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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  Just test drove and had to buy it - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By TR - May 15 - 12:05 pm

  Cant say much about reliability but after a test drive, I didnt want to get out of it. Quiet! Quiet like a Camry but so much cooler. Interior looks like a premium Infiniti or Lexus. Drives beautifully. Very different from the 2009 -2008 model. Much more refined and the style cannot be beat.

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  Great car for the price - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Scc - May 15 - 2:22 am

  Used to drive a 2000 focus and I decided to buy the newest model. Great car for the money. Drives great. My only complaint is the lack of quality control. The door gaps and body lines. They do not line up well. I expected better from a new car.

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  2001 yellow Mustang GT coupe - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By yellow Mustang GT - May 15 - 2:00 am

  It is a great car for your money worth. Bangs for bucks. Sure it doesnt have the power of the Camaro or Trans Am but doesnt cost as much either. And is still the more popular car of the GM brothers. That why it out sells both of them 2-1 and why they were put out of production in 2002. I have had no problems yet this car after 21,000 miles. It sure turns a lot of heads and is asked to be raced at the lights as well. This a great car to drive daily to work & fun. Although the GT is really a bad car in the snow or wet weather so have some kind of back up car for winter.

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  I like it! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By rlgay1000 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Have had a new thermostat put in. Have also had to have air/fuel valve replaced. Buts its a fund truck to drive and very versatile with pickup bed and room for 5 adults!

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  Missed Mustang - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By MissedMustang - May 15 - 12:56 am

  I purchased this car from the gamble that is a police auction. It was abused, torn up, and had 158k+ miles. It took very little TLC to get this car back and running, and it ran strong through 170k miles. The only serious problem I ran into was the engine module going out, but it was only a $150 fix. Other than that my mustang ran beautifully. It started well through the Minnesota Winter (I know, I know! My beater died out midway!) and handled relatively well in the snow for being a rear wheel drive car. Overall the car was a dream, and I would highly recommend that model to anyone who is looking into buying one.

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  Growing on ME! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Its growing on me - May 14 - 8:05 pm

  I just financed a 08 Ford Fusion S. So far so good. I like my car, its very roomy and comfortable. I did not do my research like I shouldve but after reading reviews on camry,accord, and malibu. I think that my car far exceeds the camry and honda in quality. I will probably trade in a year for a malibu because their reviews are great compared to a midsized car. I have had mines for about a month now, and I am overall pleased. There are a few things that need to be improved on but overall Fusion is a great ride, very smooth and if you dont have a need for speed a good driving vehicle. I do have a problem with acceleration, seems like Im killing the engine to get it to go. Wish I had a V6.

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  Transmission gave out - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By D Rivera - May 14 - 6:50 pm

  My husband bought us a 2016 Ford Explorer Sports edition....less than a year later, while driving it to work one morning, the car just stopped accelerating, after restarting the car, I drove fwd, then put the car in reverse, NOTHING. Had a tow truck take it straight to the dealership. A few hours later, got a call from the dealer stating the transmission had given out. Never getting a ford again! So disappointing.

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  No dissapointment here - 2008 Ford Escape
  By tulsagirl - May 14 - 6:34 pm

  Ive had my Escape for two years and am suprised at the negative reviews. I havent had one problem with mine. I was actually involved in a serious accident last year and the Escape protected me. I was not injured. I do agree that they should not have put in a 4 speed tranny or used drum brakes but other than that I still love my Escape. Ive had Fords all my life and only regret that I cant buy a new one every year.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By OneTimeFordBuyer - May 14 - 5:14 pm

  Bought this because Ford had better financing at the time. By far the worst car I have ever owned. I drive highway to work and only get 23 MPG (compared to the 29 it was listed at). It has been in the shop several times in the first two years with transmission problems. Going back to the shop now because the driver seat broke. Turning radius is horrible. Without traction control, cant get it to move on even a dusting of snow. This was the first and last Ford I will ever own. The value of it has dropped so much I cant even afford to get rid of it since I still owe double what it is worth. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone.

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  Good Things from Ford - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Reid Umphrey - May 14 - 1:05 pm

  It looks like all the focus from Ford on Quality has really paid off for them. I am degreed Aersospace Engineer as well as a Certificated Aircraft Mech and ASE Mech. I was a GM guy through the first 25 years of my driving life and had an very bad lemon experience with a GM Truck. The GM service manager actually told me that if I wanted a real truck I needed to go to the "Blue Oval". Went to Ford in 2000 and never looked back. We were looking for a replacment for my wifes 92 Astro Van. I stopped by the Dealership and though the Flex was just awesome. I really though she would think I had lost my mind to think she would drive it. The rest is history. Bought one and really like it!!!