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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  SVT Focus is a high point for Ford - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Bryan Redeker - April 1 - 1:40 pm

  I bought my SVT Focus used from my dad after I sold my 2000 Focus ZX3. The SVT Focus is great to drive, both on the street, at autocrosses, and on the track. The Recaro seats are very supportive for cornering, and the brakes are perfect! Stomping the middle pedal really hauls the car down on the straight away. With the 6-speed gearbox, I pulled off 40 mpg on a highway trip. How many cars have HIDs, Recaro seats, 6-speed gear boxes, big brakes, and get 40 mpg! Only one, and that is the SVT Focus. Usual mileage is 32 combined. I love my Focus and it is one of the best compact cars ever made, and a high point for Ford!

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  My car - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By 96gtJohn - April 1 - 1:15 pm

  I purchased my Gt october of 07. Excited as hell the first day in it i nearly crashed it. I bought the car from a friend of mines that worked at the for dealership and he bought it from another guy at the same dealership. The car is far from stock. Since I have owned the car Ive changed the headlights, taillights, tinted the windows, lowered the car. I have also added the K&N cold air intake (great purchase) I have changed the throttle body, also added the slp loudmouth shotgun resonators which sound amazing, i have also put wider (275) meaty tires to get the car to stick, larger brakes, 04 cobra tranny, and to top it off i had the car paint purple/ black with metal flakes.

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  Disappointed - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Disappointed - April 1 - 12:22 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with only 8000 miles...after 1 yr it started having problems that dealership doesnt know who to fix. Now it getting dangerous. It stalls out & start back up...all electrical comes on with a loud pop, the car dies and starts back up. I almost had a wreak because the steering shuts down during this time and I was not able to complete the turn. Reviewing the web others have had this problems too. I took it to the dealership many times but they could not find out what was causing it. This is the last Ford I will buy.

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  Great Ride - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By pepe11 - April 1 - 12:17 pm

  I couldnt be happier with this truck. We just turned in our Mercedes R-class and bought this 07 leftover. It rides better than the Mercedes by a long shot and its a heck of lot more fun to drive. It has everything we wanted including Nav and RES. Im looking forward to many many years of driving this thing.

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  poor exterior design flaws - 2009 Ford F-150
  By 20victory03 - April 1 - 10:55 am

  I just purchased a new 2009 Ford F-150 4x4 XL Regular Cab. I Love the truck except for 2 flaws in design. First...The head rests protrude out from the seat back about 5 inches which pushes your head in a lookdown position. The seat must be reclined back in order to level out your head so you are looking out the windshield instead of down at the bottom of steering wheel. I turned the headrests backwards which now has zero protection in the event of a rear collision but it now is comfortable. Secondly, The 2 openings on either side of license plate has 2 brackets that Fords engineers have no clue of what they are for, sitting there and is an eye sore,these holes are for extra cooling. The holes supposedly, according to the engineers route extra air up to the radiator for engine cooling. If this is a fact, Ford should have installed air intake ducts to direct air up to the front of radiator...not filled the back side with a rubber mat, enclosing the area.

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  A Total Blast! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By n8tivarkie - April 1 - 10:30 am

  Ive been a driver of pickups for the past 15 years, but after test driving this car, I was a changed man. What a rush! Ford has returned the Mustang to its power status. The GT is a monster out of the box ... if you have a choice, go with the 5 speed versus the auto. Its a muscle car, not a cruiser. This is without a doubt the most fun driving Ive ever had!

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  Pony Pams - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Pamela - April 1 - 12:20 am

  Mustang ... says it all! What weve come to love about the Mustang continues today. I have a 1965 GT also. I fell in love with the styling of the Stang. My car gets noticed everywhere. Recent snow, my pony handled great. Built FORD tough. God bless Carroll Shelby!

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  Love my SUV - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By Ken Ramsay - March 31 - 7:18 pm

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  A Positive Surprise - 2009 Ford Edge
  By landkclyde - March 31 - 5:31 pm

  I just purchased a new Edge for my wife and we are both very satisfied with our choice. The car has great styling, feels very solid and drives and handles surprising well. You cant beat the comfort and roominess, especially in the back seat. Despite the complaints of some critics, I find the interior quality to be quite good and the materials seem very durable. The Edge equals or exceeds most of the foreign made equivalents that we tried and at a much better price after dealer and factory discounts. Have you driven a Ford lately?

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  So much more for so much less money - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Dennis - March 31 - 1:39 pm

  A great car! It is what it is a pony car with grunt,style and flair. I get positive comments from 10 to 80 year old guys and dolls. My Acura rarely gets attention like the Mustang!