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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  Give me back my Jeep! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jcpo - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I think I bought this truck only because I liked the looks, something different. It is so hard to handle, parking, backing up, and turning are hard. Backing up at night is nearly impossible. The gas milage is AWFUL! The re-sale value is awful as well. Ive already tried to trade it in and sell it out right and have not been pleased so far. I had a Ford Bronco II years ago and I loved it, then went to Jeep, loved it too. Now Im looking for a Jeep Wrangler. I cant wait to get rid of this Ford. What was I thinking?!?

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  new buyer - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By fireemt345 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  So far its a good truck have not found any thing to complain about.

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  Disappointed in this purchase - 2007 Ford Focus
  By NM Mom - September 4 - 7:59 am

  The exhaust on this car is loud. I wake my neighbors in the morning when I start it up. The seats are not comfortable. When sitting behind other cars at a stop light, exhaust comes into the cabin even if the intake/air conditioning is off. Dont buy this car. I guess that "quality is no longer job one" at Ford.

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  NICE! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Christine - September 3 - 10:50 pm

  This is as close to heaven as you can possibly get while on this earth! Though I must say that I would have preferred an original ‘64 1/2, this car is just as great to own, drive, and ride in. If you have the means I highly recommend picking one up; even if only for a test drive or as a rental car. This car will make even the biggest nerd feel like a star! I have been in love with these cars for as long as I can remember and this car is the only one that I would even consider categorizing as one of my favorite cars, beside the original ‘64 1/2 red with white wall tires and white leather interior and a white convertible top, with all original parts.

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  Love it - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Angelina0888 - September 3 - 7:14 pm

  Ok they do have trouble, yeah mine doesnt start right. The paint is chipping, back window doesnt work right, needs a tune up. But I love it. Better then the 03 Sable I had that broke down at 53000 miles.

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  Love it! - 2003 Ford Escort
  By wayne - September 3 - 4:15 pm

  I bought my 2003 ZX2 a few months ago because I needed a more reliable and economical vehicle. It more than met my expectations. Its the first 4cyl Ive had and Im suprised by the power. I couldnt find one with a 6 speed option. Thats my only complaint but the mileage is great and the power is suprising. Im sure Ill be driving this car for many years.

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  Better than a Lambo - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Alex - September 3 - 3:17 pm

  I work downtown Los Angeles and park at the country club with all sorts of exotic cars, let alone your M6s, S8s etc., but the valet guys favor my car. The people from GAS (Pimp my ride) spruced it up with 20 inch Boss wheels, Bassani exhaust, cold air in- take, computer chip and Eibach lowered suspension. In all Ive spent an extra 10k on extras and it was well worth it. This care simply cant sit still and its made to gun it with a mighty roar. Id only wish I would have used the 1,200 bucks for the stereo and gotten an after-market system.

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  Amazing Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Brad - September 3 - 3:03 pm

  We purchased the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid in September 2009. Weve been a Honda family since 1991 and were initially leaning toward a 2009 Honda Accord EX-L. The Honda dealership was across the street from Ford so we decided to check out the Fusion Hybrid since we heard it was nice car. Once we drove it we were sold. Great ride--super handling, quiet, solid feel. The biggest advantages over the Accord were the high tech features. The navigation system, SYNC, and blind spot awareness system are fantastic and either werent offered or simply were nicer than Hondas. Mileage has come in at 38.5 so far in combined driving. Im really impressed by Ford now. Amazing car...

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  Hit and Miss - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Aaron - September 3 - 2:51 pm

  This car has been absolutely nothing but problems and stress. It had 131000 miles when I bought it, and now it has 134500 miles on it. The transmission is pretty much burned out, the seller told me he had it repaired 1000 miles before he put it for sale. It constantly stalls while coming to a stop. Last but certainly not least, it has a blown head gaskets, which would cost around 3000 to fix both.Im so disappointed with Ford, how they designed the engine to let the head gaskets blown after 100000. I love the shape and look of the car, but can not stand the quality of the car. Every time I get into by breaking down Taurus and look at the steering wheel, I see the Ford logo, it makes sick

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  2011 Fiesta HB SE-Great Car! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By dawndjs - September 3 - 2:03 pm

  I have had my car for 3 weeks today and have gone 3000 miles thus far. This car exceeds my expectations in gas mileage, handling and features. Fiesta is quiet (no road noise) and the auto volume adjustment is great when you open/close the window and change speeds. Living in the mountains I needed a car that could handle the climb and has good cornering: this car does it and still gets good mileage. Fiesta is able to maintain its speed going up steep terrain without a problem. Ford has outdone itself with this little gem. It is very affordable with all the features added as well as feels like youre in a higher class car.