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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  Awesome Rig - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By countryboy7879 - October 12 - 9:13 pm

  I love this thing Tons of torque, good offroad, will pull anything, and is comfy. Yeah, it does drink fuel like theres no tomorrow, but its fun to drive, and its by far one of the more macho SUVs on the road. I take it to an off road park almost every weekend and it can follow any of the "trail rated" jeeps that are half its size. Ive also towed in excess of 10,000lbs, and other then the rear suspension being maxed the motor and trans didnt mind it one bit.

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  Great truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Tim - October 12 - 1:57 pm

  I purchased this truck because I have to haul a large boat. I had a Chevy Tahoe that just didnt haul it well. This truck is awesome for hauling and room. Ive had people who have never been in a large truck comment on how much room and comfortable both front and back seats are. The Lariat package is nice with all the toys. It rides nice for a truck and handles better than the suv I had. The standard tires are bad, Im going to replace those before winter. I little more HP would be ok too

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  Not too bad. - 2007 Ford Focus
  By jbb - October 12 - 12:22 pm

  Pretty reliable : no issues in 36k. Has good pep, handles quite well, is well laid out inside, is roomy. Base seats are awful, gas mileage is so-so, and somewhat noisy inside (but Ill take that as a trade off for a lighter more nimble car that does not need 200 hp to move)

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  The Mustang is back! Ford got it Right! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By AJC-05GT - October 12 - 11:30 am

  Ford finally got it right with the Mustang. The retro look brought me into the dealership to take a closer look. I have never had such a fun car to drive. Even though I have the great Shaker 1000 stereo system I spend most of my time listening to the growl of the engine. The car has great performance and handling characteristics off the show room floor. Make sure to get the 5 speed manual transmission as this is a true drivers car. With a few inexpensive bolt on upgrades and a computer reflash this car becomes a serious rocket and will easily pull low 13s in the quarter mile.

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  Would Not Do It Again - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Robert - October 12 - 9:58 am

  Nothing but problems with this car since I purchased it new in 2002. General frame problems at first - the front passenger floor leaked excessively, had to be repaired.Twice it has overheated, needed temperature gauge replaced, and of course the entire cooling system needed flushed. Within the past few years Ive had approximately $2,000 in repairs (including problem above, as well as transmission problems, motor coil problems, all in addition to regular routine maintenance-tune ups, oil changes). Mostly the car has been used to drive to/from work, and around town, very few long trips. Now-138,000 miles,and its basically dead (unless I fork out another $2k in repairs). Fed up!

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  Useless gas hog - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Steven - October 12 - 4:02 am

  Purchased brand new 2017 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3 ecoboost. These vehicles run expensive and have no idea why. Car runs nice and quiet but would I recommend it? Only if I didnt feel pity for you. The 280hp turbo engine is underpowered always need to step on the throttle to go up steep hills and the fuel consumption isnt geat either, averaging 18.7mpg on road trips. Thats pretty pathetic for a four banger. It does however have an intelligent 4WD system but whats the point if the bumper clearance is only like 2 inches? This car was engineered by a bunch of morons. Dont come with roof racks. Also when a phone is plugged in charger phone screen is displaying not letting my change radio stations or anything at all. Resale value on these isnt great either do expect a 20k price drop after 3 years or so. Dont be fooled with fords ecoboost system its another expensive system when it breaks down making good business for ford. There are better rivals out there. Youll regret like me if you dont look else where

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  Best SUV I have owned - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By R Williams - October 11 - 5:13 pm

  We made the mistake of purchasing a new 07 Wrangler and what a mistake, sold it quick and found this Expedition with 4WD cheap with only 31k miles. Had to replace the Contrac tires because it sat for over a year until gas came down. I purchased it to tow cars that I purchase on craiglist. I have even pulled a 36 foot motorhome (15,000 pounds) to a garage with no problems.I have put about 12k miles on it now and I love it. Passes everything but the gas stations. The new tires make it really comfortable. Did not want 4X4 but they gave this thing away when closing the dealership. I will put over 200,000 miles on this like all my other Fords one with over 435,000 miles. Do your own maintnance.

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  A great American Car! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Focus - October 11 - 11:23 am

  I love my focus I purchased it used with only 6k on and in 1st year I put on 35K. Great fuel economy I am getting city/hwy combined milage of 35MPG I am not driving like a a snail. I like that it is a PZEV partial zero emission vehicle. It took Honda and Toyota 1 to 2 years to bring the PZEV to market. The Focus has been PZEV since 2005 here in CA.. The 2.0 PZEV motor is a terrific motor, I have had zero problems.

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  2012 boss 302 - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By s sing - October 11 - 8:08 am

  great car

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  The Bomb Digity - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - October 10 - 11:44 pm

  First car Ive owned, 25 years of trucks. 60 mile commute 5-6 days a week this was the best thing I could have done. 74000 miles, oil changes not often enough, 1 air filter, tires at 55000. Holds 4 sets of golf clubs in the trunk 4 of my buddies and will still allow me to pass anything driving the speed limit. Absolutly no complaints. At 100k will give this to my kid then buy another.