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 Third Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By kimbah - February 15 - 3:25 pm

  Ive owned my third Taurus for just shy of 5 years and I love it. Bought it brand new. I have 80,000 miles on it and have only replaced tires at 60k miles no other repairs. Still has original brakes which I consistently have checked and theyre still good. Now thats amazing!

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  I love my Ford but.... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Anne Lance - February 15 - 5:30 am

  The car handles well and looks nice. Heated seats are great to take the chill off quickly. My issue is with the gas mileage. Rating is 20/25 but so far (almost 2,000 miles later) I am only getting around 16 or 17 in the city and 23 freeway.

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  Drive it & Buy It - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Crossovered - February 15 - 3:10 am

  The sport model look got me! With factory 22" wheels & body kit, looks great from any angle. It transformed the ride/handling into something unlike any SUV/CUV. If you like the tight suspension, definitely consider the sport model. Interior is not the best, but with nav/sync, makes it a lot more fun. Lots of legroom front & back. Car still new, getting 17.5 mpg average, hope it will improve. Test driven Murano, Venza, Rav4, Tiguan, & Pilot, none look as good as this sport model.

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  The Horror Story - 2012 Ford Focus
  By daisy83 - February 15 - 2:24 am

  Shortly after purchasing our 2012 Ford Focus, we noticed a shuddering noise, coming from the front end. Had it checked several over and over. We were told it would stop approx. after 1000miles.Surprise, Surprise...4000 miles now and STILL making noise.. Spoke to FORD CORP, several times.. We were told it is within standards and is normal... How can a car that draws attention when shifting, be normal??? FORD has a problem!! I guess they dont know how to fix it.. THANK YOU FORD!!! for making our life totally stressed and exhausted.. we are at our wits end and are ready to surrender the vehicle. O by the way, noise in the gas tank area as well.. grandkids wonder what the noise is!!!

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  First Time Focus Driver - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Maddie - February 15 - 1:10 am

  A fun car to drive. Very sensitive steering. This is a nice zippy car, especially when it has most of the options. I am a new driver and this car is easy to learn.

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  I love this car! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Tara - February 14 - 9:55 pm

  I am in love with this car. My Fusion is Tuxedo Black. It looks amazing. It rides beautifully. Sync is just incredible. Your IPod plugs right in for Sync. You dont even need the six CD changer. It handles well. I feel so safe in this car. I have test driven the Camry and the Accord and this car just blows them out of the water. I have never felt this way about any car I have owned in the past.

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  Keeping my fingers crossed - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By dennis - February 14 - 8:48 pm

  I have had seven Windstars over the past decade (presently own three) what can I say. Reliability has been great. Bought a 95 model with 175000 miles now is at 250000 and everything still works. Had gasket and bearing work done but thats about it. Nothing done to tranny or motor on any of the vehicles I have owned. Maybe my day is coming but for now its been a good van for me.

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  Best Truck Ive had - 1993 Ford F-150
  By stress369 - February 14 - 6:00 pm

  Ive always been a GM guy. Well I have now changed my mind. This is a great truck, lots of pep! The get up and go coming from the 5.0 is great. The only thing that I do not like is how much lower it sets than its GM counterpart.

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  My 2000 Crown Victoria - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Gerry House-Peters - February 14 - 8:40 am

  I purchased my 2000 Crown Victoria for $20,500 in November of that year. It is the basic model and I have put 20,000 miles a year on it. I thoroughly enjoy the roominess and being 6".2" can really stretch out in it. As for the trunk, well, it has as much luggage space, if not better than any large SUV on the market. I intend to buy another one when the 2007 models come out. Its a bargain! As far as the Chrysler 300 is concerned, well its certainly a lot flashier than the Vic but Im afraid Id suffer from claustrophobia with those narrow "gangster windows!

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Escape - February 13 - 3:10 pm

  I bought a new Ford Escape and it is just a fun SUV to drive. I leased it and I ended up getting the 4 cylinder. Before I test drove it I thought I would never buy a car with a 4 cylinder, but after driving it I found out the 4 cylinder has a lot of zip. I brought it home and my kids always want to drive it, they love it too. I would definitely recommend buying an Escape.