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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  I Should Have Read The Reviews Closer! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By shorthorn5 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  A new car to me..I soon discovered the problem Black 2001 Ford SUVs/trucks can have with paint Someone else wrote about this here too. The surfaces are "crowfooting" or "crazing" like old pottery. Hood, fenders and roof! Ford customerservice said theyll cover cost.Whew! Dealership agreed to paint. Said there was anotherin the shop right then.Gonna take 7-10 days but will give loaner. Its a hassle but Fords standing behind it without argument. Luckily, its still under warranty--one more month!

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  Technically deficient - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By Michael - July 12 - 10:21 pm

  Sync3 specifically navigation is terrible, maps 3+ years old. Not acceptable in todaysworld. Voice interaction borders on very bad. If you buy just before you sign ensure a free sync3 update when it is out. Use Google maps.

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  First American Car - 2009 Ford Flex
  By brian numkena - July 12 - 2:06 pm

  This is my first American Car (I bought Nissan and Toyota in past), so I hope the quality is better than my parents Grand AM (ruined my view of American Cars). The Flex rides smooth, looks nice and manuavers the road well. So far I average about 23 MPG, a disappointment comming from driving a Scion XB at 28 MPG. I bought for more room and safety issues when driving from Arizona to Californa. I have to say it is impressive, but then again I like to buy the base models because I dont want to pay for repairs of the electronics if they break. I hope my Ford Flex lives up to the quality standards Ford has been claiming. If it doesnt then this will be the first and last American car I buy.

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  One sassy lady - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Vicki - July 12 - 1:55 pm

  Always loved the way the Mustang looked but never wanted one because I heard they were gas guzzlers. When I saw the 2015 Mustang I knew I had to have one and when I found out about the Ecoboost I was sold. There are no words to describe how much I love my car. It is one smooth ride with a great get up and go. I get so many comments on the way it looks. I commute 40 miles a day and only fill up once a week. There is not a lot of room in the back but its just my husband and I so I have no complaints.

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  5 years, Paid off, and Going Strong - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By AvgMike - July 12 - 12:56 pm

  I cannot complain about my Taurus. I have owned it since she was born and the car still refuses to disappoint. There have been the minor recalls and I have followed the recommended maintenance program. But that is expected and necessary if you want long life out of any car. The power is enough for my driving style, and the car still looks great!

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  Looking for something else - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Mom of 3 - July 12 - 11:43 am

  Having 3 kids, I thought I had to have a minivan. This Windstar was the most stylish in my opinion. Has had a strange clunking in the front end when going 55 mph or higher, no one seems to know what it is.

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  Freestar Feels Right - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Lesa - July 11 - 6:25 am

  We purchased a Ford Windstar several years ago when we found out I was pregnant with out third child. I really enjoyed that vehicle, so when I was considering what to purchase this year as a replacement -- the Freestar made the most sense. Overall, I am pleased with the Freestar. However, I do think the Windstar had a little more passenger room. The third seat in the back of the Freestar is versatile -- able to total recede it into the floor or use it as a stadium seat -- but we lost seating space. Given the choice, Id take the seating space. Good vehicle.

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  Back on Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Ed - July 10 - 11:40 pm

  I had for Explorer for 5 years until my wife totaled the car. After driving a minivan for 4 years after that, I just purchased a Explorer. It is a very nice ride. Mechanically is good. It could use a little more details in the inside. However I am satisfied with the truck.

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  Danger Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Danger Ranger - July 10 - 11:40 pm

  This truck is great. It out-performs my every expectation. It feels like it can conquer all, but is still comfortable and practical for everyday use. Its been strong and reliable for over a year now. Its a great value and never lets me down.

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  2008 Ford Focus: Best Bang for the Buck - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Dave R - July 9 - 5:40 pm

  I purchased my Focus S Coupe mainly for the gas mileage, as the price at the pump was over $4/gal at the time. I test drove an automatic first, then a manual, and settled on the 5-speed, as it literally left the automatic for dead at stoplights. What is more, the manual seemed to hunt between its two top gears with an annoying frequency. This is not a problem when you stir your own gears. Having owned mostly European cars, I was pleasantly surprised with the up-high seating position of the Focus. I also like the steering feel, as it lacks the numbness of so many American cars I have driven. Performance is pretty decent for a car of this type, and the engine is well behaved at all speeds.