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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  great car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By MH - April 11 - 7:51 am

  We love the hatchback, but theres more to love, too. Very zippy, even with the automatic, yet pretty good fuel economy. Good road feel and handling. Small footprint with plenty of interior space and decent backseat room. My husband is tall and Im not, but we both feel comfortable driving. Very reliable. Really like the keyless entry.

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  Value for money - 2016 Ford Focus
  By David Smith - April 10 - 11:13 pm

  The Focus model S gives you a completely acceptable car at a great price.

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  Left me Stranded again - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By MikeZ - April 10 - 6:54 pm

  My ranger has 36500 miles on it and the air-flow sensor broke on it leaving me stranded before work. The warranty ran out at 36000 so I had to pay for everything. (towing, engine work). At 35000 miles the transmission had to be rebuilt. Luckily the dealership took care of that. I just dont trust it anymore. Im trading it in.

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  Ford Got This One Right! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By David Broadwater - April 10 - 6:40 pm

  I think Ford got it right on this one! I do not know what vehicle the review people drove, but I found more than enough power on the highway for passing, climbing hills or just taking off from the toll both. I do agree about the substandard cloth used on the seats. Other than that, the Freestyle has either lived up to or surpassed all expectations. The engine noise could be a little better, but its not nearly as noisy as my Windstar was. The handling is good and braking is good, and the most important things is that my wife likes it.

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  Fantastic Car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By BrooklynOH - April 10 - 6:36 pm

  Got it about a week ago as my first car. I love it, it is roomy and it runs very well for being 14 years old. Also I have not rust or any body problems. In my eyes it is a perfect first car. ONLY 37000 MILES!!!!

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  Last Ford I will ever buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By done with ford - April 10 - 2:37 pm

  This is my second Explore and I should have learned from the first one which lived up to the name “Exploder” (at about 120,000 miles I was dumping anywhere from $500 - $1500.00 per month in to it just to keep it running). My 2002 Explorer appears to be even worse. Just passing 91000 miles of nothing but city street travel I have replaced the internal components of the steering column twice which cost to date $3000.00 and the rear bearing for $600.00. The transmission has slipped since day one and I don’t want to know what that will cost to repair, the rear differential seals are leaking and the front bearing are starting to go. I am getting rid of the vehicle this weekend! Its Doge for me!

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  100+ Ford - 2007 Ford F-150
  By debug013 - April 10 - 12:38 pm

  This is my 6th F150 Supercrew. 5.4 v8, 3.73 limited slip rearend, chrome package, Dark shadow gray/silver on bottom, skid plates and few other goodies. Current mileage 17K. This is a great truck. Ive had an entire pallet of ceramic tile(3000LBS)in the bed of this truck and the only noticeable difference was the truck sat level instead of nose down. Average 12-13mpg city and 18.5-20mpg highway. Only one minor problem during a cold spell this winter the 4X4 acuator on the front axle wouldnt engage. Dealer found water in acuator and it had frozen. Dealer replaced it in a few hours I was back in the mud.

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  Good value for the price - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bcamp55 - April 10 - 11:59 am

  The car has performed well with very little service issues other than the computer going out at 135K ($1,400). Other than tires, one brake change, and oil, I have put no money into this car considering I have almost 150,000 miles on it. I would feel quite confident driving it to Alaska today if I needed to.

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  Bad Mileage "Gas waister" - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Carlos - April 10 - 11:12 am

  I read the specs on this car and suppose to give you 16mpg city and 21mpg hwy. But every time I fill the tank I reset the odometer and I always get only about 10mpg city. If some one had the same problem I like to know how to fix it. Carlos

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  Focus has gone way downhill - 2007 Ford Focus
  By hh - April 10 - 9:15 am

  This is my second Focus. At 40K miles, the stock 6 CD player started draining the battery, causing me to need jumps as long as the main fuse allowed power to the radio/Cd. I spoke with Ford - not covered. Nearly new car, dying nightly, now working again only because I pulled the fuse. Ford is aware of the issue, but wont work it. This has soured me on Ford, and the Focus, and I wont be buying another FMC product.