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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  Ford Fiesta-Great bang for the buck! - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Jeffrey Hartz - September 10 - 1:28 am

  Our 2016 Fiesta SE Sedan is our new RV motorhome tow car. The Pros: Good road handling, good acceleration, sport car feel steering, great visibility, incredible gas mileage (38/39 Hwy), large trunk, well thought out instrument panel. blue tooth and nice radio. Cons: transmission quirky and not as smooth as Id like, rear leg room limited for full size adults. With a base price of $13,900 its a great value and over all were very, very happy with it.

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  GT 2009 - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Andrew Savinski - September 9 - 1:35 pm

  Fun to drive

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  First Ford! Great Vehicle! - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Matt L - September 9 - 12:26 pm

  Just picked up a brand new 2016 Focus and Im in love! Great vehicle with a surprising amount of pep and very zippy steering. This car is fun to drive and is great for both highway and city traffic settings. The quick manueverability has already helped me get out of gridlock a couple times and the 201a package with Sync 3 and Sony sound system rocks. I got a great deal on this car and Im very impressed with the quality.

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  Best Vehicle I have ever owned - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Kent - September 9 - 11:24 am

  Bought this truck brand new and I will never own a car again. I love the seats and it rides like a Caddy or something on that level. Great for towing and for hauling. I get compliments about this truck all the time even from non-truck fans. Gas mileage is ok but if you are worried about that dont buy a truck. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone!

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  I LOVE MY EXPEDITION - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By SaberCatFanatic - September 9 - 3:29 am

  I love my Expedition. I have the Eddie Bauer 4WD model and it is sweet. I feel that Im safe as I sit over everyone. So far everyone that I have given a ride in it, LOVES IT!

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  The Big Doodie - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By SuperDogSteve - September 8 - 11:32 pm

  This truck is awesome! It has room for the whole family and the luggage too. The gas mileage of the 6.0L diesel is unbelievable. After comparing it to the competition, there was no comparison. The Excursion won hands down! You will not be sorry making this purchase.

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  handling gets better each year - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mestra - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Toyota 4runner, 2001 explorer,2002 explorer and now a 2004 explorer and each year the handling gets better and better. The Explorer feels more stable and secure with every years new model.

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  Very, Very Nice! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ChuckyBoy - September 8 - 10:00 am

  A very well designed truck with an excellent ride, quiet interior and clean styling. Incredibly comfortable interior on long trips, great stereo system takes advantage of the calm interior, "bold" new rear suspension system is a winner, good dampening of frame vibrations. The best half-ton truck on the market.

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Frosty_5199 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Car is great. First mustang ever owned and I am well pleased so far. Plenty of power yet good gas mileage for size engine. Have had 3 Z28 camaros and this car by far out performs them all. Nice deep muscle sound when you feed the fuel to her and true exhaust system too. Not that one muffler split into two crap. I feel that this will be a solid automobile for me and whoever else purchases one.

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  I like to be in Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By robert hunter - September 7 - 8:06 pm

  I like the stick shift. The transmission is smooth and aids with fuel economy. The heater and AC are great and easy to control. The rear seats are a little cramped for big people but I rarely have anyone in the rear. Ill buy another Focus when this one has a lot more miles on it.