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:

• 

  You get what you pay for. - 2001 Ford Focus
  By tommyschw - February 25 - 9:59 am

  We bought this car used for a pretty good price. We have had it for 3 years now and it has been fairly reliable. It can be a bear to work on yourself at times, due to the way it was built. There have been sensor problems and it is leaking coolant now. Hopefully we can get a few more years out of it, we take really good care of it, and it still seems to have problems. More so than my Pontiac Grand Am.

• 

  Really safe and good but needs a few improvements. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By beeryan78 - February 25 - 5:28 am

  I purchased my Focus back in May of 2011. Recently in Nov of 2011, the vehicle was t-boned at an angle by a Toyota Highlander. To my surprise, the Focus performed great! Only a little airbag burn on my arm and that is it. Very impressed. Unfortunately the dealer had the vehicle for 70 days and there were just too many post repair issues, so I traded it in. Now let me not let you think its perfect, because it had some issues. My dashboard was replaced due to a crack(early model issue), the vehicle developed some rattles(none of my Fords 97-04 rattled), the tranny had shifts issues, MyFordTouch had its issues and the engine flipped out once and revved high(fluke?). Enjoyed the car, miss it.

• 

  Best Used Car Ever ! - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By lisag - February 25 - 1:51 am

  I bought my car from my neighbor almost 1 year, for $500. I figured It would last a month or so, 6 months tops. 1 year later, Im still driving it. Its been a great little car. Sure, Ive had to have a few repairs done, but none of them were major and most were things I had to have done with a car 20 years newer! Ive considered selling it, but its been so good to me, I think ill just do a few cosmetic repairs and keep it. Its reliable and it has never left me stranded. Great car for the money!

• 

  Bullitt Mustang gets it right - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By mrolfers - February 25 - 12:47 am

  Ford got the Bulllitt Mustang right in so many ways: I love the low-key, retro styling cues throughout. No stripes, no fins, no flames, and very little chrome. Slick shifter, engine pulls hard, and has a satisfying muscle car exhaust note. I owned an 86 GT and this thing handles like its from another planet. You can actually throw it around curves without the rear end breaking loose at the slightest tap on the gas. Excellent seats and very comfortable on a couple of 300 mile road trips. Id like another 200+ HP or so, as the car does run out of power before Id like, but I couldnt afford the Shelby GT 500. I rarely get to drive it that hard, so its a mild criticism.

• 

  Lovin Every Minute Of It - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Happy New Owner - February 24 - 5:06 pm

  Im loving the ride. Its very smooth on gravel roads. Its trail capability is very good. I have no complaints about the mileage. Approximately 580km/tank city driving, that all depends on your driving habits. Just love driving it

• 

  A perfect fit - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Lorraine M. - February 24 - 4:23 pm

  This was the ideal choice for me, a one car owner. It gives me the style and comfort I want along with large capacity trunk space and room for long items. It works well for me as a good handling and driving machine with a homeowners cargo hold. I enjoy driving my 500 and it has performed as well as I expected.

• 

  A car of class - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By shane wheeler - February 24 - 4:16 pm

  Know it is a car you can trust, depend on and ride not just in comfort but class, I will take this car over any high end luxury car any day. Exceptional design, Ford put a great deal of research and design into this car and gave it to the public at a hell of a great cost.

• 

  Good so far - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Midwest - February 24 - 4:06 pm

  Bought this from a credit union (repo) and have been having fun. Have done a lot of maintenance that you would expect at 125,000 miles. Shocks, water pump, tires, ball joints, etc. Now that it has what it needed, I would drive it cross country with no hesitation. Its good for its age. Awesome in snow!

• 

  My New car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Melissa - February 24 - 12:26 pm

  This is my new car. I would buy no other. It is fun to drive and be in. It has enough space for my two kids.

• 

  My 3.9L - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By whitefeather85 - February 24 - 10:02 am

  We had a choice between a few beautiful stangs and bought this 04 40th anniversary edition. Fully loaded with a Mach stereo system. I upgraded the air filter, plugs and oil which made a major difference. I run at least 25-28 mpg, even going 80+mph. It handles very well, drove through a wy. winter storm and stuck to the road. Gotta love my 3.9L!