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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  So Far, So Good - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By 1st Time Ford Buyer - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I had a Chevy TrailBlazer for 2-1/2 years and although it was a great truck, Im really enjoying my new Eddie Bauer. The ride is much smoother; the stereo is much better; and the features are fun!

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  2004 F 150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JimA - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a breathe of fresh air not only for Ford, but for people looking for a god, solid, American truck that will last.

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  Escape to Ford - 2005 Ford Escape
  By June Keller - March 6 - 10:00 am

  A midsize SUV at a good price. Handles better than the Toyota CRV that i owned before this one also larger than the Toyota. I wish it had a door in the rear like the Toyota CRV had. The hatch back is ok, but i prefer a door. Door is much easier to open and close when taking things in and out. Other than the door issue the Escape is a solid SUV. (needs a built in ashtray, LOL)

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  First Ford - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Convert - March 6 - 9:20 am

  Wow. This car pulled me out of my Mopars for the first time in my life (age 41). I have not liked Ford car designs for years now. Nothing excited me like this car (in this price range). I have the manual and the shifting is very smooth. For 300 hp I think the acceleration is poor but the sound is awesome. The sound is why I got the V8 over the V6. The handling is very "secure". The driving outputs match the inputs very well. The retro dash with MyColor is a great mix of new and old. I feel the 500 radio is more than enough for someone my age. Great convertible top seal so far. Low wind noise. Mentioned before on this site, this car sure does get looks! Screaming Yellow.

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  Fun Car to drive - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Allen - March 5 - 6:40 pm

  This is a stylish comfortable sport sedan. I started out to buy the 4 cylinder, but after a test drive of the V-6, I was convinced it was for me. I am very well pleased with the overall performance of the SE V-6. It has excellent acceleration. The optional abs braking is wonderful. The ride is extremely smooth adding to the comfort for driver and passengers. It is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven.

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  Perfect car - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Christopher Cote - March 5 - 1:57 pm

  Do your research, this is a car that dealers like to overprice due to it being eye candy for the dealer lot, a great deal can be had all you need is persistence

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  Love it - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Kat - March 5 - 12:28 pm

  I purchased this car in new in 2003. got a great deal on the leftover!I love this car. Its alot of fun to drive. Ive had a few minor issues. Had to replace the battery 3 times in 5 years and the oxygen sensor once. Overall though I love this car and will definitely buy another.

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  Daddys Toy - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mr. Wolf - March 4 - 10:10 pm

  Ive been waiting 20 years to purchase a GT Mustang. Good things come to those who wait. Downside, 4 out of 5 Ford dealers in Las Vegas are adding $3000 to MSRP and wont budge. Dealer 5 didnt play this loser game and I bought it! I drove the GTO 6.0 , but stuck with the GT Mustang, it just felt better and was more just what the doctor ordered. If you dont have one, you owe it to yourself to take a test drive.

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  Second Escort Ive owned - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Nicole - March 4 - 8:15 pm

  This is the second Escort Ive owned and if they still made them, Id buy another. I average 30-35 mpg, once getting 38. And this car has been so reliable Always starts, although sometimes hesitantly if its below zero. I have only done regular maintanence on it, no major repairs. I did have some minor tranny trouble that a flush and new fluid took care of.

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  Best. Purchase. Ever. - 2016 Ford Focus
  By ilan - March 4 - 3:08 pm

  Recently chose a Focus as my first new car (SE sedan w/ the 4-cylinder and a manual transmission) after having driven the Mazda3, Golf, Jetta, Elantra, Forte, Cruze, Civic, Corolla and Lancer. Being a driving enthusiast (albeit on a serious budget) I found all but the Ford, Mazda 3 and the VWs to be pretty awful. In the case of the Focus it is for all intents and purposes the same car that I recently drove in Portugal and feels very much like a small European sports sedan. Steering is precise, handling is stellar for what it is, the interior is of high quality (with a bit of a playful, cockpit-like feel), the ride is taught and compliant, the 4-banger produces adequate power and and theres very little road noise compared to the competition. The fact that I paid less than $13,000 (with incentives and rebates) for such an experience is well...pleasingly ridiculous every day. That it came with nicer wheels and tires than the Mazda3 or Jetta (16" alloys with Continentals) and all the basic power and infotainment options including a backup camera, etc. just sweetened the deal. Yes, the VWs are more refined and the Mazda is a bit more playful but for those that love to drive value-wise the Focus blows everything else out of the water. I almost got the Jetta turbo but in the end was happy spending thousands less for a lot of fun while supporting American manufacturing (the Focus is built in Michigan) versus a company that knowingly poisoned the planet and deceived millions of consumers. Yes I was aware of the reliability issues surrounding the dual-clutch transmission and although I understand things have gotten better, I dealt with my concerns by getting the manual I wanted anyway. My only serious gripes about the car is that I would love a center armrest that extends like the VWs and the backseat couldnt possibly be any tighter and miserable than it is. Overall though I couldnt be happier with my purchase and highly recommend the Focus to anyone who loves to drive but doesnt have the funds to spring for a GTI, WRX or ST.