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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  A Transmission Too Soon - 2012 Ford Focus
  By fordo2 - June 17 - 11:37 am

  This is my seventh new Ford product and Im exceptionally disappointed with the engine/transmission. With 7,000 miles on it, the transmission is still shifting very hard and has not somoothed out like the dealer said it would. Quite possibly Ford put this on the street before the bugs were worked out. The engine runs exceptionally rough and another dealership said that all 4-bangers do that - my 2005 Focus didnt. I think dealerships are making up excuses because the quality of the car wasnt quite yet ready to hit the market. The one we test drove was much smoother than the one we ordred. Will Ford Motor Company ever make a car that doesnt rattle? Very disappointed! Fordo2

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  09 AWD Escape Hybrid Base Review - 167K Miles - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By acd72 - June 16 - 8:27 pm

  All in all it has been a solid vehicle. No major repairs. Bought used from a dealer 2.5yrs ago w/ 40K. I drive 50K miles/yr for work. In the summer I avg 28-31MPG. In the winter 26-27mpg. Not sure how much cold weather affects mileage, because I let the car warm up in the driveway regulary. Recently my wife started driving and avgs 23-25MPG. Thought something wrong, so I reset the mpg. It went up to 30. I believe the driver has the most impact on MPG.

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  Ford Club Wagon - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By G. N. - June 16 - 2:06 pm

  Excellent all around vehicle. Very capable for trailering a 3500 boat & trailer. Flexible interior with removable rear bench seat for cargo hauling.

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  Good Car, Even Better Value - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Allston - June 16 - 10:42 am

  I bought this car in the summer during Fords Family Pricing event and got it for $11K. Great functionality, it can fit a elephant in it. Even better than its functionality is its performance, I love it! Drives like its on rails and 0-80 performance is a blast. 5 speed has a good feel and you always know where you are. Great functionality, amazing to drive, 30+ mpg average economy. Dont buy the car to be seen in, I still dont really like the idea of driving a Focus but if you want an inexpensive, reliable, FUN TO DRIVE, good little car, this is for you. And Ive gotta say, after 20,000 amazing miles, Ive gotten a lot more comfortable with the idea of having this as my car.

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  good truck for the family but bad gas mi - 2003 Ford F-150
  By troybuilt - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Ilike the truck overall but the power when towing is a little low and the gas milage is horrible. 16 mpg un loaded 11 when towing a lite trailer. on the freeway. 5.4L motor 3.55 RR. I am 6-2" and the inside fits me great. the truck dynos at the rear wheels hp 185@4051 rpm / tq.258@3323 rpm.

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  Very first truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By John C. Stec - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I needed a truck for all the side work I do.

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  Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By BGRA - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I genuinely adore my Ford Escape. The only faults I have with them is the cigarette lighter broke early and when pushing the gas pedal, at times it feels as if Im not getting the immediate response that I should be at times. A friend purchased the same vehicle and has the exact same problems. Her interior design is better than mine in my opinion because I have an open console. I feel the gear shift is too long and placed where it interfers with the radio adjustments. All things aside, it has excellent room, it great on handeling and is overall a wonderful vehicle.

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  great little car that keeps on running! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By markiejohng - June 14 - 11:40 pm

  I purchased my 1998 Ford Escort LX back in Sept. of 2005 and this car has been nothing but a great little ride. It is very reliable, has peppy performance with the 5-speed, drives very well, the interior is very functional, and the body is in excellent shape. It provides me with great all-around transportation. It had 121,000 miles when I purchased it and the motor continues to run strong like new. It gets excellent gas mileage. All around, it has been a great car to own. The only things I have had to replace was a thermostat and a new battery. Other than that, it just keeps running and running.

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  Still Lovin it - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By darrin - June 14 - 8:42 pm

  Owned this car for almost a year. Still drives like new. Its my daily driver and I have a blast commuting. No problems.

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  Still love It - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By linda - June 14 - 6:15 pm

  Still loving this car. Handles great, looks great. Still an eye turner after 18 months. Went from an Escalade to the Mustang (what a dichotomy) and have not regretted it. I usually get a new car every 2 years but the Mustang I plan to keep. Have not gotten tired of it yet. I believe Ford designers really did the job right this time.