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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  Fun, fun - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Jon - February 22 - 5:21 pm

  I just got this car last month, but from what I can see so far its great. Im 6ft 185 pounds, and I fit just fine in it, I dont even need the seat all the way back, and 4 people can fit in it, just so long as they arent huge. I get 20mpg average... and thats with getting on it a few times a day.

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  Love the new Focus! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By terry - February 22 - 3:20 pm

  I traded in our Ford Taurus for the new Focus. I love how easy the car is to drive and you cant beat the price. I got the car loaded and just love all the features. I owned a 2000 Focus and had just traded it in for a Caravan. Never had any real trouble with that one except for all the recalls, but they fixed everything at no cost. This car rides smooth even over the bumpiest roads, the sound system is great and the gas mileage is incredible. Very quiet car, lots of interior room and a huge trunk. Highly recommend.

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  Excellent little SUV!! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By 19 Little One - February 22 - 6:16 am

  I purchased my 2003 2 door Explorer Sport in 2004 with 12,000 miles on it. It is now 2015 and it has over 250,000 miles on it. I would buy this vehicle over and over again. I take very good care of it, get my oil changed every 3,000 miles and my tires rotated every other oil change. Since I have owned this vehicle I have only had to replace my alternator. I have gone through 3 sets of tires... the first being Michelins from the factory, then I went with the cheap ones and did not like the ride at all so when those wore out I went back to the Michelins and got my smooth ride back! I just cant say enough good about this vehicle. Before I purchased this 2 door, I had a 4 door Ford Explorer when I had kids to haul all over the place and that was a charm of a SUV as well. When the kids flew the nest, I decided that I wanted just a little more of a sporty look, so I traded in my 4 door for the 2 door. I do not have 4 wheel drive and I live in Minnesota. I have been driving this vehicle for 11 years now and there hasnt been one time that I would have even used the 4 wheel drive. Love, Love Love this sporty looking SUV. Do not hesitate to purchase one if you get the chance to.

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  Great All-Around - 2008 Ford Edge
  By David T - February 21 - 11:14 pm

  Ive owned the 07 Edge for about six months. Its a great all-around vehicle. Ive taken a 500+ mile road trip in it with four adults producing lots of "wows." I haul around my wife and kids in it. It doubles as a classy yet rugged roomy vehicle to take business associates to lunch in. Its able to handle significant loads with the seats down. I could not be more pleased.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By smith2826 - February 21 - 10:05 pm

  This vehicle is one of the best i have ever owned. My sister has an older model and when I drove it I told myself that I would never own one. I ended up buying this one and now I am very glad that I did. This is absolutely the most comfortable vehicle that I have ever ridden in. It is amazing how quiet the ride is inside. This has to be one of the best all around vehicles. It is good for family time because of the room and luxury, and when it is time for a couple to have their own time, it is stylish.

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  Glad to see Ford can produce good cars - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Dillon - February 21 - 8:43 pm

  I am overall extremely pleased with my car, but there were 2 features that really took some getting used too. First was the rear window - not a whole lot of viewing going on back there, and second Im about 510" and I had to do quite a bit of seat adjusting to not rub my head against the ceiling all the time. I replaced the stereo because there was no iPod hookup, but the stock speakers are great. My car is fully loaded, and I mean fully. I bought it with every feature they had listed and I got a killer deal. This car is HOT! and I am proud to be an owner. Did I mention its maroon or dark red; however you view it, its like butter!

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  I Bought a What?!?! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By saulio - February 21 - 2:43 pm

  Purchase was seamless. Had X-Plan thru son so price was great! Just finished first tank and the numbers dont lie: 15.846 gallons, 613.6 miles (about half/half city/hw), 38.8 on computer, 38.72 by my numbers. Much better than EPA in city, about EPA on HW. I drive pretty hard and still learning about Hybrid but mileage is a relief. Got the 502A package, White bc of sons (this generation LOVES white?!?!). Real beauty is that it drives like a sedan. I have owned Hondas for the last six years and I could not believe this is a Ford. Comfortable, QUIET inside and out, sits High, SONY Sound System ROCKS (according to sons). So not only am I happy but my sons think Im cool again--PRICELESS!!!

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  Excursion all the way - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By bubba - February 21 - 6:15 am

  The vehicle drives well. More importantly it has the best fuel economy of any SUV. I get 22MPG HWY and 20MPG towing.

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  2010 GT 500 - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Latch - February 21 - 5:40 am

  I love this years Shelby GT 500 it is fun to drive and an absoulte head turner. I look forward to getting behind the wheel of this car. Incredible power and handling with a forgiving clutch makes it a dream for even a novice driver.

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  Very Impressive Locomotion - 2005 Ford Escape
  By hammer60 - February 21 - 5:16 am

  I have been waiting for this Hybrid for a number of years and I am extremely pleased with the final product. The Escape Hybrid replaces my Jeep Wrangler and it is indeed 100% SUV. Im proud to support hybrid technology and give my highest praises to Ford for creating the Escape Hybrid; a truly unique vehicle. I ordered my Hybrid at the end of October, 2004 and received the call that it was in on New Years Eve! What a way to celebrate. I ordered AWD, leather (because I wanted the steering wheel), the NAV system for the energy display (hybrid drive!), extra air bags and the appearance group. Its a kick to drive, especially when only the electric motor is powering the vehicle; it is so quiet!