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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  Car stop running once a while and could not start engine for a while - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By tjshiau - August 27 - 1:39 am

  My 2013 Ford C-MAX hybrid SE could not run during driving (i.e. stop at traffic light) and could not start the engine for a while from a few second to two hours. It will start the engine and run again after this. However, it will happen again either one month later or a few minutes later. It is not safe to drive this car. I am not so sure whether this car has this issue or this model has this issue. I like to know whether this is design issue or some bugs on my car only. To be fair, this car is powerful with good gas mileage. My average gas mileage is 40.4 mile per gallon after 7000 mileage. If the traffic is good, it could be over 50 mile per gallon or between 43 and 47 mile per gallon.

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  Fun Wagon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By reizul - August 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Focus. My first was a lemon (dealer caused the problem)that Ford bought back. I like it so much that I thought Id give it another try. Im not disappointed. Good interior room and lots of space to haul things. Having a kid and a 85 lbs dog forced me to get a wagon and the only thing I dont like is driving an automatic. Will I buy another??Well see in 4 more years when it is paid off. Right now Ill say YES!

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  Ford F-150 SB Stepside - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Reggie Tommie - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Overall, Ive been pleased with my truck. Its been reliable.

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  My First SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Angela Malo - August 26 - 10:00 am

  We live at the end of a long driveway. Two winters agao, I got stuck in the driveway 2 tmes due to heavy snow. I told my husband that I was not going to get stuck again. AFter having already a 4WD Ranger, we decided to purchase a 2002 Explorer. I have had the explorer for 11 months, and I love it. It was a great purchase...................

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  Im now a Ford man! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Bradley - August 25 - 6:29 pm

  I bought my 93 sedan with 65k on the clock and now have 76k+. I get 40 mpg around town and 48 on the hwy. It is a manual! Im 61" and find the car adequately comfortable for 500+ mile trips to VA from NY state. Plan a trip to see friends in San Antonio TX this winter. The car feels brand new, smells new and the body is sharp. That is great considering all the salt on NY state roads in winter. It handles great in snow with care. Cold or hot weather no problem. Never owned a ford but love this car. My 70 year old mother loves it too. The fold down seats are handy. The insurance rates are great on it. Not flashy but I dont need to prove anything to anyone. I just need to think of a name for her. RUBY?

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  One of the Greatest Cars Ever! - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Joe - August 24 - 9:05 pm

  The Festiva is a worthy and honorable successor to the Ford Fiesta. This car has seen me through fair weather and foul. Its brought me safely home to my family on weekends in the worst of weather, when I was working hundreds of miles away. It has provided basic, reliable transportation for daily trips to Pittsburgh, taking the kids to school, the dog to the vet, grocery shopping and so on. Its not hard to recognize in the mall parking lot, though you may have trouble seeing it behind all of the land yachts. It has all of the character that 3 kids and a lot of road time can give a car over 13 years. I can hear how its running, I can feel how its driving, it suits me.

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By MEAHTUH - August 24 - 8:26 am

  Love the comfort, space, handling and fuel economy (high 20s consistently). I am partial to the styling vs. the new "Taurus" design. This is my wifes car which is used mainly for business. Incredible space in trunk for her samples. She can haul about as much as a pickup with seats down. No exaggeration. Problems so far - CD did not work soon after purchase and was replaced. Rear brakes! Worn out at 28K. Dealer said this was normal. We had them replaced at a local shop. 2 weeks later, received letter from Ford extending warranty on them to 36K miles - big deal. They should last longer than that. Received refund for the work we had done.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2005 Ford Focus
  By gearhed79 - August 24 - 5:33 am

  So far so good, as Ive only put 3500 miles on it -- surprisingly roomy for such a small car. Lots of features available at a good price. Fuel economy is good even with "spirited" driving.

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  1994 Aerostar - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Jeff - August 21 - 2:32 pm

  This has been an amazing work horse. The van now has 208,00 miles and going strong. I have had it serviced every 3,00 miles, but has had only one tune-up after 12 years of service. The vehicle is hard on brakes and starters. Now in its retirement years, its used primarily for trips to the hardware store. Compared with other vehicles I have owned, the Aerostar has been the most dependable of them all and the cheapest to purchase.

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  excellent value for the money - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By JAM - August 21 - 2:10 pm

  The 2006 Ford Freestar is a excellent value for the money. Saved about $5000 off price with Ford rebates and dealer incentives. Excellent value for under $20k with SE appearance package, Advance Trac with reverse sensing and dvd entertainment system. The only thing is the 3rd row seat is low to floor. Ok for kids. The interior has great styling and storage space.