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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  My Festiva Caught H - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By FestivaFan4Life - June 10 - 8:32 pm

  Purchased at 120K, paid $1500. Drove 30,000 miles in the first year. Replaced tires and alternator and that was all it ever needed. Extremely dependable car. Didnt go in winter weather at all, but overall is a fun car to drive. Also not a powerhouse so is ideal for a young driver.

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  PURRR-FLEX - 2009 Ford Flex
  By LaRosa Turner - June 10 - 5:03 pm

  I shopped "til" I dropped looking for "THE" car on the internet. We already have a Explorer, i decieded to check out the Ford official site. I saw this 1950ish looking wagon and click on the interior and fell in love. Went to Chicago car show, saw one! Went to our Ford dearlship, sat behind the wheel, purrrr-fect. Drove it with the pedal to the metal,(and a prayer), purrr-fect. Went home told my husband, he said wait until fall. I didnt speak to him for 1 week. He took me back saw the Flex, didnt like it. Sat in it, purrr-fect! We now own a Flex!

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  Wow - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By timmy - June 10 - 2:46 pm

  This vehicle is just amazing. Averaging 31.5 MPG and I drive 38 miles one way to work, about 25 miles of which is 60 MPH+ highways. I never dreamed I would see this kind of mileage in a 4wd SUV. The ride is very comfortable and smooth even on shoddy michigan roads, but it is not floaty, sloshy, or sluggish like a lot of other SUVs or larger cars can feel. Plenty of power when you step on it - like they advertise it feels like a v-6 when you need it to. I rarely push it though because Im always concious of mileage. Feel lucky to own it despite the cost - see favorite features below. 

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  2010 Fusion Hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By JGW - June 10 - 3:46 am

  Love this car. Put 115,000 on it so far with no major repairs, only regular maintenance. When first purchased new, was getting about 42 mpg, now getting around 38mpg. Im not sure if its because the car is older now or that I am not trying as hard to keep mpg low. Purchased new loaded with all accessories. Really a great car.

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  I love my Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Heather - June 9 - 8:50 pm

  I got my convertible 2 months ago and I love it! Its so much fun to drive around and I cant go anywhere without someone commenting on the car. Theres really no other car like it.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By EGKStang - June 9 - 12:54 pm

  I love this car, it rides very smooth and has great acceleration and pickup. I find the seats to be comfortable and they have a nice grip to them. Fuel economy, its a sports car! When I drive it reasonably I get decent gas mileage when I get on it, I dont. This is a very fun car, I traded a 00 GT for it. To me it beats the GT in all aspects. It gets lots of looks and people ask me to rev it a lot. Its a Cobra :) More than a car, a symbol!

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  Great Little Car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By bobol - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Both my wife and myself are very satisfied. Great little car, fun to drive, pretty good 0n gas. Excellent performance response time and handles very well, In comparison to other small cars in other makes the car equals and in many cases exceeds our expectations. I usually drive a large car but find myself driving the Taurus when I can get it away from my wife or daughter.

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  New to Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By FrankieC - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven small import trucks for 20 years.This is My first full size pick- up.What a wonderful experience purchasing this truck has been!Its like a luxury car with a bed in the back.I LOVE IT!

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  NEW FX4 2004 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By NMNATE8 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS EVERYTHING ITS HYPED UP TO BE. I TURNED IN A 97 FORD AND AM ABSOLUTLEY IN LOVE WITH THE NEW DESIGN, HANDLING, INTERIOR, AND POWER. THE ONLY DRAW BACK (AS EXPECTED) WOULD BE THAT THE STATED GAS MILEAGE IS OVERATED. AS WITH MY OLD TRUCK, I AVERAGE 12 MILES TO THE GALLON IN THE CITY.

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  Great little car! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By bosslbs - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It handles like a more expensive car and can keep up speed wise.