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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  Versatile - 2003 Ford F-150
  By ray70 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I needed a vehicle that could haul 5 adult passengers, a reasonable sized payload, do well on snowy and icy roads (Montana), and do well on eroded, rocky, unmaintained forest service road. I think I bought the perfect vehicle. It is truly fun vehicle to drive and rides extremely well. I am tired after a 12 hour drive, but not exhausted. It get reasonably good gas mileage (not great) for big truck. Thus far it has been extremely reliable. I love my truck and look for reason to drive it.

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  My First Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 089437620583 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  The company i work for deploys Ford Focus wagons and i drive one 100+ miles each day... So a Focus was my first choise when it came to buying a new car. The car rides super smooth and is really quiet. Its very comfortable and everything is within reach. The guages are easy to read and the 5-speed is very fun. In the department of reliabilaty, not a problem. My work car has been in 3 accidents and the only thing wrong with it squeaky breaks. Nothing has gone wrong with it except for problems that were the result of human error. My car has turned out to be a fun, cheap, reliable car to drive.

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  Im Impressed! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Bonny - May 27 - 1:30 am

  I have been driving this car for 6 months and the experience is amazing. It is smooth, classy, and comfy. Anyone I offer a ride to is immediately impressed and pleasantly surprised that it is a Ford. I rode in a 2007 Toyota Camry recently while visiting a friend out of state and my Fusion far surpasses the Camry ride. Both were V6s but there was no comparison. Fusion Rocks! I didnt tell him that...but I was so happy with my decision to buy the Fusion. The spacious interior of the Fusion is also a huge plus that the Camry doesnt come close to providing. Ford did it right this time!

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  Happy with my Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By bmurf - May 26 - 8:53 pm

  We bought a Windstar SEL new in 2000. The car currently has 22,000 miles and except for standard maintenance, and one problem with the tie-rod, the car performs great. I wish the gas mileage was better, we currently get about 16 mpg, mostly around town driving. This car has lots of utility, especially with kids, dog, etc. The entertainment system is a godsend for long trips. The removable seats let me load up lots of stuff on frequent trips to Home Depot. This is a really nice vehicle.

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  great car, only had it for 3 days though. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By robert fisher - May 26 - 7:23 pm

  terrible visibility out rear window. windshield wipers a bit annoying, otherwise not too bad looking and very comfortable.

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  Fun Stang - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By John Zidiak - May 26 - 6:39 pm

  When I purchased this vehicle 5 years it was with the intention of just using it for pleasure. I have done some cosmetic work to the car since I have owned it such as replace the yellowed headlights, carpet and stereo. Mechanically the only thing I have done is the routine up keep. Oil changes etc. 2.3L is a very reliable motor but not the most powerful, though it does move the car around nicely. The car is thirteen years old and runs like a charm. I am a die hard Mustang fan and would recommend owning one.

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  bulletproff - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By pirateheadman - May 26 - 4:41 pm

  What a great car! The 4.6 V-8 gets good mileage (20-24mpg) and is bulletproof. Its the same drivetrain as the police Crown Vics. I have done nothing but replace spark plugs once and install an alternator in 155,000 miles.

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  Great elecctric/hybrid sedan - 2017 Ford Fusion Energi
  By Nick selectric glide - May 26 - 4:18 pm

  Great commuter car - gas mileage is incredible for a mid size sedan. I have had the car for over 2 months and have 1800 miles on it. I am getting very close to the EPA figures of 42 MPG in hybrid mode (that is both city driving and highway driving) and 22 miles per battery charge . If you use the heater on cold days you will only get 18 miles per charge. You can switch to three modes - automatic, Electric only - EV, or hybrid mode.. Plus Ford dealers are giving great rebates plus the $4200 federal tax credit I paid almost the same as a regular Fusion with the same options. Electric mode is amazing for driving around town. I can go the entire weekend without using the gas engine. Electric mode (EV) is quick from 0-30 but slow from 30-60. But this car was made for high gas mileage and a great ride. Change between electric and gas engine is seamless - it is truly amazing. Of course you only get half the trunk space but I already knew that. Handling around turns is not as good as the 4cyl Fusion but it is still good. This is a heavy car so the handling is not as responsive as the 4cyl Fusion but the ride is just as good. ( I rented a 4cyl Fusion for two weeks and did a lot of driving in it). Overall I think this car is a great value with the dealer rebates and Federal tax credit.

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  Family of Explorers - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Rebel4x4x4 - May 26 - 1:48 am

  We have owned 3 Explorers and 1 Explorer Sport over the last few years. Have driven the others, have found none to compare to this wonderful machine. Has leg room for my 62" son in the back. This vehicle has the needs to fit a family on the go. Never thought I would own a 4-door until we drove test drove our first. Other brands we test drove have been rattle traps. Or have had head or leg room problems. I think the Explorer is just a great all around vehicle for anyone shopping for a good little machine.

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  A true Utility Vehicle - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Derek Roth - May 26 - 1:17 am

  This is the first vehicle that Ive LOVED! It looks as nice today as when I bought it. Its the ONLY vehicle that suits our families needs. With 3 kids and a dog, there is room for the dogs crate, suitcases and were NOT all sitting on top of one another. There are times when its still not large enough. With the diesel I get 21.5 MPG at 60MPH! In addition, we also pull an 8000 lb. camper. The ride is incredibly smooth pulling the camper at 75 mph through Nevada on the way to California. It also starts with no problems in Minnesotas winters! My two teenagers AND my wife prefer to drive the Excursion over the Sable wagon, and have no problems with maneuverability.