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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  Great Car, Great Sound - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Fun to Drive - July 4 - 12:55 pm

  I have owned my Sony Focus for 5 years. It has been a great little car - very zippy with a great sound system! Bought really good piped tires after the originals wore out - now its even better. Mileage is easily over 30 mpg. When deciding whether or not to buy out my lease, the only factor for me was the price!

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  Just what I was looking for. - 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Keith W - July 4 - 6:13 am

  I have had a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid for two months. It has much better acceleration than our Honda civic Hybrid and much more room. I am getting 28-32 mpg around town and up to 34 mpg on the highway. I really like the fog lights at night even if there is no fog. It is easy to park and fits into our garage easily. It has a lot of cargo space with in or both back seats down. The seats are firm and adjustable. I get gas every two weeks whether I need it or not. Dual comfort zones are a plus.

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  Taurus is the best - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By ranger - July 3 - 10:05 pm

  I bought this SEL Taurus with 16000 miles on it and we love this vehicle so much we just purchased another 2004 SES Taurus for my wife. Vehicle drives like a dream and good mpg at average of 25 city and highway driving. It drives and rides as good as the Grand Marquis we use to have. I have the 24 valve Duratec on the SEL and the 12 valve standard engine on the SES. We like both vehicles very much and enjoy trips much more.

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  98 Ford Mustang - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Powerhorse - July 3 - 7:28 pm

  My 1998 Ford Mustang is by far the best car I have ever owned. It gets about 24-25 mpg in the city, and about 30 mpg on the highway. The styling on Mustangs are unbeatable, both the interior and the exterior. The performance is pretty good coming from the 3.8 Liter V6 but its not like the GT or the Cobra. The reliability of the Mustang is great its never stranded me anywhere, even when its down near 0 degrees in the winter it just starts right up. Overall I would give this car a 10 out of 10 -- its a wonderful car and I have never once regretted buying it. I would strongly recommend this car to anyone.

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  very good sport explore - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By copper - July 3 - 10:00 am

  i drive it everyday and i like it it is very comfortable to drive and the leather heated seats are great and so are all the other features.

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  Ricks Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Rick - July 3 - 2:36 am

  Has had some performance upgrades to bring horsepower to 600+ rwhp. Car is a show stopper in looks and seems indestructible in terms of reliability. It is an awesome experience to drive.

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  GREAT value for a reasonable price - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Dick Williams - July 3 - 12:59 am

  Always kept in a garage. No dings, dents or scratches. Clean. Serviced and maintained per FORDs schedule. Had the full maintenance package when car originally purchased. One owner. Moved out of town is the reason for selling.

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  Excellent Value for the Money - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By tlc75372 - July 2 - 8:03 pm

  Far superior to previous generations of Explorers independent rear suspension, gyro roll, yaw, and traction control, digital fuel mileage and remote tire pressure sensing (little transmitters in the valve stems) are features you just cant find for less than $21,000 with the great deals going on right now. Nimble, fun to dive and so quiet at idle, I have to look at the tach to make sure its running. Highway mileage (22.5) is OK, but it will take years to worry about it with the fabulous discounts theyre giving right now. Having owned over 50 cars, Im not blowing smoke when I recommend this one for the money. Great time to walk away on some old junk, especially if you have cash.

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  No regrets. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DGW - July 2 - 11:36 am

  Had my truck for 5 months now, loving every minute of it. Excellent exterior design ... looks the business. Interior is awesome, especially with the center console. Hard to believe youre driving a truck to be honest; very upscale look to interior and the ride is great. Always get compliments on the look of the truck ... testament to Ford getting the new F-150 design just right.

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  Great Van - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Superdad - July 1 - 7:16 am

  This van replaced my 1999 150 van with the 4.6. It is night and day. Granted 1/2 ton to 1 ton jump but the difference was huge! I wish they made more of these in diesel. One tough van!