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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  Fantastic economical ride - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Melissa - October 11 - 6:16 am

  For a compact car, the Focus Sedan has an extremely roomy interior. The backseat easily fits one car seat and two adults with no loss of "oomph" from the engine. Throw in miles of trunk space for a stroller or two and you have a great economy family car.

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  Love the Escape Hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Doug - October 11 - 3:30 am

  The Escape is a blast to drive. It feels nimble, solid, and sure, and the acceleration is remarkably good. After 8500 miles, were averaging 32 mpg on the highway and between 32 mpg (my wife with a heavy foot) and 38 mpg (me with an exceptionally light foot) in town.

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  This CAR - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Figlar-Barnes - October 11 - 12:26 am

  I just had this car worked on and a blown head gasket was feared to be the problem, but it was a pitted area in the head--which was fixed easily. This car has 205,000 miles on it (bought new) and has had minimal problems--if all of Ford vehicles were like this one, Ford would not be having a problem with its value and quality compared to its competitors like Toyota. It makes me laugh when I hear new vehicle advertisements bragging about great gas mileage (28-32 miles to a gallon highway). This car consistently gets 37 to 42 miles per gallon highway. Imagine that, the car is 10 years old!

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  Good car for $1200 in 1999 - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Jonathan LA - October 9 - 7:36 pm

  For the size of the engine the car did well in performance. I added intake and exhaust and noticed a slight difference. Lowering the car also enhanced handling making it fun, as well as taking it drifting and off-roading. The car has been in three accidents (all hit and runs) and has almost nothing to show for it, durability is high on this plastic-bumpered car. Even sold for $1000 five years later in 2004 with 150K miles on it. Bought it for $1200 with 80K miles and only had to do routine maintenance.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Helmey - October 9 - 6:47 am

  I traded in my 98 Taurus SE for a 2004 SEL and I love this car just as much. With leather seats, the interior feels like a luxury car and the drive is excellent with the Duratec V6. The SEL includes a lot of extras that are truly useful and make the car a pleasure to drive for long distances. The V6 Camry is a more refined car, but without the bells and whistles. The Ford is a fun car to own and a really great value.

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  Its a wondereful car to drive -- I love it - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By 05 Taurus - October 8 - 5:53 pm

  I really love my Taurus it has lots of trunk room for a huge wheelchair and a cooler to fit. It is a lot fun to drive.

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  Very Happy - 2009 Ford Flex
  By New Car - October 8 - 4:56 pm

  After looking at crossovers over the past several months, narrowed it down to Flex limited and Mercedes R350. Went with the Flex and could not be happier. Larger feel in the interior, an many more features at a much better price. Also like not having to put in premium! Very happy

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  So far so good - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Dorianne Castillo - October 8 - 12:09 pm

  It has pretty much everything we needed. The only thing that i regret not including is a front camera. Great ecoboost, pretty good on gas millage.

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  Cant go wrong - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By D London - October 8 - 12:07 pm

  With the rush to get the new 2005 Mustangs, smart buyers bought the 2004 models at tremendous savings. The convertibles were well built cars with no leftover kinks from prior years. The performance for the 3.9L 6 cylinder is more than adequate and if you dont constantly floor it the gas mileage is outstanding. We were able to obtain 25+ mpg combined city/highway on a 3900 mile vacation. Incredible! If you are in the market for a used nice looking sports car convertible, do not hesitate to buy a LOW mileage adult driven model. The price should be right with everyone else wanting the new styles. No disappointments, and with gas so high, you can basically have it all with this model.

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  The best of the best - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Aspen37 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The greatest car Ive ever drove and I cant wait till the 2005 comes out. Ill be the first in line.