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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  Ford Tire Company...Not our problem - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jim33445 - June 14 - 1:06 pm

  Ford Motor Company has left thousands of customers with vehicles that they do not back, because it is not their problem.

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  2000 Ford Focus LX - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Matt - June 14 - 10:44 am

  Just bought this Ford Focus, and so far am quite impressed. I have already replaced the ignition coil pack, a simple 1 hour repair. Has a 140,500 miles on it, and still runs strong for a 4 cylinder. This is my first car, and so far, for the 1000 dollars I spent, (including purchase price, and the coil pack.)I am pretty happy. Car is quite and runs smooth. Good gas mileage, and very fun to drive.

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  Lots of Shopping and Love it! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By MD Driver - June 14 - 9:16 am

  So I did A LOT of shopping - a lot. Looked at the CR-V, RAV-4 and Escape, with my initial thoughts of going with the CR-V, however I hated the middle console and finally ended up with the Escape. I Love it - great gas milage (@ 26 average) huge fan of the console and the sync technology. Drives very well for a 4 cyl. after coming from a V6 its actually great. My decision had a lot to deal with how I felt in the car rather than what everyone else said - go with your gut!

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  Head Turner - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Jay S - June 14 - 1:40 am

  Very fun to drive. Nice acceleration great for overtaking people on the highway. And whats fun is when people try to race you on the highways. No problems so far handles and drives smooth. Summer tires a plus.

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  Good So Far - 2000 Ford Escort
  By dubyaw - June 14 - 1:32 am

  My father just bought this car for me a few weeks ago and its been great.Granted I am used to a 1990 Eclipse an even smaller two door coupe. Being 65 this car seats me very comfortably and has plenty of space for being a compact.This car has 48,000 on it and has had a tran rebuild, replaced Fr Dr side tie rod, and been very well maintained by previous owner. This car is great on gas, around 100 miles and still a bit over half a tank left. The engine packs a punch when needed but this being my first nice car I baby her. Fun car to just cruise in, comfortable ride, good sound quality, and for a powerful little 4 banger its pretty quiet.

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  Finally Ford SVT outdoes the 03-04 Cobra!! - 2013 Ford Shelby GT500
  By 2hottscott - June 14 - 1:11 am

  I have owned 4 SVT Cobras, this 2013 Shelby GT500 makes the 5th. And it surely makes the 8 long years I waited for Ford SVT to work their magic well worth it. Dont get me wrong, Ive owned two 04 Cobras while waiting. And have had a blast while waiting, still owning a 04 Mystichrome. I just cant seem to let the old girl go. Now to the 2013 GT500, where to start? The 2 settings of suspension you get with the Performance Package? The settings of steering input? "Sport" setting for me, I could go on all night. In short, SVT did it right on!!

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  Great little car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Bernie - June 13 - 8:51 pm

  I have owned this car for over 5 years now and its been overall a great experience. The car has over 82,000 miles now and I still get over 29 miles per gallon and the engine still runs strong. never had a problem with it other than a faulty spark plug, but that is maintenance. one and two year old domestic cars are the way to go!! you get a new car at a fraction of the cost.

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  04 Expedition to Loaded 07 Escape Hybrid - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By B. Place - June 13 - 4:46 pm

  The Escape Hybrid is fun to drive. It is not as comfortable as our Expedition was, but we are paying for technology and better gas mileage rather than top of the line comfort. We miss the storage place in front of the gear shifter and the covered storage between the seats is too small to hold my wifes purse. We also noticed the air conditioning gets warmer when the vehicle switches from gas engine to electric motor, but if you use AC Max it forces the gas engine to run. The car sounds and feels different from our Expeditions, but it is a smooth comfortable ride with plenty of power to zip around town. We bought it loaded and love it!

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  Best F-150 and Truck on the road! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By lekeller - June 13 - 3:58 pm

  Platinum model is a real head turner. Have had several near traffic accident misses as people staring at this truck and not paying attention to driving. Even other brand truck owners like this truck. Leather interior is great and fairly comfortable on long trips. Real world fuel mileage is 10-18 MPG without using 4WD. Really like this truck. Best F-150 I ever owned.

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  Check under the hood!!!! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By blueacid40 - June 13 - 2:14 pm

  Have put 4300 miles on Flex by now. Good vehicle so far, not happy with quality of product. Check under your hood there is electrical tape wrapped around a piece that covers the wiring harness, it is located by the battery. Trying to get people to recognize this issue to me this is unacceptable! Also there is a Special Service bulletin out for the Flex, if your door pillars have dents in them call your dealership!!