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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  Recomended for a good reason - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Hi5 - April 7 - 4:06 pm

  Consumer reports hit the nail on the head. This big car drives well, gets good mileage and has lots of room. Add to that the fact you can get big discounts and rebates with a 5 year 60K warranty and its a no-brainer, if you are in the market for a big American car that drives like an import and looks like it wont age much.

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  What a CAR - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By DAB - April 7 - 3:51 pm

  This is a car that has the dependability of a 2000 up model car yet has the power of the late 60s early 70s and then some. Never mine the better gas mileage and comfort from seating to stereo sound. The car is something else and can compare to the more expensive sports cars out there this is from an old Corvette guy.

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  This car meets all our family needs for transport. - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Anna W. - April 7 - 3:21 am

  Front seat heaters and coolers. Back seats recline with seat heaters too!

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  Perfect Little Wagon - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Ken Peters - April 6 - 4:20 pm

  I have logged 900 miles in the first two weeks of ownership, and I absolutely love my little Liquid Grey Focus wagon. I "downsized" from a 2002 Lincoln LS V-8 to save on fuel and gain more cargo capacity. I was worried that an econobox ride would be disappointing. Boy, was I wrong. I love driving the Focus. Handling/steering is outstanding, engine power is surprising and the seats are very comfortable, even on long trips. The 6-disc CD/MP3 player is amazing - a great sound system. I opted for a power moonroof, ABS and side impact airbags as the major add ons. I learned years ago with a Mercury Tracer that loading an econo-car with all the bells and whistles is the best way to go.

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  First Ford Truck - 2016 Ford F-150
  By J. T. - April 6 - 11:32 am

  Have had Suburbans and Tahoes, but wanted a plain old pick up so went with the Ford. I traded in a e550 Mercedes and I say that because I dont miss it a bit. At 6/3 285 pounds I am not a small guy and love the room inside this cab. The bells and whistles are enough that I really dont miss the Benz or the Lexus I had before it. Really the only two complaints are 1) the fuel consumption is much more than they advertise. The 20 around town and 18/25 is a joke!!. I get around 16 combined with it being about a 65/35 split--city to highway. My only other complaint is the AC. Wish it were stronger. I usually drive with it on and it is one big cabin and when it is 95 outside it struggles to really get the temp down inside and the fan switch sets right behind the shift lever in the middle bottom of the dash panel. Mind you the air is sufficient just not icy cold. Those are my two complaints, neither all that serious. Truck rides very nice, good punch if you put your foot in it and with the large fuel tank can easily get over 550 miles on a tank and might easily top 650 if I ever just had it on the highway all day. There is a TON of room in the back of the cab, the seats fold up very easily, my dog runs around in the back like he owns the truck. Otherwise, had it 6 months and really no complaints and love driving it.

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  One Smoking Snake! - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Billy - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Just picked it up last night! After some heart pumping freeway action I had to get home. Had a hard time sleeping cause all I wanted to do was get back in and drive.This has been my dream car since I was little & now at 50 I can afford it. Be sure to add the SVT Performance Package well worth it! Smooth ride with all the power you need!

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  Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Nole - April 6 - 4:36 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It has great performance and tremendous space inside. After 15,000 miles I have not had 1 problem that required a return to my dealership. Ford did a great job with this vehicle. I just bought another Escape for my son in college.

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  Made to run strong and hard - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By ssj50driver - April 5 - 4:40 pm

  I bought this car BONE STOCK. Not even additional mufflers. The engine is easy to work on. I have only made upgrades - never had to fix anything. The electronic comforts of the car (seats, interior lights, etc) have not needed replacement yet. It is a very stable car. Lots of room in the back with the seats folded down. I traveled with about a 1,200 lb load and the car was still strong stock.

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  Limited Edition 2005 T-bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bill D - April 4 - 11:05 pm

  Most enjoyable vehicle I have ever owned. The limited edition medal flake paint job is stunning in the sunlight. Surprisingly quiet with the top down. Even at highway speeds a normal conversation is possible. This vehicle has more than enough power and handling through hills and curves never disappoints. Now that this is the last year of production I am tempted to buy a second one while they still are available.

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  buy a T-bird! - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By imacountrygirl - April 4 - 9:17 pm

  I bought this car in 2002 and have had minor problems. Ive replaced the alternator, brake pads/shoes, battery, and tires. The rear axle has a slight leak. The car needs antifreeze filled every few months. I want to install new headlights because mine are very yellow. Also changed transmission fluid last summer. All warning lights work!