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:

• 

  Going Great at 40K Miles - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By John - July 11 - 7:36 am

  Purchased new XLT with towing package. Used to pull a boat, trailer, etc. Love the car. No issues whatsoever. Only items Id love to improve are the Sync entertainment system (Microsoft) is slow to load, esp. when starting the car in the freezing cold and you just want to put the heat on. Takes a couple seconds to actually show the climate controls. MPG is lower than expected at 18 on average.

• 

  A winner in the 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ward - July 11 - 1:23 am

  This is my 27th automobile. I have had at least one from each of the Big 3 and many imports from either side of the ponds. This car is the best, hands down that I have ever owned. My gas mileage is a welcome surprise in recent times. 28 mpg average after 14,000 miles is no small feat for a large car.

• 

  Fantastic Vehicle! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Fran - July 10 - 1:20 pm

  My family and I are amazed with this vehicle. You cant beat the amount of features you get for the price - we have the AWD Limited with all of the safety options. Ive never been a fan of "large" sedans, but the exterior doesnt look large at all while the interior is truly spacious. Its a pleasure to drive.

• 

  Nice, fun to drive - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Jeff - July 10 - 12:01 pm

  Just brought My Focus a few weeks ago and am very pleased. Overall quality is better than I expected and its really a blast to drive. As a former Honda salesperson Im amazed at how well thought out the interior is and the comfort of the ride. Definitely happy with the experience so far.

• 

  Great little truck - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Sue - July 10 - 12:00 pm

  Bought this to replace an F150 4x4 Supercab. In addition to being much easier to park, this little Escape handles well, rides well, looks great, and seems to be pretty well made.

• 

  Ford Ranger LEVEL 2 - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Dave - July 9 - 7:25 pm

  I bought it for towing, off roading sometimes both at the same time. And I commute to work in it. It has performed flawlessly. Couldnt ask for a better truck, I would say its even with Toyota with quality and fit and finish, except the Ranger is still small enough to run on the narrow trails in the mountains, and its cheaper to purchase and operate.

• 

  Ruby Red!! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By janet wofford - July 9 - 4:58 pm

  I had never heard of this site, but once I did, WOW!! It guided me to so many choices and then I narrowed it down and their my car was staring in my eyes!! I am so glad because I didnt have to go to all the dealerships to look for a car,because I set in my home!!

• 

  eye magnet - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jim swisher - July 9 - 7:46 am

  I sold off my 76 Corvette for the 05 Ford Mustang convertible. It is a true sports car with a back seat and a trunk. Though a little tight, its more than i had before. Ford finally got the looks right. the Mustang II look is over. This is straight out of the Sixties! The 4.0L/210 h.p. pulls good with the 5 speed transmission. Iif you can afford $6.00 more per fill up go 4.6L/300 hp, youll get an extra muffler too). Well built and handles well for stock suspension. Im impressed. Go test drive one for yourself.

• 

  The Perfect in-between - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By The Mighty Quinn - July 9 - 3:46 am

  Just took delivery of my Connect got XLT van with 255 doors and traction option. All black, that model you have to get side and rear glass. Great paint, It looks great in black. Going to throw some custom wheels on it. Had a 1994 e 150 ford van for 16 years and 225k. So when it died I needed something to fit my needs. Would like a Sprinter but costly. The Connect is a great option for me. I have less space then I am use to but this truck will work. I find the engine to be fine. Who doesnt want more horsepower

• 

  Big Red Ford - 2005 Ford F-150
  By JLOW - July 9 - 12:06 am

  The 2005 Ford XL V6 is now our Friday night date vehicle. It rides better than the Toyota or Honda cars we have. I love the design and the color. The truck is getting 21 MPG on 2 lane highways at 55 MPH. The gas mileage on the interstate at 70 mph is about 18.5. I am pleased with the truck and I rate it higher than the GMC I traded in.