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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  Great car if you can handle a weird transmission - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Haley Reynolds - March 19 - 1:28 pm

  This car is my first car and I noticed after a week or two of having it that when I would be at a complete stop and then accelerate it was jerk on me. Its annoying at times but its normal. Believe the car dealership when they say its normal. Its the made of the transmission, Its a mix between a standard and an automatic. I never have a shifting problem when im going fast and steady only when im in town and traffic is crazy and im stopping and going for a while. in low gears its acts like a standard and jerks you a little. The gas tank is small so I fill up alot seems like. But other than that its a good car. very comfortable and good speakers. The steering basically can handle its self almost. Love this little car as my first car.

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  Focus Lives Up - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Bill - March 19 - 2:16 am

  This car does exactly what I expected it to do. Delivers very acceptable ride and performance with exceptional mpg. No issues or dissapointments. Just utilitarian transportation at a very reasonble expense.

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  Fun SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By cb - March 18 - 9:50 pm

  This is a great little SUV. Its small enough to not feel as cumbersome as many of the larger utes, but still avoids feeling like a "toy", which I did not find to be true of the RAV4 and CR-V I took a look at. We got the Limited with every option except towing and sunroof. Ive never had much use for a sunroof, and if I wanted to tow, I would buy a larger vehicle intended for that type of use. Highly recommend the titanium green color. It maintains a clean appearance longer than many colors, and looks great in sunlight. Overall a very nice vehicle, with surprising options. Highly recommended.

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  40th Anniversary Special - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By alias - March 18 - 12:34 pm

  Good on the road, parking, and looks. Would buy another one.

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  Ford F-150 4X Experience - 2005 Ford F-150
  By D. Stellmacher - March 17 - 12:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle after several years in a Ranger. The main reason for the move to a larger truck is so I could load an ATV in the bed and do away with a trailer. Excellent move, but at the time of purchase the longer beds were not available thus I have to remove the cross-over box if I want the ATV totally inside the bed, or I have to secure with the tailgate down. Just returned from a week long trip in the wilds of the Nevada desert and found the F-150 perfect for my needs and excellent ride. It does NOT get the mileage in the city as advertised; a little better on the highway, especially if you utilize cruise control, but off-road, for some reason, it got excellent mileage!

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  My New Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Terry Kobza - March 16 - 9:04 pm

  With less than 600 miles on the car the only real problem I have is the fuel economy. Could use better seats with lumbar adjustment. Also a temperature gauge like my F-150 SuperCrew and a compass. Other than that it seems like a real nice car. My wife drives it and appears pleased. Oh yes. Power disc brakes at least in front, all as standard equipment. Ford I hope youÂ’re reading this.

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  Ford Fusion SEL - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Dirk Digler - March 16 - 10:23 am

  The car is fun to drive and handles well in the SEL model. Road noise is very low for this price of car. A great addition for Ford to compete against the Japanese models (Nissan, Honda, Toyota).

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  Beautiful Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Mountain Man - March 15 - 2:26 pm

  The Lariat F150 was the nicest designed truck we drove. The interior was extremely nice and beat its competitors hands down. Its very well appointed truck but we have taken it into the mountains on some very tight 4WD trails and it has been a great off-road truck. We will primarily using the truck for hauling large items and off-roading to get to quiet places in the mountains. If we were more interested in towing, the F-150 may not have been in play. From a quality/reliability perspective, we thought the Tundra had the edge but we were convinced the Ford would last for a very long time. We have had great success with Fords in the past.

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  Great - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By JUST - March 15 - 11:01 am

  Bought this car used with 120k on it. It has been a blast to drive. Great gas mileage, 26MPG. Tons of spaces. put about 40k on it just had to change the alternator. Been coast to coast twice. SO MUCH FUN FOR A WAGON!

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  Wheel hop - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Robert Wittwer - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I was able to beat a Corvett, barely. I dont think it will beat a Z06, not in stock form like mine. I do have a problem with wheel hop most of the time. I would buy another one.