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 black betty - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By Black Betty - September 24 - 2:43 am

  You do sit low to the ground. It is a head turner. Just shut up and drive.

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  Could be my next vehicle - 2017 Ford Escape
  By opensky1 - September 23 - 11:48 pm

  I rented this car 2 weeks a month for 4 years in Anchorage, Alaska where I worked (I am retired in warm, beachy Corpus Christi, Texas). I also rented others from Toyotas to Jeeps to GMCs. No comparison to me, for handling (like a small car), acceleration with the 2.0 turbo, but mainly the ease of entry and exit. The seats are exactly the right height. I had a team of 15 engineers and all agreed - easiest for entry and exit. That is why it COULD be my next car, as my Mustang is getting harder and harder to get out of (unless the top is down) like many my age. What the Escape really needs is at least the option for Automatic Emergency Braking! That may force me to go for the otherwise boring Subaru Forester. I read that Ford is putting this on the Mustang next year! Most Mustang drivers are not seniors who NEED AEB, not just collision warning or pre-loaded brakes. They did add lane departure warning, but braking would complete the package. I have all the driver aids that were available for my 2017 Mustang, even though this about doubled the price and got me to trade my 2014 with nothing wrong with it. So my two biggest concerns are entry and braking. Ford has one covered. We will see. I thing Consumer Reports has shown that will be the next mandatory thing anyway. Otherwise, best in its class, including the boring (ugly) looking, claustrophobic feeling Mazda CX-5.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ChristaK - September 23 - 11:09 am

  Its noisy. It rides rough. Its uncomfortable on long trips. Its great on gas. It looks great. It has not let me down. I wouldnt trade it for another.....Unless it was a newer one. This is my second one. Its all mine. And its payed off!

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  WOW! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By leis1965 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Thats all I can say--WOW! This car is a dream come true for me.I read other reviews and was concerned about two things--a "rough" drive and the seats being comfortable. Shes a smooth ride, and the seats are the more comfortable than any other car Ive had or been in. This car has a lot of "get up and go" for a 6 cylinder, and Im impressed at how fast it responds. My only concern is the cost to insure this car--I couldnt find a quote below $90 a month, and I have an excellent driving record. Otherwise, this car is a dream come true!

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  Love my focus!!!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By lucyjo - September 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd focus, went from a Ferrari (divorce), to a Tracker, damaged by a "Hummer"... to my "FOCUS"...leased the 1st one, bought the 2nd one loved it so much!! GREAT CAR!!! 5** "GET ONE"!!! :)

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  Good Car - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Chris002 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The Explorer is good and reliable but does not have the greatest mileage

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  Noise????? - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ben13 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I owned an Explorer (02) which developed low hum in rearend around 40 + MPH. The dealer tried several fixes and finally said live with it. I decided to trade in on sporttrac (03) no hum initially, but guess what after about 2K miles the old hum is back only louder and more annoying (riders notice it immediately). A local Ford dealer had a gtreat fix - ride with the radio on!!!!! Thanks ford. Ive had several ford products over the last few years and this one is the last.

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  Still satisfied - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Family Priorities - September 23 - 8:52 am

  We shopped around quite a bit with all brands of vans at the time, and Ford had the best safety at the time and historically. Safety of GM and Chrysler were unacceptable. Hondas was same as Chrysler, and had history of trans issues. Toyota had brought up their safety to match 5 star, but only more recently, and had history of engine sludge issues. Drives well, comfortable even on long trips, and plenty of room for kids and all associated junk. No major problems up to now. Good gas mileage and surprising performance for something of this weight, which is really what we needed for a double stroller, etc.

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  Not Flashy But Gets The Job Done - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By joncman - September 22 - 10:34 pm

  Ive had this car since new and its not the flashiest beast out there, but man it does what it needs to do. Ive had lots of cars in my lifetime with lots of fancy features so I decided to buy a truck for once in my life. Got the Ranger because I didnt need a super powerful truck. I have not regretted it once. This thing goes and goes and goes. The only mechanical that has ever gone wrong with it was the wiper motor conked out on me. I drove a 2008 F-150 the other day and it had about every bell and whistle you could get on it, but, $42,000....YIKES....Ill stick with the littleolRanger thank you very much.

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  Best Ford Truck Yet - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Agent86 - September 22 - 10:31 pm

  This is my 8th Ford truck and 4th F-150. Although it is the lower-end STX, I find it more comfortable than my previous 2005 Lariat. The seats are more comfortable (although I have to agree that the headrests need to be less intrusive). The transmission is better matched to the engines needs and thus the 3V 4.6L feels more powerful than my previous 5.4L. I didnt think I would ever drive a truck more comfortable on the highway than my Lariat, I was wrong. Smooth is the only way I can describe this truck. A nice feature of my particular truck is that it has the carpet delete option so I dont have to worry about mud and snow messing up the carpet. I just wash it out.