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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  Fantastic Vehicle! - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By RoadWarrior - August 25 - 9:00 pm

  This SUV has it all. Ford has surpassed any other SUV that I have looked at. I bought this for my wife as she was in need for a new vehicle She has been driving a Dodge Grand Caravan 25th Anniversary SXT, which doesnÂ’t even hold a candle to this car. I donÂ’t know were to start? The new contoured look with the power running boards? The air conditioned and heated seats? The rear heated seats? Power folding third row seats? Microsoft Sync (too cool)!, or the wonderful DVD entertainment system and expansive moon roof? My daughter said she feels like Mom is driving me to school in a limo.

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  New Ford Fusion a winner - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By rodonn - August 25 - 9:00 pm

  Really a great car and Ford should do well with it. Very quiet and smooth running vehicle. Easy to get in and out. Very comfortable seats. The audio system is awesome and the climate control system is great. Really a well thought out car and my wife and I love it. There is a little annoying rattle and my dealer has promised to fix that.

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  Its nice to get more then you paid for! - 2014 Ford Shelby GT500
  By roushguy - August 25 - 8:00 pm

  My last Mustang was a 2010 Roush 427r modified with 500HP and although overall an easier car to drive it certainly can not compare to my 2014 Shelby GT500. Simply put its an animal under full throttle and very drivable for daily driving BUT and its a very big BUT one can not expect a supercar to be smooth as a Honda Accord. Logic dictates that high power requires heavy duty components and heavy duty requires a little more effort to handle. I ordered mine with the performance and electronic package and just love driving this car. The exhaust note is unbelievable and I just cant understand how Ford was able to build this quality car at these low prices. Its a nice testament to Carol Shelby!

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  Beat our Civic - 2009 Ford Focus
  By alwaysyodeling - August 25 - 4:33 pm

  We have been long time drivers of the Honda Civic which is a nice small car. Our FORD Focus has been a delight and we think a big improvement over the Civic. Nice tight fit,good pep,easy handling, fun, mileage 36-37 on highway driving usually at 75mph. Feels roomier inside and when I had to put four adults and baby seat in there was no problem. We had a Ford Escort 1995 that is still going for friends at 200,000 miles. The Focus feels like that kind of solid but more jazz... Oh yeah nice SYNC.

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  Death Mobile - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Deane - August 25 - 3:57 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned it is dangerous, expensive & unreliable. It started with fractured paint (over the whole car. I was told by Licardi Ford, where it was purchased, that I had the car repainted not true!),the small back hatch exploding in my face, I then went on to replace: bad brakes,dropped transmission, broken front axle, broken rear axle, electrical system twice,the doors periodically go out of alignment & not close properly, and, when it rains, it rains in the car. Theres more but why continue this is bad enough.

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  My Last Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Phil - August 25 - 3:54 pm

  This is my 7th (and last) Ford. I bought it used with 34000 miles on it four years ago. It now has 61500 miles on it, and in that time I have replaced: the rear differential, the rear axle seals, the rear main seal, the oil pan gasket, the cruise control servo, the transmission cooler, and both front wheel bearings. Thank goodness I bought the extended warranty. Also, the paint is peeling at the corners of the hood. I have seen many Explorers do this, and have heard it is a problem with many of them. The third row seat is nice, but doesnt allow much room for any cargo.

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  Great vehicle - recommended - 2006 Ford Escape
  By mojo - August 25 - 1:39 pm

  Great blend of economy and quality. Not quite as roomy as an Explorer, but is a lot more reasonable on gas and better for parking, etc.

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  I hate this car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By mbrice03 - August 25 - 11:33 am

  Its way too small and has no power at all. It seems to be drinking fuel, and the transmission seems to be slipping. I hate everything about this car!

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  Well-built, fun V8 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Vroompshhtsi - August 25 - 11:30 am

  Ive owned this car for a year now. The 5 speed manual transmission mixed with the V8 provides tons of fun. I have intake/exhaust/gears done to it. No its not that fastest car out there but it beats every 4 cylinder thats tried and it keeps up with most other V8s. Nothing mechanically has gone wrong with this car. Its taken everything Ive thrown at it. MPG was as low as 18 when I beat on it, but now Im getting as much as 23 when Im nicer to it. A great mix of daily driver dependability and V8 fun. My friends Camaro (97 Z28) broke every other month, its hard to find a fun V8 that is dependable but this car is one of them!

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  Super-Fine Focus! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Jay - August 25 - 9:38 am

  The Focus has been all we could have hoped for, and MORE! The MPG is better than advertised the "fit" is perfect the Sirius radio is a great feature the roominess, including a very large trunk, is wonderful. I would HIGHLY recommend it to any friend who was looking for a similar- sized car.