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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  5 years later - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Used 2001 - January 16 - 9:29 am

  I bought a 2001 ZX2 in 2003 used for $9000. The tape player didnt work...still doesnt, but who uses tapes anyway? Radio is good, AC is super cold. It had 32,000 miles on it then, now has 75,000 and still runs great. Gas mileage is awesome, and Ive had the serpentine belt replaced once. It has to be replaced again soon. Overall, this has been a great first car, it saw me through college and Im going to keep it until it dies.

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  Happy Hybrid - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By gpcpilot - January 16 - 5:06 am

  Love my new 07 Escape Hybrid. The "Refire" metallica paint virtually glows, catches admiring looks from folks and doesnt show dirt too readily. I do quite a bit of highway and mixed driving. Im currently getting about 31.8 mpg, which Im ecstatic about. Thats twice the mileage I got from my 2001 V6 Ranger, the Escape replaced. The trucklette is roomy, pretty comfortable and fairly peppy. I see a long relationship with this little SUV.

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  the best car sence the first stang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By holton - January 16 - 2:00 am

  im 17 and this is my first car..i have driven prenty of cars and this car just gives off a great feeling of joy when driving. i love this car and i wouldnt trade it for any other sports car thats under 100,000

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  Head Turner - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ganello - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive and you get alot of attention

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  great car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By odell scribner - January 15 - 11:13 pm

  This car belongs to my wife. I get to drive on longer trips. Fuel mileage is from 22 to 32 mpg. In the past she has owned Cadillacs and Lincolns, but this auto is at least as good as any that I have owned. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to have luxury and a great car

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  Great Buy - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dfe109 - January 15 - 3:06 pm

  I had owned a 91 Explorer and enjoyed it for 11 years. So I thought I would give the SportTrac a try. I like the dual use concept vehicle. The room and ride are great. I got the the XLT 2WD with tonneau cover. With the dealers discount and Ford rebate I purchased mine for $18,990 plus tax and title! All the options you need, cruise, air, auto, radio/CD, OLW wheels, roll down rear window. What a price! A good $4K less than nearest comparable vehicle.

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  1.5L SE with technology package great so far! - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin Ricks - January 15 - 9:11 am

  Almost bought an Accord. So far, glad I didnt. I bought the deep impact blue with charcoal leather heated seats. It looks like a million bucks! The tiny little 1.5L EcoBoost is amazing. You think "really? This big 5 passenger car has a tiny 1.5L motor and it moves like this?" Plenty of power to pass or climb hills. Think it should be quicker? No problem! Drop it into sport mode and things get a little more exciting. Its not a Charger SRT but it gets the job done while sipping fuel. Its VERY hilly where we live and as long as you doing 60+ mph, itll take all the hills in 6th gear, overdrive. Slower than that, theres not much torque left in this motor below 1500 rpm. The seats a very comfortable. The heat on your lower back makes you not want to get out of the seats. Huge trunk, quite ride. My only nit pick is theres a really nice place for your smart phone under the stereo, but the USB port is in the console under the arm rest. Shouldve been up near the radio instead of having to deal with a lose cord. Duh! The old Sync 2 system isnt as bad as they say it is but Im sure the new sync 3 coming out on the 2017 Im sure will be even better. Love the digital display panels too.

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  Problems?...Not Fords. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Derek Ripley - January 14 - 3:10 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year, I bought it with about 65k miles on it. I have never had any problems with this car other than ones that I solved, and they were problems that I could have avoided. Its fun to drive, gets better than est. gas mileage.

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  New Classic - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By RB - January 14 - 10:17 am

  This T-Bird is by far the most enjoyable retro-classic 2 seat roadster to have on Sunday drives for this 49 yo driver! At a used price of $25000 for a 3 year old Red Premium convertable with hardtop that had sold for over $40000 new, this car is of terrific value to me. It is a luxury sport cruiser that just leaves a smile on my face when driving, easy smooth handling with plenty of power, and a wonderful conversation piece getting compliments everywhere! Im done with Corvettes, Miatas, and Mustangs at this stage of life and really enjoy my retro bird for a relaxing cruise with the top down. Just a great car for this purpose!

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  My sweet GT - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Jim - January 14 - 9:23 am

  Ive had this car for 6 years now, still love everything about her. Fun to drive, flawless performance, and a head turner.