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:

• 

  Lexus to Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Clint Crawford - April 19 - 12:06 pm

  This is the first Ford i ever purchased. Going from a 2003 Lexus RX300 SUV to a performance sports car might seem crazy. However I am turning 30 next month and I need some excitement. It is awesome, fast, good looking, and just all around cool. Had to go with the automatic because of my wife, but the performance is not much different. This is by far my favorite of 8, yes 8 new cars I have had in the last 10 years. By the way I was only able to drive the V6 coupe before purchasing my convertible. GT. Thank you Ford for not letting me down.

• 

  Love it! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By FocusFanatic - April 19 - 11:54 am

  I bought this 04 SVT back in August of last year in Nebraska, flew in signed the paperwork, and drove back to Ohio. I was not dissapointed. This car is fun to drive, great mileage, and with a few mods, you can up the ponies and the performance for just fraction of the costs for other vehicles.

• 

  I love my car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By MustangSally - April 19 - 11:34 am

  I bought this car as a present to myself for getting my graduate degree. Im a single mom and so tired of being practical! My kids and I love cranking the music and putting the top down! There are a few small things Id change but I have so much fun with this car. Even ordered a vanity plate!

• 

  More Smiles per Mile - 2008 Ford Focus
  By California Driver - April 18 - 4:43 pm

  I live in Calif so this car is almost polution free with the PZEV system, (grilling a burger produces more Hydro Carbons than a 100 mile trip) it may cut into the MPG but I am getting 31 combined in the LA area and 36 on a recent road trip along the california coast with varing speeds and hills and with stops in towns on the way. So I am really pleased with this fun to drive car. My business partner bought a Toyota Yaris as it gets 37-39 but on highway speeds the road noise is terrible and the stearing is by wire so it does not handle near as nice as the focus, and is very slow to get up and going compared to the focus, 1.5 vs. 2.0. for just a couple of mpg I will take the power any day

• 

  I LOVE MY SPORT TRAC - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Hillary - April 18 - 2:36 pm

  I traded in my Mustang GT for this truck and my only regret is the Sport Trac not having the power the GT had. Other than that I love it! And it does get a lot of looks on a hot summer day with all the windows down and clean as can be.

• 

  Good value and good car. - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By scdlin - April 18 - 12:00 pm

  This car is worth looking. Too bad many people just turned away to Japanese imports. Its spacious, and the engine power is very adequate. Considering the tire size, it is actually very quiet. The interior and exterior design all come with taste. And all of these come with very reasonable price. I will strongly recommend this model as well as 2002 Taurus (basically the same) to any friend who is considering buying a new car.

• 

  Great Pickup for the family - 2005 Ford F-150
  By ace - April 18 - 9:51 am

  This is a good family truck. It has room for my wife and three sons. Great for vacations and fishing trips.

• 

  Behemoth - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By WAIN - April 17 - 10:10 pm

  This is the best family vehicle in comfort, ride, reliability, and safety. And not to forget the cargo space. My father in-law is a world business man and travels quite often and brings us back a lot of goodies and this Excursion welcomes him and all his cargo with open doors. Weve taken trips from San Diego to Vancouver Canada and back, Vegas, LA to Seattle, and many trips to San Francisco with 4 large adults and two kids, and everyone praised how well it rides. It is really comfortable on long and short trip, rides high so you can enjoy the scenery.

• 

  Texas Edition - Excellent Value - 2007 Ford F-150
  By jbm_TX - April 17 - 10:03 am

  A fantastic truck, value-for-money. I looked at Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota. The Ford F150 is a real truck and it rides like a luxury car thanks to the recent changes in shock positioning. I switched from Ford to Nissan and now I am back in a Ford to stay.

• 

  Great Family Car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris & Abby - April 16 - 12:53 pm

  For a family of four with two car seats this car is great. The car offers ample passenger and cargo space in all configuations. Additionally changing seating/cargo configurations is very quick and easy. Its a great cross between a station wagon and SUV without sacrificing comfort, road handling, or visibility. In addition it has great fuel economy for its cargo and passenger capacity. If you have a fairly big family and dont need to tow much weight this is the an excellent choice.