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 - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Swf - March 11 - 10:45 am

  This is one of the best cars I have owned. The ride is great and even in city traffic it is good to drive. The only down fall is the air conditioning isnt as good as the old freon systems and in the south you need great air. Overall a great car.

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  2000 Excursion / Roomy - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By MIKE W - March 11 - 9:50 am

  Vehicle has been very dependable. Plenty of room. Features are great. Better mileage than expected for its size and larger gas engine. If you need a large SUV and realize that it will not provide you with 30 mpg, this is a great vehicle.

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  One Fast Bird! - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By Damien - March 11 - 2:18 am

  The Thunderbird SuperCoupe was the coolest car Ford ever built. Its a shame that they did not keep making them. The most fun car Ive ever driven!

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  BBS TRUCK - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By BILL - March 10 - 5:52 pm

  This is my third Expedition and I love them. Handling is the best. For a large vehicle it handles great and parks very easily. Towing is no problem and the new 5.4 engine should solve the only complaint by improving gas mileage while adding power.

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  Cute, Fast and Fun - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By FiestaInMotion - March 10 - 5:00 pm

  Ive had my automatic Fiesta for 3 weeks and I love it. It is way more fun to drive than its 120 hp would suggest - maintains highway speed effortlessly, passes cars easily, and I dont feel like potential road kill in it. Nothing feels cheap or sluggish, and the seats are really comfortable. Even in high heat when Im blasting the AC all day both ways, I still average 30 mpg. On cool days when I can drive with windows down I get over 40 on the highway.

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  Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By scott - March 10 - 2:08 am

  It is a very good car for towing and hauling people. It is very roomy. The diesel engine has very good power and the tow transmission is very good for holding back large loads on steep grades. My only complaint is the steering and handling was not good. It wandered all over the road. We could not even pull our travel trailer over 45 mph but our dealer was very good about fixing it (Ford company was not!). They had to bring it to a specialty shop to have the front end shimmed correctly and a new steering box installed and replaced the stock shocks with a truck style shock. Now it drives great but I am very upset that Ford let a car that is made for pulling leave the factory so unsafe to drive with a load.

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  Wise Decision - 2012 Ford Focus
  By flashpic - March 9 - 6:09 am

  I bought my Focus Hatchback SE -5 Speed , w/sport, 201A, and winter packages on 1/3/12 and it has ~2k miles on it now. I love the car and it is an excellent value IMO! Ive had zero problems or complaints with the car so far. I am getting just under 36 MPG with about 50% highway driving (w/snow tires) but I try to be light on the pedal & keep highway speeds below 65 . I am getting tons of complements on the car. The Focus is fun to drive, the manual trans shifts flawlessly, has a great driverÂ’s seat (sport package) , all of the necessities & then some and has a high quality fit/finish/feel on all of the materials/parts. I do recommend separate winter tires for snow & ice driving.

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  Its a Stallion! - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Capt-Derek - March 9 - 3:27 am

  I guess when most people decide to write a review they have had something go wrong. This car has run almost perfectly only have had to put about $120 dollars into it in 4 years - for a 12 year old car thatÂ’s pretty good.

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  Loving it - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Ed - March 9 - 12:28 am

  No complaints!

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  One COOL commuter - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Charles D - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought a second vehicle to save on gas, and keep the miles down on my F- 150. I havent driven the truck to work once since! The Focus is a kick in the pants to drive. I have really enjoyed all the custom parts and accessories availalbe for it as well. And the best part is that even while driving it with a VERY heavy foot on the accelerator, I am averaging 30.9 mpg with a 50/50 mixture of city and freeway driving.