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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  Cool Little Package - 2008 Ford Focus
  By J. Stiles - December 3 - 3:09 pm

  Great car. Love to drive it when I can get it away from my wife. Excellent mileage. Good performance for a 2.0 litre. Styling turns heads and gets compliments. The toys inside rock. Its a total 21st century rig. Lots of room for the size of the vehicle. Overall, we love this car.

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  2005 SuperCrew - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Scott - December 3 - 12:13 pm

  Ive owned a lot of trucks over the years and this is by far the best all around truck Ive ever owned. The interior is top notch quality that rivals my wifes luxury SUV (I wont mention what brand, but its a direct competitor). The 5.4 Triton offers the power I need, yet still gets very respectable gas mileage. Trucks Ive owned in the past have always been weekend warriors, but this truck is my everyday driver, just because its so much fun to drive. Its handling characteristics are very well mannered for a truck. This is my second Ford in 7 years and I havent had any problems in 7 years. I will probably be a Ford owner for a long time to come.

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  2006 Ford Fusion SEL - Love it! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By a.j - December 3 - 10:52 am

  The car is amazing. Fuel economy is exceptional. 30 mpg - city, 35 mpg - hwy. The interior is beautiful. It has lots of luxurious touches. Love the exterior temperature display. Which actually is accurate. The automatic climate control is wonderful.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Jim - Florida - December 3 - 9:25 am

  I have 211,000 on my 1998 Contour SE (V6, Manual Tranny). The only issue has been the alternator (pain to replace). Other than that - this car has been phenomenal. Still flies along like a champ - uses no oil - A/C still works great. Bought this car new and love it. 28 mpg average. It has never left me stranded (I was able to limp home with a bad alternator and a bad water pump). Water pump is the easiest one in the world to replace. Still riding on the original brake rotors. I will miss this car.

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  BEST FORD TRUCK EVER MADE - 2017 Ford F-150
  By MR PAUL B. ADAMS - December 3 - 7:39 am

  Owning the FORD F-150 has been my best experience ever. I have owned chevys , Toyota, dodge, and a Titan. But over all this F-150 is by far the BEST handling , performance and the BEST mpg ( miles per gallon ) . Were averaging in town driving 18 miles to the gallon and interstate miles per gallon 23.8. Im 6ft 4 and 374 lbs. And the truck rides comfortable and is easy to get in and out of. Ford has really stepped up to the plate as far as the overall expectations of a full size truck. The lighter body was an excellent idea, as we have now seen other dealers going to . Wereally please to say that when 2020 the NEW FORD BRONCO is coming back to AMERICA. My wife said she will be the PROUD OWNER in driving that vehicle. One more thing-if yourre ever in the PARIS, TENNESSEE area ,check out JOE MAHON FORD. They are the BEST folks that you will ever meet, their employees are the nicest and most thought of folks to deal with. If your looking for a caring, generous and giving sales person . Then you need to meet MRS. ANGIE sweetest woman to deal with and to know. Without her our visit may have not been possible. FORD NEEDS TO RECONIZED HER AS THE BEST SALESWOMAN OF THE YEAR. THANK YOU MOHAN FORD for making us a PROUD FORD OWNER.

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  Transmission questionable. - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Dave - December 3 - 2:17 am

  In Dec of 07 I purchased a used 2007 Ford Taurus from a Ford dealer. In Dec. of 08 the transmission went and the dealer tells me the warranty has expired. 2 years old & 44,000 mi and I have to pay for a new tranny. My mechanic tells me that the factory tranny in this car is not good. Either way I suggest the extended warranty.

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  My Ford Taurus Ses has been Exellent . - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By kingsol - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I regret very much about Fords decision to discontinue with the Taurus for next year, I think its a big mistake!! The Ford Futura looks very ugly! Doesnt have the classic looks of the Ford Taurus! Also by the way, driving from Colorado to Arizona this past summer, I could not believe my eyes, about the number of Ford Tauruses on the road from here to Arizona.Very popular auto indeed!

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  Never again - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JTnVa - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I put allot of milage on my car . More miles in a year than most people do in two . High milage or not this car has been a headache . I absolutley hate it . In between having to replace the o2 sensor not 1, or 2 times , but 3 . Having to have both rear window motors replaced twice.My quater window broke due to body flex,and why does a quater window cost more than a windshield anyways.My ac quit working right after my warrenty ran out.My radiator dumped all of its fluid out on a roadtrip. My power steering pump, and a few other things.Not to mention all the recalls this car has had its not worth what Im paying for it.

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  Affordable performance and room - 2005 Ford Escape
  By John Engelmann - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Perfect size for single person or couple with two or less children. A lot of space for the price. Handles well and has sufficient power for the smooth shifting 5 speed manual transmission under the power of the 4 cyl engine. The 4 cyl engine in that vast engine compartment puts everything in easy accessible reach. All controls are straight-forward and well-located. Great fuel economy for a vehicle of that size. This car was enough to get me to reconsider my 14 years straight of VW purchases.

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  Good so far - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Johnathanlivingston - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Have only had for three months. Fun to drive, not great on gas. My last car got 40 MPG so this seems like a gas eater. Picks up good on the freeway. Perfect size not to big not to small, handles great,very comfortable driving experience. Can haul friends or stuff. Happy with it so far.