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:

• 

  Still the best! - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Craig Erickson - January 25 - 11:47 pm

  I have owned three F150s and my 2015 is the best. After 22 thousand miles in all kinds of conditions my truck has not disappointed me. Not once. The handling, comfort, and fuel economy remain excellent. I will repeat what I said in my first review. Ford simply knows how to build pickups. I doubt I will ever drive anything other than a Ford F-150 unless it is a F-250.

• 

  Worthless - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Tom H. - January 25 - 10:42 pm

  Garbage. Car shakes all the time, speakers are broken, all the windows dont roll up or down Oil pan leaks, shocks and struts are shot, and overheated all the time. Put $2000 in to it for tune up, transmission, and water pump and timing belt. Never buy this car whatever you do.

• 

  Good things come in compact sizes - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Joel - January 25 - 8:07 pm

  I have the 2016 Escape Titanium with the 2.0 L engine. This SUV has lots of power and handles very well on the road. The Titanium level is loaded with many options and features. Navigation system is very easy to use as is all the function on this SUV. Interior finish quality is first class as is the exterior styling. Love the cargo room and foot activated rear hatch. If anyone is looking for a compact quality SUV with many options the Escape Titanium is the way to go.

• 

  For the price, you gotta look at it. - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Sisao Tresed - January 25 - 7:54 pm

  My daughter took my Honda Civic to college. She said she had fallen in love with it during the summer and it was no use to try to pry it from her hands. I had rented a few Focuses and always enjoyed their pure simple performance. went over to Ford to look at one. Finances were tight. I ended up buying an SES 2 Dr. with all the bells and whistles. The price put the imports to shame. No, its not a Beemer or an Audi. But I bought in on my credit card! It was half the price of the cars we had looked at. It goes very well, it can corner, and it can get up and go with that smooth 5-speed. It shines up real well, and even the Pirellis hold their own on tough surfaces. Im happy!

• 

  Great SUV - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Quaid007 - January 25 - 6:58 pm

  I bought the Ford Edge based on looks, the Sync system, and Fords recently emerging reputation for quality. So far I am very satisfied with the entire car as a whole. The drive is smooth and quiet with good acceleration when needed. The body styling is attractive in a timeless way. It looks masculine and beefy, unlike the CRV or the Vue, and it doesnt have any over-exaggerated curves that might make it dated in a few years, like the Murano. The interior is roomy, comfortable, and stylish (despite what some professional reviews say). The best part is the Sync system and touch- screen display--it makes the car fun to drive. Ford included all the right options for the price.

• 

  The Junker - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Tibz28 - January 25 - 6:09 pm

  My family bought this car a a means of getting the family around with 5 people in my family we need the van. At frist it wasnt that bad. It made it from Michigan to Flordia and back when we bought it. Then about 3 years later we went on a trip to the Grand Canyon. Never made it though cause the trans started to go. Trans has been rebuilt twice. None of the doors lock. Have had new shocks put on about five times and it needs a new tie rod. Brakes work good. Has a load of electrical problems. In the end my parents ended up letting the van sit for about a year before they gave it to me for my frist car. I rolled the van and yet it stills runs, so the body is very durable. Is built like a tank.

• 

  Wait for the price to drop - not worth it - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Wait for price drop - January 25 - 5:46 pm

  I traded in my Z06 for this car and paid way over sticker. Thought at the time I had to have it. Shame on Ford for letting dealers charge way more than msrp for the car. Thats what is wrong with Ford and why no one wants to get ripped off by them. Save some money and get a Vette or wait for the price to drop.

• 

  Built to last - 1990 Ford F-150
  By John - January 25 - 12:53 pm

  My dad bought this car back in 1995 from my grandfathers work. He paid I think 3000 for it with 175,000 miles. Its now 2009 has 300,800 miles and it still runs strong. The 4x4 still works great the paint has no clear coat fading or splitting. Nothing has been changed besides starter battery and maintenance otherwise its all original. Its not the prettiest but definitely not the ugliest. Its well worth your money to buy one and it will last forever.

• 

  Great truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By SteelCandy - January 25 - 11:46 am

  I have driven many trucks in all sizes and the 2003 Ranger Supercab XLT is one of the best small trucks I have been in. When I had it in for tires, oil change and inspection, they gave me a loaner truck, a Nissan Frontier. It was a few years newer and had 80,000 less miles on it, but I still thought my old Ranger was so much better that I drove back to the dealer and waited for mine. Only 2 small trucks I have driven have come close to my 2003 Ranger, the 1st was almost as good and was my 94 Ranger. The other was a 2002 S10. None of the import trucks I have been in have been anywhere near as good.

• 

  Great - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By saber1251 - January 25 - 5:39 am

  I traded in a 2006 Honda Accord EX on a 2009 Ford Fusion SE with Sport Package. The Fusion handles better than the Accord, has just as much power, and the build quality is just as good if not better than the Accord. In addition, the car is fun to drive. For the price you cannot beat the Fusion.