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:

• 

  Fun, fun, fun - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 16 year old - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I Love My 1998 Mustang, I espcially love The Looks I Get And The Affordable Prices

• 

  Kudos to Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By OBX1 - December 13 - 4:20 am

  Very satisfied with style and performance. We have a family of 5, and this fits our needs quite well. Used it on the beaches in NC, and am looking forward to a snowy winter.

• 

  Big Red - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Ford_Guy1996 - December 13 - 3:56 am

  My van is a very good van and especially good because of its size (which in fact, was the overall reason we were looking for a van) Its fuel economy, well, we werent expecting a prius, so it could have been worse. The exterior is very acceptable for a 01 and the interior is very well thought out, with lots of cup holders and other thoughtful touches, although perhaps too well thought out; I find gum and candy wrappers all over the place from our kids. I commute many miles daily to chi, so I am looking for a new car but Big Red has served me very well. Although I have had only one problem with the engine sometimes it does not operate when its hot, but Keep making econolines, Ford! Thank you

• 

  A Pound for Pound Bargain - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By LeeH1068 - December 12 - 11:44 pm

  My overall rating would have been higher had the V8 engine been available with a shutdown feature at highway speeds to increase overall mileage. The Corvette has it. I bought the car 9/7 and put 10K miles on it by 3/1. It came with the 265/35/20 tires and they really hold the road. Replacements will be in the close to $300 each range but they have a 500 wear rating and roll out smooth. The pre-settings on the driver power seat allows for easy exit and entrance. The interior is well done and high quality. The car is surprisingly quiet with top up or down. I bought the Mustang because I need as much trunk space as possible for my trips and unlike the hardtop convertibles, the Mustang top folds onto itself with no intrusion into an almost full size trunk. The top goes up and down quietly and fast. I downgraded the Navigation system because there is no way to alphabetize your Favorites or eliminate previous destinations individually. There is a myriad of options in the gauges and lighting features. The engine data that is displayed is far beyond the average driver. The car is a bargain in todays market. Options included automatic with paddle shifters, Nav system, tire pkg, upgraded interior, 120,000 mile warranty.

• 

  Fun Little Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Robert Moulton - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I like the bold styling of the Edge package, and the quick response of the 5-speed/3.0 6 cyl engine.. The Sonic Blue metallic paint job is a real head turner.. The 6-cd am/fm stereo system has a really clean sound....

• 

  The last of the full sized cars - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Daves 99CVLX - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car over 2 years ago and have put 14000 miles on it since. I have not had a single problem with it in that time. Plows through the New England snow and handles cross country trips with ease. Takes on the heat of the south without blinking (although, it is a good idea to upgrade your alternator to the one in the police units, the stock one is pretty weak).

• 

  WHY DOESNT FORD GET RID OF SYNC? - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By daveahc - December 8 - 7:35 pm

  I bought a C-Max SEL in October. I drive a lot miles (average 35,000 per year) and I have 9000 on it already. The My Sync radio is a flop. So much so that I have had it at the dealer more than 4 times and they say they cannot fix it now for a month. Even though I love everything else about the car (except that I can never get more than 40 mpg), now I have decided to ask for a Ford to repurchase the car under my states Lemon Law because the Sync system cannot be fixed.

• 

  Good reliable car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Jack Driscoll - December 6 - 4:37 pm

  Overall a good car for past 4 years. Disappointed in the resale value.

• 

  Whiny engine - 2007 Ford Edge
  By michael - December 5 - 8:43 pm

  I had high hopes for my new 2007 Ford Edge. I really like it and it is fun to drive and I think it is very pretty. My dissipointment though is the irritating whine coming from the engine area when giving it the gas off and on. Took it to two different dealers and they compaired it to other Ford Edges and stated they all made that whine. That should not be like that

• 

  Overall performance of this car. - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ZamAir - December 5 - 2:10 pm

  I just purchased my new 06 convertible Mustang. All black! This car is amazing. Drives like sports car and the same time feels like you are driving an old Cadillac. I was considering getting the V6, but after driving the V8 with manual transmission, I was convinced that the V8 was my answer for my new toy! (hands down). If youre thinking about getting this car as an extra car for fun driving then I would recommend the manual V8. If you enjoy music and have an extra few dollars then get the Shaker1000.