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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  Love my X - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Steelsoldiers - September 10 - 11:36 pm

  I have always owned full-size extended or crew-cab pick-up trucks so the size of the Excursion doesnt bother me at all. My family is expanding and I love all of the air conditioned seating it provides for my kid, dog, wife and all of their stuff. I have been averaging 19-20 MPG on the highway with my Powerstroke, which is exceptional for a SUV of this size. No 5300 or 6000 powered Yukon XL will be able to match it! Its too bad Ford quit making this vehicle. I say bring it back with the new Super Duty chassis and the 6.4L Powerstroke!

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  Second One Purchased - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By johnniemize - September 10 - 12:20 pm

  I purchased a 2003 Sport Trac XLT and kept it for three years with 12,000 miles per year. Like it so well that I went and purchased a 2007 Limited with a V8 and like it even better.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SVT1105 - September 10 - 9:55 am

  Well, I have only had this car for a week now, but I love this car! Its so fun to drive and its peppy! I have had so many people say they love it! I really dont think I have had any issues or complaints about the vehicle! I would recommend this car to everyone who wants a sporty, fun car to drive with decent gas mileage!

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  I Have My Audi A6 Back - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By david_zier@yahoo.com - September 10 - 3:38 am

  I owned a few Audi A6 vehicles when I was a consultant, but I have owned several fords in a row since then. I have kept with Ford because the cars are built well, and reliability has been outstanding. Ive only had to perform routine maintenance and the Ford Dealer prices and customer service have been very good. I traded in a 2015 Fusion Titanium AWD for a 2017 Platinum AWD. I have no complaints about either car. But the Platinum interior looks and feels like I am driving an Audi. The interior is luxurious. The side profile with the polished aluminum wheels looks sharp. The LED running lights, turn signals and head lights are sharp. The new twin scroll 2.0 ecoboost is even more refined than the previous in my 2015 Titanium, and it is just a tick faster but it is noticeable. The sport mode is where you can really tell the difference. The sport mode on my 2015 was only a slight difference, but on this 2017 Platinum, you can really feel the difference as you accelerate. The car is buttoned down and rides and drives like I am in my previous Audis. One disappointment is the tires. It would be better to come with Michelin Primacy MXM4, like the Lincoln MKZ, and not Continental tires. The Michelins ride even smoother without sacrificing handling. I could have purchased a low end Lincoln MKZ cheaper than the Fusion Platinum AWD. However, it would not have all the safety equipment, the leather dash, the premium leather seats and doors, and AWD. I dislike the MKZ rear end anyway, so I would not consider. This is my 4th ford in a row. Very happy.

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  Suburban/GMC killer. - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By Robert Morgan - September 9 - 6:04 pm

  Dare to compare. Passenger comfort for eight with shoulder room and smooth ride from the independent rear suspension, honest seventeen miles per gallon average as advertised, responsive electric power steering, ease of entry for third passenger seating, smooth acceleration of twin turbo six cylinder engine, excellent paint finish. rear side windows opening for air flow, and the 22 inch rims with fold down running boards exemplify class. Folding mirrors, wide angle low light capability reverse camera, vehicle dead spot warning lights in mirrors are efficient, stereo interface with voice commands are seamless. I commend Ford! Puts the competition to shame.

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  Sweet 99 - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Ray - September 8 - 8:03 pm

  I had a major problem with the transmission and it needed to be replaced. I had bought the extended warranty and Ford bought the tranny, a u-bolt and rear section of the drive shaft. No hassle, no problems. This is one of the best looking and best performing trucks I have ever had. I will probably keep it till the wheels fall off and cant be put back together.

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  Awsome Car - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By Adam - September 8 - 4:02 pm

  Let me just say I have always thought mustangs were over rated. I never accualy owned one until now and I see why they are so popular. I traded my 2007 toyota tacoma in to get my 2014 Mustang convertible priemium v6. It is black with black convertible top and black leather seats. Its a gorgeous car. Nothing but complements were ever I go. It handles great and has awsome acceleration when needed. For a convertible it does not have much road noise compared to other hard top cars and trucks i have owned. Very solid builtbuilt with great entertainment features like ford sync and the interchangeable underglow coloring lights under the dash and the instrument panel. Surprisingly larger trunk space than expected with a convertible. Only complaint i have with the entire car is the non rear seat space. Also got the car used with 32k miles but its covered still under ford warrenty plus the tyotoa delearship i purchased it at gave me an unlimited mile engine power train warrenty for life at no cost.

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  Great Little Commuter! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By lucy - September 8 - 3:44 pm

  I have owned this car for 7 years, and it has been a great commuting vehicle. It is very dependable (only one major repair), and fun to drive. It seems very roomy on the inside compared with other compacts I have been in, and I like the high position of the drivers seat. Great visibility.

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  Best Ford Ever - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Alecat - September 7 - 6:13 pm

  I love the Ford Five Hundred so much that I bought two of them. This car has everything I want and need. My Five Hundreds are fully loaded AWD Limiteds with CVT. It moves off the line not like my old SHOs did but fast enough and gets up to the speed limit right now. At 110 KPM (Canada) auto A/C on the mileage was 9.1 L/100k or about 32 mpg. Around town it is about 11.1 L/100 k. I only have 5879 kilometers on my car now and it has only been back to the dealer once - for its 5000 k oil change. This is a first for me; two brand new cars and not having to go to the dealer for any reason at all. I love taking people for a ride and can not believe the CVT does not shift; it is so smooth.

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  So far, so good - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jcode - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I have 31K miles on it so far, and there have been no major problems. A couple recalls, and a few very minor inconveniences have occurred. The brakes and windows are both a little squeaky. Also, once in a blue moon, my gas gauge decides not to work. I enjoy driving it. It handles very well, and has plenty of power to change lanes and merge in traffic. I get around 31 mpg. Overall a fun car to drive.