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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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Tina Stanford - October 20 - 7:27 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Ford Fusion Sport about a year and a half ago, used with about 28,000 miles on it. I have not had any issues with it. I love the security features, leather seats, navigation system, and the voice recognition. The only thing I have had to purchase for it is tires due to driving through construction sights frequently. The only negative I see is the amount of gas it uses. I was never a fan of Ford cars due to some past issues with Fords. I can honestly say that Ford got it right this time with the Fusion. I would recommend this car and would purchase another one when I am in the market again.

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  Get up and go with newer engine - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By roadrunner6700 - October 20 - 4:45 am

  Very good, reliable car. Ive owned many cars but this is a tough car with the new engine.Tough also on impact I accidentally ran into a brick house and when I backed out it had no body damage, except one small scratch on the hood. Very reliable and TOUGH.

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  Solid 95 T-Bird V8 - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By sfreid - October 19 - 7:18 pm

  I love this car. Bought off the dealer lot in Nov 94. Very solid. Great touring car. V8 has good power and good highway MPG. Most expensive repairs were made under warranty. No major repairs, but starting to have a few minor problems at 122K. Always buy T or better speed rated tires for better handling. Car is pretty easy to work on.

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  Focus is a fun kids car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By cory kilburn - October 18 - 2:00 pm

  The Focus is a good kids car but for a family of four it is a little too small. The arm rest in the Focus could be looked at as weak and needs to be looked at by Ford, as well as the fuel pump. I have owned 2 Ford Focus and have replaced 4 fuel pumps and 2 arm rests. Other than that the car is fun to drive and gets good gas mileage. Good luck and fun safe driving. :)

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  V10 Gas or Diesel? - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By appoloosa - October 18 - 4:02 am

  We love our Excursion, even nick-named it "Haus" since this gentle giant has served us well. Pulls a horse trailer with ease and on those occasions when you need to rent "real" toys like a 21 boom lift or a backhoe, you better not show up in a Toyota, theyll laugh you out of the place. Go home son and bring back a real truck 3/4 ton or better youll be hearing as you slink out of the parking lot. We have a real issue over all the hoopla about the Powerstroke diesel and all the negatives about the V-10 sucking up gas, which is definitely NOT the case, ours has always gotten 12-15 MPG city and gets better mileage loaded out than the Dodge Ram Pickup with a 318-V8, and no stinky $$ diesel fuel.

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  2002 Ford Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By pipelineguy - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Interior could use less plastic - needs padded arm rests/door panels. Overall a fun vehicle to drive. Gas mileage is decent. The only problem Ive had in 7000 miles is a faulty wiper arm.

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  Sport is Wonderful!! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Tricia M. - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Sport I have owned, I absolutely love it, no comparison to the Blazer, quality of vehicle is outstanding

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  Best SUV Ever owned - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By susie q - October 17 - 11:36 am

  We have had 2 Jeeps (which I loved, but not big enough), and a GMC Suburban and love the Excursion the best. I am sooooo glad we bought the diesel even though it is noisy sometimes. Drove over 3,000 miles to Colorado and was very comfortable, I dont understand why diesel is higher than regular, makes no sense. It is the best vehicle I have ever had.

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  2005 MUSTANG IS HOT! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By SDmustang - October 14 - 7:26 pm

  I love this car. It makes you feel like a "movie star." From the police to little kids and "big kids" turn their heads. It truly is a fun car that can zip around town and make you feel like you dont want to get out. We have driven 700 miles in it in 2 weeks! We now want a convertible and the coupe. Go for it and take the highway. And watch others dream about your car. :)

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  Test drove them all - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Dennis J. - October 14 - 11:28 am

  I had a VW TDI and knew VW was going to be buying my VW back so I had many months to shop for the perfect car for me. I test drove them all numerous times and each time I came back to the Ford Edge. I wanted a vehicle that was sturdy on the road, solid when you closed the door and quite on the road....and it needed to have plenty of power. That is what the Ford Edge gave me! Because this care was so smooth on the road and luxurious inside, I decided to go with a black color since it made me feel like I was riding in a sedan made to drive a world leader. I look forward to driving this car everyday!