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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  The Best American Car Ever! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By sobemen - February 8 - 2:19 pm

  I recently purchased this Ford Focus Titanium Edition. I cant stop driving this car. It is the best American car I have ever owned. Having owned BMWs. Land Rovers, Porsches, Toyotas, Honda and Nissan, I feel quite confident in providing Ford with the highest accolades around this product. I bought the extended Service warranty which is a great value. Ford has come a long way and their customer service and the entire purchase experience puts them well ahead of other car manufacturers All my friends and family just love to look at the fine engineering and body style of this vehicle. I also enjoy the fuel economy and German ride of this vehicle. Congrats Ford on an excellent job!

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  Multi-purpose Vehicle - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By new mom - February 8 - 11:05 am

  I love my Expedition/ I thought it may be difficult to get used to driving a large car but it drives and handles excellent. I have an infant and it is great for hauling all of his stuff around. We also recently went on a long trip and it was great lots of room and the gas mileage was much better than expected. We have carried everything from people to lumber in this thing and have never been disappointed.

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  My Second Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ara - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Ford Escape. I am a musician and camper so I appreciate the interior space. I find it quite comfortable and easy to handle. It does however have some road noise and isnt the "smoothest" ride, but after all, it is an SUV. I have the XL package with 4 wheel drive which I have never had to use but feel its worth it just in case. I would buy another unless the price goes too huigh for what it offers.

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  my car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jenkinswhirly - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car for about two months but I know it is better than the previous Focus. It is bigger in the trunk and the overall car is just a little bigger and roomier.

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  f-150 2004 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ricky rolly - February 8 - 10:00 am

  the truck is much larger than the traditional f-150, but you can still pull in a parking space. i recomend the reverse sensors due to you cant see anything back there.all in all, its a great ride and nice to drive.

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  my best ride - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By rb - February 8 - 5:08 am

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  the truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By nat - February 7 - 5:15 pm

  Ive owned two F150s and six Fords total this truck has been so far the best vehicle Ive owned. Ford has a winner with the King Ranch and they know it.

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  Excellent runner and worker - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Tom F. - February 7 - 5:26 am

  I managed to snatch one of these from my boss for $700. It has the Ford 5.0L with only 91,000 original miles. Body is in great shape - minor dings and a couple of rust spots. Only work it needed was in the steering (cost less than $120). Boss had to either trade to Honda for $500 or sell to me for $700, so I took the offer. Im glad I did because this truck is great and will last a longtime! No worries when I go camping this year!

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  Best Value for Money - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By CNN - February 7 - 1:28 am

  Bought it in 1997 brand new fell in love with it on test drive forgot about all the other cars I test drove. Very smooth, very comfortable, great looking car for a very reasonable price. At 7+ years, it still looks and feels new! This car has spoiled me. No trouble at all after all these years.

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  I Love This Car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By woods - February 6 - 7:52 pm

  I cant say enough good things about this car - I love it, even at 140,000 miles! We did have the dashboard problem that was fixed via recall, but this car just keeps going and going like the Energizer bunny. The 5-speed manual transmission is very smooth when shifting. The car corners very well, handles very well in snow, and gets great gas mileage (around 34 mpg). Im extremely disappointed that Ford no longer makes this model, or anything comparable in a 5 speed manual transmission.