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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  Retired Boomer - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hookshot1 - August 3 - 9:12 am

  Researched long and hard, test drove Prius V, Mazda CX-5, and C-Max to replace 03 Highlander (great car by the way).Liked the room behind the second row in the V and CX-5 and the driveability of the CX-5. Liked the mileage (knew it didnt get 47/47/47), acceleration, handling, quietness, and accommodations in the C-Max. I have put about 1500 miles on the car so far and am getting about 43 mpg overall. Having fun playing the hybrid game! Much of my driving is in town or two lane rural highway. The mileage does suffer if you go over 65 mph. Diesel is probably the way to go if you want great interstate mileage.

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  What a truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Buck - August 3 - 8:10 am

  This is an excellent truck that looks good and handles well. The model change from pre-2004 F-150s is awesome. This is my 5th F-150 and, so far, the best.

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  Never Thought Id Buy a Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By JBenu - August 3 - 2:00 am

  When it came time to shop for a new SUV, I thought it would be a Toyota. While the Sequoia is a nice vehicle, it came down to the interior comfort and the cargo area versatility. The power-folding 3rd row seats simply cannot be beat. The interior is roomy and comfortable, the ride is nice, and while engine performance could be improved upon it is what I expected to get.

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  so far so good - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Hairball_66007 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We have 1200 miles so far (in the first week). But So far so good. We have been getting 23 mpg in mixed driving. This is a loaded car. The only op it dosnt have is the wood kit. Its the first new car for my wife and I in years. We looked Toyota, Hondas and Nissan. The Taurus SEL gave us the most for our money.

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  Great Commuter Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ming1 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I used to drive a 2002 Maxima SE. I was suprised by how little I miss it. The Focus is a great commuter car thats fun to drive.

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  Junk - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By jf - August 3 - 12:30 am

  Owning this car has been a huge disappointment. The comfortable interior is deceiving because everything else about it is junk. It pays to do your research. I didnt and Ive had the same problems many other people encounter. Transmission went at 150k, air conditioning went before that, interior panels kept falling off, leaks at radiator and frost plug which is expensive to fix since its hard to reach, coolant reservoir burst, faulty water pump, sensors whats next? Ill never buy a Ford again.

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  Worst car I ever owned - 2000 Ford Focus
  By oregon girl - August 2 - 11:51 pm

  This car was a nightmare. It had constant electrical problems, and a piston shattered at 120K miles. The mechanic told us that commonly happens even after only 40K miles. And once the new engine was put in, it made it a whole week before it started leaking oil like crazy. I told the poor lady who bought it from me about all the problems I knew it had, and gave her all the paperwork from all the repairs Id had to make, but she called me the next day to ask for her money back because it started in with a new electrical problem. Horrible car.

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  Easy to live with - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By John W - August 2 - 8:23 pm

  After four months of ownership I must admit Ive been very pleased with this car! It does have a few shortcomings but Im happy with my purchase decision. Two things stand out in this model, unlike the Chrysler 300, visibility is terrific, secondly and something Ive really come to appreciate is the easy in and out feature of its SUV like interior. You dont fall into the car like you do with so many others, you just kind of slide into the seat. Many so-called professional reviewers have knocked the 500 for its lack of power. So far I have not felt the need for more power, nor would I care to give up its excellent mileage for a little more speed. I do find the shifting habit of the six

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  New Focus Experience 5 speed manual - 2009 Ford Focus
  By DKulp - August 2 - 7:08 pm

  Comfortable, Synch is great. Fuel economy 40-41 on highway trip. 30-33 in town. Used 3 quarts oil in 3,000 miles.

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  Escape Well Developed for the Long Run - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Richard - August 2 - 6:43 pm

  I drive long distances in my business and appreciate the comfort and utility of the Escape. I also drive in very hot climates of the Southwest and the air conditioner is outstanding. Picking up speed with the air conditioner on at speed is extremely satisfactory. I would recommend the vehicle to anyone; new buyers, young buyers, buyers that want to be able to carry the golf clubs everywhere as I do, or senior citizens.