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 American Made Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Craig - May 25 - 12:33 am

  I read a lot of negatives in the reviews, but I dont see any, this car its comfortable, fast and fun. Corners with the best of them, great seats, good looking. The tires, they are in fashion, that was the intent. Ill replace them when they ware out with longer lasting touring tires, the performance tires it came with are not my 1st choice. Im so sick of the import bias, I had a Honda and a Toyota and they both had major problems. the bias comes from the fact that they are new cars, keep your Toyota for 8-12 yrs and it will fall apart too. I had a escort se and I old it @ 170,000 miles with no major problems.

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  I love it. - 2008 Ford Focus
  By rynashley - May 24 - 11:09 pm

  I absolutely love my Focus. I got it as an early graduation present and immediately fell in love with it. It has gotten stuck in the wrong gear a couple of times but other than that it is great. I dont really like the small tires on it because mine have gone flat a few times. But I would highly recommend this car.

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  2011 GT Coupe Cali Edition - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By CaliGT - May 24 - 8:15 pm

  Have owned for a few days and it is SICK! Performance awesome. The SYNC system is outstanding.

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  So far-so good- - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cj - May 24 - 7:22 pm

  After reviewing this site for several vehicles I was looking at Im happy to say that I decided on the F-150. Granted I have only had this beautiful black truck for twenty-four hours! It has high mileage,154,000, but runs and handles real strong. My roommate has a Chevy Quad cab 4wd long bed which I enjoyed driving except it was hard to park and turn corners, but the truck was fun to drive. This truck gives me equal pleasure, with the added bonus of turning corners easily and ease of parking. The ride is smooth, and everything is working at this point. There is a worn ball joint that will need to be replaced soon. Will post again as my time grows with this truck.

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  Solid performance for any decade - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Knyght_ryder_gt - May 24 - 3:32 pm

  First mustang was a 96 gt black with saddle interior. This is incomparable. The classic look of a 69, or 70 with subdue design for the tail lights and spoiler. Unique. Have to opt for the 5 speed manual, GT premium, and saddle interior with ambient lighting, shaker 1000 audio, accompanied by Microsoft SYNC. Upgraded rims and the candy apple red look great on the outside, while the lighter interior adds comfort and contrast. And performance without falter, put the advance trac in sport mode and smoke a couple of imports. With a growl from the exhaust that could only previously be heard with aftermarket upgrade. Thank you ford.

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  Solid - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Matt - May 24 - 2:12 pm

  I knew even when I bought this car that I would never truly love it, but it has been rock solid for me over the last three years. Outside of routine maintenance, I havent had a single headache or repair. I keep wanting something to go wrong so I can talk my wife into letting me get a sexier vehicle, but my Focus just keeps plugging away. I could have paid far more for a used Civic or Corolla, but I wouldnt have gotten a better or more reliable car.

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  2 Years and counting! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By sparkman7x7 - May 24 - 12:47 pm

  Had my 2008 Focus for just about 2 years just put my second set of tires (not counting original) got Michelin this time expect a little better mileage out of them did not need alignment (super) lost the Sirius radio this year to much repeats love the car overall average town and country still 34.4 MPG interior holding up well another trip to Texas and back this spring

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  First Time Buyer - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Mike - May 24 - 11:45 am

  Needing a car for a 50 mile commute daily, I scoured the market and landed on this beauty. I am impressed with the fuel economy, the price but most of all, the reliability. Got this car for $11,700 after much debate. Ford has greatly improved their cars and I will be buying another Ford once this ones life is complete. I compared this to an Hyundai Accent and Kia Forte, which were roughly more but felt amazingly cheap and poorly built. You will not be disappointed with this car.

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  Lacking indicators - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Doug Philippa - May 24 - 9:16 am

  No way of knowing your headlights are on or off No indicator to let you know cruise control is on only when you set it. No indicator to let you know that your sunroof is open even after vehicle is shut off.Left it open the 2nd day I owned the car and it rained that night! Loud vibrating & resonating when sun roof is open while driving over 55 MPH Only 2 speed selection on transmission, I like to downshift on downgrades- if you shift to low in this car youll probably damage the transmission and your neck!

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  Nice ride, but needs improvements - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Lenny D - May 24 - 8:51 am

  I have nothing bad to say about the car, except the interior. Now, I would describe this as retro with a modern flair. In my opinion, there is to much metal and chrome for my liking. I do however, absolutely adore the panoramic roof. It is awesome for those hot summer days. Thank god for the redesign this summer.