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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  Ford is a Ford is a Ford - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Elderchuck - September 3 - 8:56 pm

  Tie rods go out too often or am I driving it too hard? Acceleration is great, AC takes way too much and Ford knows best and wont let you turn the compressor off while leaving the fan on. Seats could be more comfortable are good for about an hour. Stiff shifter needs lubing too often. Best thing car goes fast and gets 34 MPG. Brakes too light for car.

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  Loves this car conditionally - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Jim Ives - September 3 - 2:59 am

  I went to the Explorer Limited after having a MKX. What I like about the Explorer is the light steering, the room with all the seats down, and the third power folding row seating. I have the two seat configuration in the 2nd row to allow for moving them back or forward for more legroom in the third row. I wish the auto fold didnt fold and tilt. I usually only want to fold the second row rather than tilting. What Im not pleased with is the short drivers seat, and the narrowness of the seat. Far more uncomfortable than the MKX. Im not the smallest person, but not overly large either, and they feel like a kids seat rather than an adults seat. I think they are more suited to a lean person. I am also not pleased with the power plugs. They are nicely placed, and I like the 110 plug in the front console. The problem is they arent always on. They shut down not long after shutting down the car. When camping, I need an always on plug to recharge a lithium ion battery I have, which means I have to run the car for 3 hours to recharge it. This was not the case In my MKX. I like the adjusting pedals as my wife has shorter legs than me, I like the 3 seat memory buttons, and the power tilt wheel. I also think the voice recognition has improved. The phone hang up button works much better than my MKX. All in all, I like the car with just the few issues I show above. If they fix those items, I would buy another one.

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  Dont Buy This Car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jwood23 - September 2 - 7:03 pm

  This is a great mid-life crisis car. Very fun to drive. Its almost impossible to keep your foot off of the gas.

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  handling - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By thomas - September 2 - 10:13 am

  This is a very stylish vehicle and everywhere I go people comment on the style and the lines of the vehicle. However, as good looking that the vehicle is, the handling characteristics are awful. On the highway, this vehicle just drifts from side to side and if youre not careful and look away from the road, you could find yourself drifting into another lane as fast as you can blink. When you correct for the drifting, it then overcompensates and you find yourself drifting in the opposite direction. Trying to keep this vehicle on the road in a straight direction for just a few seconds or so, is almost impossible.

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  Love My Explorer - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Fan - September 2 - 9:00 am

  I purchased this car under Fords Certified Used program. It looked brand new when I tested it. Driving it gave me the feeling that this was a solid, well built auto. I purchased the Limited because of all the features and options. Its a great value! In the four years Ive had it Ive only changed reasonable parts: ball joints and brakes. I had to replace the radio but with Fords extended warranty I was covered. This warranty also paid for the ball joints. Otherwise the car runs quiet with the V8 and I take it on all my long trips. Its got everything!

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  07 Last of the Nimble Focus Hatchbacks - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mojave_Explorer - September 2 - 3:56 am

  The little ZX3 is not a Mazda 3 but it is its less expensive cousin with the almost same 2.0 engine less the vvt. Too bad that Ford is replacing the hatch back in 08 with a coupe, but maybe it will drive just as well. I am getting 25 mpg in town and on a trip across California and Arizona on the interstate, I got 30 mpg average on a 400 mile trip, and my ZX is an automatic. I have only had it for a few months but they have been trouble free, and Ford now has a 5 year 60K warranty just in case. Its a solid little car for the price.

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  I love the car! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Bob 1122 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I got this car as a first car and it has been a great car. I love how it handles. The car seems like its on tracks. It never slides out. Not that I have tried.....lol i have had the recalls done and the only problem is that it seems to have some problems in the snow. But i think thats its just the tires. If you were looking for a small car look at the focus!

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  best small truckhad my 03 - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By jerry berte - September 2 - 2:00 am

  have my 03 edge supr cab 4wd now for 10 mos 12000 mi no problems ride kinda choppy on rough streets it will break loose if you go to fast over these type surfaces have since installed helweig sway bars f r end of problem cost under 200.i love the looks. much bettwr than buck toothed and rounded front fenders on tacoma and the 4.0 is very ballsy.great compact truck rangers rule

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  2003 Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rey - September 1 - 8:30 pm

  Overall this SUV is good for picking up kids. The rear AC really helps The dealer warranty is valuable since I bought it the rear AC fan, ignition switch and cruise control have failed. The $800 per year service charge will be worth it.

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  Festiva review - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By Reddove - September 1 - 2:34 pm

  Performance is what can be expected from a small car that gets 40 mpg. I find it low to the ground and have developed a way to climb out. Bad backs beware. Interior is very roomy and can fit three bales of hay inside. Seat plastic is cheap, lots of head room. Id want it to die so I can justify getting another car, but it wont. Tires last 20,000 miles. All in all it is the least expensive transportation I have ever had or can find again at .04 per mile. I have 130k city miles, three teenagers who have learned to drive on it. Goes great in the snow as long as you dont stop on a drift, it sinks.