 6:46 am

  Had only 2,500 miles, weather conditions were hot, a/c was on, driving around town, lots of starting and stopping, gas engine would kick-in at times, and all of a sudden, the car just shuts down. Tracking light goes on, car dies, no power to nothing. Stranded. Had to sit for 30 minutes, tried it again, and worked, took to Haggerty Ford, found no error codes, nothing wrong, said maybe we blocked vents in back, there were not blocked, 1,500 miles later, same thing happened with same conditions, not, humid, a/c running, short trips around town, car completely dies out. Taking it to Ford dealer again, Has this happened to anybody out there. Weve totally lost any confidence in this car.

• 

  Got my C-Max SE a week ago - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By dweiser - May 18 - 12:41 am

  I really like how the C-Max rides and drives. I traded in a 2009 Honda Fit Sport on it and while I really liked the Fit and it gave me zero trouble, the C-Max is a much more pleasant vehicle to drive and ride in. I also owned a Honda Insight briefly and didnt like all its many hybrid "quirks". The C-Max is much more like a "normal" car and the switching from electric to gas and back is totally seamless! The brakes arent weird like the Insights were. I know its only been 7 days but I am LOVING my new C-Max! Oh, its also my first American car in something like 30 or 40 years!

• 

  great truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gunnar - May 16 - 2:00 am

  A well built vehicle thats fun and adventures

• 

  Still Happy With It - 2002 Ford F-150
  By CT - May 15 - 4:24 am

  Bought new in November 2002. Generally still like the vehicle and like the styling better than the new F-150 except for the front end. Absolutely love how comfortable the vehicle is front and back, and the quality of the leather seats are very good and easy to maintain. Have had few problems except with the drivers side heated seat and the keyless entry system, both of which were repaired under warranty. The paint quality is excellent and there are still no rattles and squeaks after 4 1/2 years. The dash is starting to look dated now, especially when compared to the new models. Undercarriage has some rust which in my view is premature. Great power with the 5.4, but fuel economy is only OK.

• 

  First, and Last, Taurus - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By XTREMEBIKER278 - May 14 - 4:35 am

  I bought this as my first car in may of 04 with 107k miles. Two years later, I had to junk it because it was not worth fixing this car every 2 or 3 months. It really is a shame too, because the interior design was amazing back in the day, and still is. I loved the nice touches such as digital climate controls. The 96 Taurus looked a little goofy compared to the previous gen, I got used to it and loved it eventually. The car was very roomy and comfortable, and easily seated 5, even 6 people. However, after spending $4k in repairs, and my mom doing the same for her 98 Sable, we moved on

• 

  Not another Ford! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By ghenry10 - May 9 - 1:03 pm

  After owning a 94 Escort (which still runs) that had a bunch of little problems around 80k, I swore I would never buy another compact Ford. So I tested the competition, only the Mazda 3 left me inspired, but with all the rebates Ford had going, the 3 would have been at least about 4k more. My frugal side just couldnt pass up a nicely loaded new car for under 14k out the door! Get the side airbags (poor safety rating without them).

• 

  Great car with minor flaws - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By CincyFusion - May 9 - 12:51 pm

  Ive driven my Fusion over 20k miles and enjoy the car. However, recently I noticed that Im getting more and more paint chips and not just in the hood as expected by road debris. I have multiple chips in the hood, but also each door with no dings to suggest they were caused by a careless driver in a parking lot. Dont get me wrong, I really enjoy my car and getting 31 mpg is fantastic, but I want it to look as good as it performs and right now, thats just not the case.

• 

  Great family van - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Sherri - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my mini. I have owned it for over two years now and have never experienced any problems. I love to pack my family in for fun times. Its roomy hatch area is great for groceries. I find it great on gas and quite reliable. A good choice.

• 

  Mikes Review - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Mike Caruso - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have like my ford explorer. The only problem I have is that the lack of room when we want to go camping with 3 kids.