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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  American Quality - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By elibruno - July 7 - 8:30 pm

  Too bad Ford doesnt know how to advertise and promote this vehicle; no crossover within $8K has its attributes; we traded in a BMW 3 series sportwagon (5 grandkids now!) and dont miss it all. Utility is beyond belief.

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  162,000 mile SHO and going strong! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Negative/cutter - July 7 - 3:19 pm

  My SHO is amazing! It is still comfortable, fast and handles great! 12 years later! It is going to be hard to part with this car!

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  What a great truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By James - July 7 - 12:56 pm

  I had my choice of vehicles to pick from for my company vehicle, so a lot of people raised their eyebrows when I pulled into the office lot with a fully decked out F-150 Lariat ... until they looked at the interior. The clients I entertain always comment on the interior. This truck is quiet and smooth. At nearly 19,000 miles, the truck has been flawless with no rattles or other annoying problems to contend with. I looked at everything, foreign and domestic, and I cannot imagine finding a better built vehicle.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By D Lolohea - July 7 - 11:42 am

  I love the way it drives so smooth. The comfort and nice space in car. The sound system is great. Very nice sedan!

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  Posh and Vroom, Vroom! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Kristina Fentress - July 6 - 11:59 pm

  I was hesitant about spending $50k on a Ford Explorer. I looked at Lexus and Range Rover pre owned... The 2016 Platinum Ford Explorer blew the other two away in every way. I love my car. My husband has a Land Cruiser Range Rover, mine is much better (electronics, 3 USB ports that charge in 1/2 time, the stereo rocks, the engine, the massaging chairs, I could go on and on).

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Awesome!! by Tom - July 6 - 6:50 am

  This car is a head-turner, everyone comments on it. Took a friend for a ride and he said "I didnt think they made cars like this anymore, this thing is unbelievable. I had the GT-500 stripes, side window louvers, taillight bezels and special grill added to this. I am planning to add a Roush supercharger to take this to 415hp. I love this car. This is the most customizable car on the planet. There are thousands of cool add on parts for this car.

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  Getting a Word in Edge-wise - 2008 Ford Edge
  By GMan - July 5 - 10:33 pm

  Took delivery of my 08 Edge AWD Limited on 10 Nov 2007, (approx. three weeks after placing an order for it with the dealership), and have really been enjoying the ride since. Loaded with just about every option, including many of the Ford accessories. Good looks (in Redfire Metallic & 20" chromed wheels), good features (SYNC, NAV, SIRIUS), and a good time driving it around. Just spun past 750 miles on the odometer so just getting started, but its everything I expected so far (& more). A real "head turner" here in my town!

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  solid choice - 2003 Ford Focus
  By tmk - July 4 - 10:00 am

  If you are thinking of buying a compact car, take a look at the Ford Focus. I looked at Hondas and Toyotas but settled on a beige 4 door Focus SE, and I have been really happy with this car. The ride is smooth and comfortable, as is the interior/seating. The exterior styling has grown on me, and now I am stoked on it. The trunk is freakin huge, big enough for trips or a trip to the grocery store. I got a 6 disc in dash player and this is worth the extra cash. Very safe car with the family in mind. You just cant lose on this car--especially with Ford offering mad cash back on the Focus, go get one!

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  tight car to buy - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Acer187 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  i love the price and the color of the car its tight... thats all i gotta say :)

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  Way better than expected! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Matt - July 3 - 11:17 am

  We bought our Edge the day before we headed out to Orlando for vacation. The car averaged 25 mpg there and back, thought that was fantastic. Since we got back and just travel around town, the mileage has averaged between 17.5mpg and 18.5mpg. Thats still pretty good to me considering its an SUV and we both have a pretty heavy foot. The engine isnt the quickest from a dead stop but it does pretty good, however when youre up to speed it really gets up and goes when you want to pass slower drivers. My wife and I both love the car more every time we drive it. To think I was worried about buying a Ford product seems a little silly now.