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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  Most efficient SUV for your money!!! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Rafa - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The Explorer Sport is the kind of vehicle that will leave you with some extra cash on your wallet so you can go ahead and spend it on great outdoor activities you envisioned yourself prior to purchasing it. Fun to drive, strong engine, great looks, lots of room at a nice price tag.

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  Ill never drive another small ride! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By tirofog - August 15 - 10:00 am

  For the size of this vehicle it is great! Good gas mileage and handles like a dream. I will never own another small car again. This is the way to go. Alot of room, even for backseat passengers. Also, I love having the space in the back to haul things and carry things as needed. It may have been around for awhile but it is still one of the best for the price and look.

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  Hot pick - 2000 Ford Focus
  By InfernoJ - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Purchasing the Focus ZX3 is definately one of the best choices I have made thus far. The new sportier design and its compact, but roomy size made some heads turn whenever I drive by a crowd. The ZX3 has definately made a statement; this new sporty car is here to stay.

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  03 GT Convertible - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Jon Ross - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Fun To Drive.... Like back in the 50s and 60s.

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  03 stang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By james motto - August 15 - 10:00 am

  i was very impressed with this vehice for price and performance its worth it.True muscle car!

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  Nice, dependable (so far) - 2002 Ford Focus
  By John - August 14 - 10:30 pm

  We bought our Focus from a private party who wanted to get out of his Ford lease he had through the family. We couldnt pass up the deal, and bought it, even though we wanted a Civic. Knock on wood...so far its been great. Its roomy, runs great (although it has that little Fordish-tractorish purr), requires little gas, and handles well. My wife is a teacher, and we needed a reliable vehicle. If you are in a similar situation, I highly recommend this car. Trust me, I spent 2 weeks researching all compacts, and this ones got most bang for our buck.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By MacAtac - August 14 - 4:23 pm

  Truly designed with the driver in mind. From the amenities and comfort of the interior to the way it handles and performs on both city streets and open highways, this is one impressive vehicle! Acceleration and maneuverability beats Saturn, Chevrolet, Toyota and Honda in comparable class vehicles and at a great price. We purchased the base model SE, but all the extras like MicroSoft Sync, top of the line sound system with a 6 CD changer, radio and cruise control in the steering wheel, roof rack, anti-theft system, etc. this vehicle is in a class of its own. The ride is extremely comfortable cruising at 70 mph feels like youre going 30 or 35 and bumps are almost unnoticeable.

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  Escape, Fantastic - 2005 Ford Escape
  By TONY - August 14 - 6:13 am

  So far the only complaint I have is when its get dirty! This is one heck of an SUV. I love this Ford Escape. Very strong, yet very car like. Handles very well, tight. Im 62 and very comfortable with the power seating. Controls are fine for me. Good Job Ford!

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  I love this car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By New Contour - August 14 - 1:58 am

  Bought this car new for my wife and it lasted 11 years and 140,000 miles and its still going. Great while the kids were young but too small now. Front seats are suprisingly comfortable for a small car. I wish they still made them because this would be great for my kids when they become new drivers.

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  2016 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD w/EcoBoost - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By allanp - August 14 - 12:08 am

  Picked up this car @ the end of May & have to say, so far, it has lived up to past reviews; it is a TERRIFIC car in all categories. The ride, build quality, comfort, tech features, etc. - its all on point! The interior is VERY quiet & the sound system is like having the Boston Symphony Orchestra riding along with you. I have owned MANY cars thru the years & have to say that by far, this is the best sounding system I have EVER heard; figures, with 12 speakers! The features are all customizable & you can turn on / off, the things you dont need / use. The owners manual is quite extensive, I use it as a reference, rather than read it in its entirety! Dont walk, RUN to your dealer & get one!