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 New Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By taylor_DTW - January 29 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this car in SE/I4/manual trim, two weeks ago, and Im very happy I did. Its fun to drive for a family car; in a whole different league from Malibu or Camry. The suspension and brakes are especially well done. The I4 is not overpowering, but it revs high and the manual transmission works great...feels good and the gears are tightly spaced. I also think its a beautiful car (on the outside...average on the inside), and it was inexpensive to boot. I always said if a US manufacturer builds a car that was good-looking and fun to drive with a manual transmission, I would give it a chance. Well, this is that car! Im very happy and would recommend it to anyone.

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  The base model isnt really a "base model" - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Jake - January 29 - 5:11 am

  Ive had my fusion just a little over 2 weeks and Im in love with it. Even though it is a base model, it still has a lot of cool features and it really isnt a "base model"

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  Great SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By na - January 28 - 11:01 pm

  We bought our Explorer used from a millionaire my grandfather works for. It was stored in a garage most of its life. I love it, we had it for over a year and have done no maintenance on it except change the tires and oil. Its been very reliable for a Ford and now has more then a hundred thousand miles on it. The Explorer is a great car to have and is very good in the snow and I would recommend buying one.

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  Pretty Good - 2001 Ford Escort
  By FordOwner - January 28 - 6:51 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 with 35,000 miles on it. I have put 65,000 miles on it over the last five years. Up until the 90,000 mile mark it was an extremely good car, with nothing other than regular maintanence. The last year it needed brakes (pads, rotors, and drums), tie-rods, and a solenoid, all between $400 and $500 each. I always get over 30 mpg, usually closer to 35. Ride and handling are acceptable for a small car. Not much interior room, but enough for my 52" body. It has had intermittant problems shifting from park to drive when first started. Likes to stay in park or neutral. Have to bump shifter into neurtal, than back into drive for it to get into gear.

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  Expedition EL Review - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By JenTaylor - January 28 - 2:19 pm

  Had a 2007 expedition EL that was totaled in an accident. Looked around and the 2009 was still the best for us. The fold down seats are so wonderful when I have that "emergency" with more kids to haul around. I currently have 2 car seats in the car and was able to have 5 adults and 3 children with Car Seats and 2 full size strollers in the cargo area. Then dropped the one family off, folded down the seats and went grocery shopping. Also this hugh car turns on a dime, U- turns in tight corners are no problem. The transmission seems to give more power to this vehicle over the 2007.

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  Best car I ever had. - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By joe henricks - January 28 - 11:47 am

  This is my 7th car. I owned mainly Honda accord and Nissan Altima. I dont like American cars, bu I have to say this Mustang really rocks. Better reability and low cost maintenance tha my previous Honda Accord Coupe. Best choice ever!

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  ZX3 - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Alex - January 28 - 11:14 am

  Since my wife and I have had this car, weve had several issues with it. Fords build quality is poor. Weve had issues with the air conditioner leaking, after its rained the back of the car has had large amounts of water in it, the ignition where you put the key in broke and had to be replaced, the plastic (let me reinforce plastic) thermostat housing unit was leaking coolant, also the hoses arent sufficient enough to carry the coolant since they eventually balloon up, the car jerks when you back up, etc. The radio always shut off and you have to push in the radio/cd area to turn it back on. Other than maintenance issues, the car is pretty comfortable inside and is fun to drive.

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  1997 Explorer XLT - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By tm - January 28 - 11:11 am

  I bought my Explorer used in 1998 with 21,000 miles already on it. I took very good care of it and kept up with all the main fluid changes myself. I drove it every where. I now have 210,000 miles on it, with the original transmission, can you imagine, a Ford... and it is still driveable! During my time with the truck since 1997, I have replaced basic wear and tare items and some basic mechanical itmes (3 oc sensors, some part in the front suspension area, sv joint, the driverside door handle, the a/c leaks. However, the transmission is finally starting to slip, the check engine light is on, the 4x4 trasnfer case, the 4x4 lights are flashing, speed sensor is gone bad. Will buy a newer Explorer

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  MORE TROUBLE THAN WHAT ITS WORTH - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Amanda H. - January 28 - 10:11 am

  You will have to take this vehicle to the dealer for repairs numerous times. I have had to take my car in at least six times in less than two years. It has several recalls and needs several other recalls done to make it safe to drive. The transmission computer module reset had to be done on my car several times, Ford reset it twice and replaced it three times on my car. It is in again with transmission issues that was not part of the recall by they are replacing it free of charge. Parts for this vehicles have been on back order numerous times leaving me without a car for several days up to a week without a vehicle. I have several children and this car makes me afraid to transport them in the car. It will not accelerate when you need to at times. I have been getting onto the highway, pushing the gas pedal as far as it will go and it refuses to go. This car is a DANGER TO THE OWNERS AND ANYONE ON THE ROAD. There are very few good qualities about this car so it is not worth the hassle and risk. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY AND TIME ON THIS CAR!!!

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  Awesome Vehicle - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Kynan R - January 28 - 3:41 am

  I can pretty say this is the best vehicle I have owned thus far. Ive killed potholes, ran into snowbanks, and this car just wont bend, except for a little exterior damage. Cruise control just went out last week, but for 200k miles, its about time something did. So far, that is the only thing other than routine stuff that Ive had to replace. Stock sound is awesome, road noise is quiet until about 60, suspension is not quite as stiff as many say, and the backseat is just perfect for the poodle. Overall, fantastic racing vehicle, not so great for family time or winter four-wheeling.