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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  c-max - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By puremichigan - March 2 - 9:25 am

  We now have 3746 miles on the car on our 12 day road trip - we averaged 37.1 mpg. Not bad considering all the thing that can degrade mileage; load ( passengers; usualy 2, sometimes 5, plus cooler, luggage, gifts and so forth) temperature (cold - 19 to 49 degrees farenheit) terrain ( Ozarks & Texas hill country) speed (mostly highway 65 to 75 mph) I took multiple 100 mile - mpg samples by resetting the trip data at different speeds 75 mph = 35mpg 65 mph = 39 mpg 55 mph = 44 mpg 45 mph = 56 mpg I assume that the engine is now broke in and that we will get noticably better mileage on local surface streets.

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  MY EDDIE - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By JOJO JO - March 2 - 2:00 am

  GREAT SUV, DOES IT ALL, GOOD WEATHER OR BAD. DEPENDABLE GOOD LOOKING AND COMFORTABLE, WE JUST BOUGHT ANOTHER ONENOW WE HAVE TWO , BOTH GREAT

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  Great Trucks (20000 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By brabber - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my third ranger. And I have only had one little problem with a oil pressure sensor (with 62000 miles). The trucks are solid and never seem to have problems. I have driven thousands of rough miles in Baja Mexico and not had any problems, which is a very good thing when I am in the middle of no where. I have read complaints about dealers fixing problems but I havent had to take any of mine in.

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  great car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By hockeyfeva - March 2 - 2:00 am

  great car, never any problems, runs great, itll treat you right if you keep the maintenance up, comfortable, nice interior design, exterior design and different you will turn heads

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  The Return of The King - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jchiar - March 2 - 1:10 am

  Great car. Use to own a 69 fastback and hated the designs of the Mustang ever since - until now. This years model is the best since then. It has classic styling, awesome performance and the best thing about it is that it is completely re-tooled. Which means it is not related to any of the 71-04 models. It gets looks wherever I drive it from all age groups. It has brought back my enthusiasm for the Mustang again. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Freestyle very versatile - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Neeltje Vismantas - March 1 - 10:40 pm

  Ive only had this vehicle for a little over 4 weeks. It is fun to drive and has enough power. It has plenty of room for very tall people although when they are 6 feet 7 inches tall you might want to skip the moonroof. Most all of us in the family are tall. With AWD it handles very good in the rain and around corners which is good for me as I have never been comfortable making right turns at higher speeds. The gas mileage is better than an SUV even though it seats 7 comfortable. So far it has been a great vehicle with absolutely no problems. It is easy to get into and out and I love to drive it as do both my very tall sons who now would like to get one.

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  Perfect 10 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Kaytie - March 1 - 4:30 am

  This is my first truck and I do not know how I lived without it! I grew up in a truck family (both Fords and Chevys) so naturally I wanted a truck but did not want to give up car styling. Was I blown away, the 04 FXR is great on road and off and even gets looks from my friends!

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By captnmorgan - February 29 - 9:54 pm

  I looked around for about 2 weeks before I found this car. I had been looking at the Mercury Milan or a Fusion before I drove the 500 and decided to test drive a Taurus. I can say this is the best car I have ever driven. The overall quality is well above its price. Most of my co- workers drive BMW and Mercedes and would rather have my car after looking at it.

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  08 New Ranger - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By bill - February 27 - 9:41 pm

  I bought a 08 XLT supercab 4x4, with all of the goodies in and out. It is nice in regards to the ride (have owned othere 4x4s, beats all. Gas mileage is ok, stereo is great. 4x4 smooth. Just an all around nice ride.

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  SEXY! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Lisa - February 26 - 7:10 pm

  I have owned my 2007 Ford Edge for 2 weeks and absolutely LOVE it! Supposedly the first version of the CUV was the 1996 Toyota RAV4, which I traded in for the Edge. People who see me and my new Edge think its "sexy". I think they are referring to the 6 speed automatic, 265 horsepower, or maybe they are referring to the modern design. Either way, my new Edge is comfortable, stylish, capable and gets 24 mpg!