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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  Best new car Ive owned (Ive owned 8) - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Super critical - June 11 - 10:28 pm

  First the bad. Struggling to get a full tank is unacceptable. Turning the nozzle upside down usually fixs the problem. Car is kinda thirsty but for the performance you get on regular gas, its within the bounds of acceptable. I have an automatic and the hesitation on downshifting is unacceptable and unsafe when driving aggressively. Now the good. In over 39000 miles, its never left me stranded. Never been in the shop for repairs. Cabin is squeak and rattle free still. Took it on a 8000mi trip and NEVER got out of it with a back ache. Stereo is great. Seat, console and door armrest position is the best Ive ever had. I love the car and Im not an easy person to please. Worth a look!

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  Fun and Not Boring! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Scott D. - June 11 - 10:10 pm

  We wanted to replace our minivan and still needed to seat at least 6. I looked at this car and many others and kept coming back to the Flex. It grows on you quickly. Two months later and 5,000 miles already - I love it. I have had at least 6 strangers stop and look and ask me about it. Never had that happen with any other new car! I like that it is different than the usual common, boring SUVs, crossovers, and sedans. Tons of interior room for family. I am 6-5" and this is the only car I have owned where the drivers seat is not all the way back. The boxy style helps with the engine compartment and the maintenance points (oil, battery, filters) are easily accessible.

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  The Ultimate Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By wolverine - June 11 - 5:30 pm

  This is my third Mustang (84 GT, 90 GT convertible) and this is, without question, the quintessential Pony Car. At 47, I was ready to settle down and purchase an Accord or Toyota. Glad I didnt. You cant get more bang for your buck. And if you dont drive like a madman, you can get decent gas mileage (Im currently averaging 20.6 mpg - city and highway). Ford, you hit this one outta the park!

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  My Second Mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By DonStang - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our second mustang, our first was an 88 GT, we got 140,000 out of that car. We bought another used one. We understand this is a sports car and a fun car. This car has no utilitie to it. Its for having fun. We put the 2 stage flowmasters on it. Sounds great and works better then are old one.

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  GM convert - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By scratch_golfer_la - June 11 - 10:00 am

  After numerous repairs (all warranty) to our driveline, we finally bit the depreciation bullet and traded in our 2000 Yukon SLE. Generous Ford rebate softened the blow. Very pleased with the first year of ownership--quality, fit, finish & NVH are all excellent, contradicting what the automotive press says.

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  Didnt test it enough - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By heatgirlat26 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love the look of my excursion I like to drive it,but it just is not reliable,I have had it in the shop for many different things,It goes through break pads like crazy,I was really disapointed have always been a ford fan,I chose it over the suburban,I now am looking to trade it in because i have 4 children and I am afraid to put them in it,It does not stop like it should and when I put it in the shop they can never seem to find anything wrong.Ford tried to compeat with chevy but really lost this one,,,

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  4dr Sedan - 2003 Ford Focus
  By allee - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car end of June 2003 and so far I love it...I traded in a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta that gave me nothing but problems the day I bought it...I am hoping that my Focus gives me a much happier life... I am alittle hesitant to give my focus a full rating on reliability until I have had it a year or so...then I can give a true rating. But thus far its fun to drive and I am happy at the moment!

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  GREAT TO DRIVE - 2004 Ford Escape
  By DAVID MACDONALD - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The Ford escape is an excellent vehicle for all around driving. Love It.

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  2003 Ford Escape XLS 2WD 3.0L - 2003 Ford Escape
  By colbri - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has by far provided the most enjoyable driving experience of all the Fords I have owned over the years. In my opinion,its handling, performance and fuel economy, not to mention good looks, place it a head above the others in its class that I tested before settling on this particular Ford product.

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  Excellent - 2003 Ford Escape
  By taurusescape - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Feels great when driving it. The passengers feel good even in the back seats.