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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  An amazing SVT Team! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rick - December 21 - 5:46 pm

  I loved driving this car! I purchased new and just sold due to unemployment. I previously owned an 02 Lightning. I am sold on everything that the Coletti SVT group put their stamp on. This came to an end with the release of the 2005 GT. I find it sad that folks are still buying live axle mustangs/shelbys when they had the Independent Rear Suspension for the SVT Cobras! This 2004 Cobra Convertible was the best most advanced and most powerful Mustang "Production" car to come out of Dearborn, which shut down after the 2004 model year. SVT was special! Now, its a badge.

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  Massive Consul - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Ken Andersen - December 21 - 5:09 pm

  I like everything about the new car except that massive center consul.. In my opinion way to big as my legs hit it while driving and its a nuisance. Also bring back the bench seat option. More room in the front seat for people hta are over 6 tall nad wider than average.

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  good comfort and fun to drive - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By michael actor - December 21 - 11:06 am

  best ford that I owned in many years

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  I am happy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By wilsons - December 21 - 10:20 am

  This car is great! I drive 100 miles a day mostly highway and have been getting 35+ mpg. Very fun to drive, with a well thought out interior. Handles very well.

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  Pretty good - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Trex - December 21 - 9:28 am

  Bought the car off a Ford dealer in 2006 with 25K miles for $10K. It needed tires about 2 years ago and I put on the expensive Goodyear Assurance Triple Treads. This team of tires and vehicle has been the best traction I have ever had in a 2 WD car. I began using it as a courier vehicle part time in 2008, putting on average 40K miles a year. Just went past 125K with only one $150 repair, and oil changes. Feels like I will break 200K getting 25-26 mpg highway and 19-22 city. I gave a little up on mpg for superior traction in all weather with these great tires. Its great to pass a stuck 4 WD car in the snow. May be the best car so far.

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  Just like old times - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Glenn - December 20 - 6:20 pm

  This is my third Ranger. It is just like my last one, however my last one was a 1994 model. Some may think this is a bad thing but I view it differently. I know that this vehicle will be reliable and when used as intended, it is not a disappointment. This truck was designed when trucks were to be used as trucks and not luxury vehicles. It isnt as refined as its competition but it will do a hard days work at a much more reasonable price. It is like driving a truck from the past but sometimes the past isnt so bad.

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  good old truck - 1990 Ford F-250
  By fordman82 - December 20 - 4:45 pm

  needs more power ford shouldnÂ’t have put a 302/5.0l in a 3/4ton 4+4 truck. but unloaded its is just fine and it will pull my 25foot pontoon boat. thank god for the 5 speed

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  Big Red - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By big red - December 20 - 9:28 am

  I absolutly love this truck. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I would buy plenty more. I just wish that it got a little better gas mileage. But the little gas mileage is worth all the excitement that you get when you drive this truck. You cant find a smoother riding 4x4., and you cant find a better digging 4x4. Everything about it is so wonderful they should bring them back and everybody should own one.

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  Im suprised how much I love my Edge! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Brent - December 20 - 7:32 am

  Im a faithful Ford buyer. I feel theyre safer & better built than any other American made car. I needed to trade my Taurus. I started transporting my grandfather, and he had a hard time getting down and into my Taurus. (Hes 93 and 6 foot tall) I looked at the Edge because of ease of entry for him, not because I saw myself driving it. It was OK, but just OK. After driving it for 2-3 days, I LOVED THIS CAR! Its fun to drive, looks good on the road - I get compliments, and is comfortable for distance traveling. Would I trade? Only for the Lincoln version. I could see myself buying Edge again.

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  Excellent Value - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By H Morse - December 20 - 7:17 am

  I buy a new vehicle every 8 months. I purchase high end models, and technology is a must. I consider myself a very experienced car buyer and have been doing this for over 35 years! Had a new fully loaded Volvo XC90 (2016) a CT6 Cadillac Luxury (2017) and now, a 2017 Platinum Explorer. Hated getting in and out of the Caddy. The Volvo was OK, and the Explorer is great. Plenty of power and zip with the turbo V6 which is standard. Technology is pretty easy once you remember where to find the buttons, and the navigation is superb. Volvo was way too complicated, Caddy was OK, but not as easy and intuitive as the Ford. The Fords voice commands could use some help, but tapping on the keyboard is the solution. Platinum has every bell and whistle, but I do have a few minor complaints: when using the navi and being on the phone, I prefer a voiceover for directions, not a beep. I like to her the next instruction. When changing lanes, I like a beep option, not just a vibrating steering wheel. I would also prefer a button to shut the auto water sensing windshield wipers when using a car wash rather than having to go through a series of menus from the steering wheel controls. Other little things such as it needs a more solid noise when closing doors. It sounds a bit tinny. The gas mileage (although mine is very new) has yet to hit 17 mpg either city, highway or combined but I didnt get this vehicle for the mileage performance. The rear seat could have a little more room, and as far as I am concerned, the third row could be an optional feature. If I really want to get picky, the concert stereo system in the Volvo was an upgrade and amazing. The Platinum has a Sony, but it lacks the depth and quality of a high end system. You wont be disappointed with this vehicle!