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:

• 

  Awesome Stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Scott - August 18 - 4:03 pm

  Ford has a winner. It brings back memories of my first car, a 65 Mustang. This is by far the greatest car I have owned. The ride is far better than I expected, very comfortable and no fatigue. Its a thrill to drive. My commute to work is a blast. The gas mileage is acceptable for a V-8. Im averaging 23.5 mpg and thats not babying the car either. The 5 speed manual transmission is smooth with a lot of torque. Really sets you back in the seat. The car loves to go fast, its performance is awesome. I get compliments all the time about the styling of this car. All in all it is a great ride, fun to drive, great performance and a real head turner to boot. Awesome Stang.

• 

  Love this car! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Amber J - August 18 - 1:46 pm

  I was planning on buying this car a year before it was on the showroom floors. Just the fact of the interior roominess was a major selling point for me. I traded in my 2002 Mustang for the Five Hundred. What luxury! Great gas mileage, sound system is very nice, interior and exterior looks are quite classy. I do not find it boring at all and it has plenty enough power to get going when needed quickly. this ones a keeper. A beautiful car Im proud to own

• 

  So Far So Good - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By DH - August 18 - 10:39 am

  Bought new. Was looking for large SUV versitile enough to haul people and stuff with good value. No major complaints, handles well. Very comfortable and great for long trips.

• 

  Two birds in hand - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Barbie - August 18 - 12:12 am

  My wife came from a poor family and her dream has always been to own a Tbird. She purchased at long last and after many years of working and saving a 1955 which she drove often but mostly in the Summer and of course being an old car. I mean Old "6 Volt Generator" She decided it was time to buy a car that was more modern. She purchased the 2002 and never looked back. Although the cars are completely different, they are both icons in her life representing old values and new ideas as she likes to say. Of course the new Tbird is wonderful, just check any of the ratings on here!

• 

  Chevy guy - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Josh b - August 17 - 8:45 am

  So i just bought my first ford ever a 2016 mustang ecoboost competition orange it has every option avaliable so it cost $2k more than the GT big deal so far getting 28mpg and thats after a few wide open runs and going 100+ a couple times and aftermarket parts wow endless supply just ordered $1500 worth parts should be right around 400hp without all the weight the GT carries only complaint is the back seat is pretty much non existent and the little 4 cylinder does use premium gas other then that happy with my purchase. If youre looking into the camaro do yourself a favor and check out the mustang interior is light years ahead sorry chevy just switched teams!

• 

  Fun to drive, bang for buck - 2003 Ford Focus
  By black euro - August 17 - 3:10 am

  This car is a blast to drive fast and aggresive, but is also good for just cruising and driving for better gas mileage. The car is compact yet has very useful, roomy interior, for a car this size. The brakes and handling are superb. The exhaust note is like a well tuned performance car, not loud and buzzy. The engine has a wide power band and it will pull all the way to its 7200 redline. ItÂ’s hard to find a better bang for your buck. I have seen so many other compact and b segment cars priced well above what these cars sell for. And most dont even come close to the performance, value and fun factor of this car. The car has been problem free since I owned it and I drive it daily, and enthusiastically.

• 

  Awesome Truck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By tmoney - August 16 - 6:33 pm

  Well Ford has done it again. I am so impressed with my new Harley Davidson F-150. Drives great, rides great. Overall I am a huge fan of the Ford product for the first time in my life.

• 

  FX4... BEST 4X4... - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Great - August 16 - 2:43 am

  I was in the market for a new truck for some time. I test drove GMC 1500-AND 2500. I was not impressed. Then I looked into the FX4 crew fully loaded and I have to say it is a blast to drive. With the 20 inch rims the truck sits up high and the interior is great. Solid workmanship and the ride is solid.

• 

  Great truck to drive and own - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Cheezesteak33 - August 15 - 11:42 pm

  I bought my Ranger from a buddy of mine last may(06)and it had a little over 41000 on her. He bought it 6 months earlier with only 37,312 miles on her. I just drove her from Philly, PA to Cimarron, NM and averaged around 28 miles on the highway. It has the 4.0L V6 and a limited slip rear. The truck definitely gets up and goes when needed. My check engine light came on around 60K but it appears thats common. The door ajar only happens whenn its warm out, so that means the door solinoid in the jam sticks when its hot out. I am very happy with the truck because I can depend on it without any issues. When it dies I plan on getting another Ranger, but the X-tra cab and 4WD. Great buy

• 

  I really like this car! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By SRM - August 15 - 11:23 pm

  This is the perfect family car with practical and fun features! I recommend it to anyone not wanting another minivan or an SUV. It is the best of both with alternative, younger look and feel.