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:

• 

  great package - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By prmonse - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I steped up from a Sports car, because I needded more space and comfort. I wasnt dissapointed, this vehicle is roomy comfortable, relatively quite on the road, inspite huge wheel package, easy to drive. New shape is very handsome, thats what attracted me in the first place, although interior on my XLT looks plain and a little plasticly. The XLT package is a very desiarable package, the wheels alone are worth it. The deal maker was the great ford price, I got mine out the door with the aftermentioned XLTpackage, leather seats, 6 CD 80 watts sound system for 29 thousand and change.

• 

  This pony is a gelding - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By isleofdogs - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I drove but didnt by the GT pony. Im 57" and found it to not have enough head room. The interior was very plain. My biggest problem though was the big drop in power when shifting into second gear. The car REALLY dropped out of its power band.

• 

  Its a BLAST !!!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Rob03 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This car has so much power. Press the pedal to WOT and your head is snapped back into the headrest. If you buy this car you cant go wrong. It is a lot of bang for the buck. Way to go Ford you have a real winner here.

• 

  Wanting to trade it - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Medic - September 7 - 9:12 am

  I got it from my parents who got it off my grandparents, in my opinion a great little grandma/grandpa car where you dont drive it a ton. Things I fixed in the last two years: tie rods, struts, brakes, valve cover gasket, fuel pump (long story there) headlight switch, oil pan leaks, head gasket leaks. In all honesty it was an ok car (it drove the Alaska highway round trip and spent a few years up there) it did leave me stranded multiple times before anyone figured out it was the fuel pump, which shook my confidence in it, lots of little things on the blink, the headlight switch keeps leaving all the lights on even after replacing it. 144k mi, time for a trade and a little Peace of mind.

• 

  Not a Camaro - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By rayyanko - September 7 - 8:56 am

  This is my first Ford, I am a GM man. I wanted a sports car convertible, made in America. This was my only choice. I dont understand why Ford doesnt make Mustangs stock that is high performance. Yes you can purchase from Saleen, Rouch, etc, with all the goodies, why not from Ford, at least as options. I added a hurst shifter, chrome 20" wheels, side stripes, things to make it look better. I must admitt I do get a lot of "Nice Car" comments. Probably because I have over 100 coats of wax on it. Mine is a candy apple red. I do love the sound system, I wished they had a hood scoop on my car, even though it was a fake. It does look good. I purchased this car off the lot. My Camaro was fast

• 

  SVT Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Russell - September 7 - 7:10 am

  LOVE the car! My first Ford, and it surely wont be my last either!!

• 

  Great Car, Competes with Imports - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Third Ford - September 6 - 10:09 pm

  While we didnt intend to buy a Ford, we stopped at the dealership because it was on our way to our next stop. My wife loved the car, especially the parking assist. It compared favorably with the competition, and was much more affordable. So far, it seems sturdy and of good quality. It is fun to drive for most general use, including taking children to college. It is hard to get over the past image of Ford, but this car is a winner and certainly deserves very serious consideration. The only areas needing improvement are the night mirror (too much reflection from the map light fixture), and it is a little underpowered. The I-4 is fine for most uses, but if you can afford the V-6, get it.

• 

  Best Car Yet - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Shelly - September 6 - 4:03 pm

  I think Ford did good when they built this car, it handles, its comfortable and a joy to drive. I believe this style will stick around for a few years. Again Ford did good by this car, couldnt ask for a better built Mustang.

• 

  So much Better than Expected. We Love it... - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Ken Smith - September 6 - 8:25 am

  I was hesitant in purchasing this car based on reviews related to the tranny. I had purchased several vehicles; however, from Jordan Ford with exceptional service through the years, so because it was certified, and because we liked the sporty looks, we took the plunge. We noticed the slight surge with the transmission, and I asked the service manager about it. He said; "you traded in a hot rod five-speed Mustang for this and you wound up with a hi-tech transmission that permits the features of an automatic transmission with the optional benefit of a sport shift manual". The engineering permits either option. "Youll notice a slight shudder initially accelerating in the fully automatic mode", he said. In the sport shift mode, youll control it much as you did your five-speed manual in the Mustang." My main driver is a pickup truck, but when the wife allows me to drive the Focus, I choose the sport shift mode which is lots of fun. We just completed a 2,300 mile road trip and the Focus performed like a champ. Wish my truck had that navigation system... We averaged 38 mpg on the trip and were quite comfortable, considering the size of the vehicle. Plenty of room for our stuff with the hatchback and the Ruby Red with oversized 18" wheels/tires and Titanium trim got lots of looks and nice comments. To those who dont understand the tranny, read the manual to get the gist of the sport transmission, and enjoy the ride!

• 

  Great Truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tim - September 5 - 10:26 pm

  I like the truck a lot. It is the perfect city truck and can really haul but if you want it to. It handles well and fits in a parking spot!