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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  Built for Boomers - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Pam - January 20 - 2:26 pm

  Love it! Love it! Love it! I cannot say enough about my 2005 Torch Red Mustang. The minute I saw it, I went back to 1966. My 74 Mustang II was fun, but did not live up the the original. Now at 50+ I am driving a sporty car again. (I traded in a Taurus Wagon).

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  Most Fun for your Money - 2004 Ford Focus
  By shell2n - January 19 - 9:12 pm

  A real blast of a car yet can be used for everyday driving. In fact, you want to drive more because of the fun of this car

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  Ford Focus ZX-5 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By avion - January 18 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought an SE Wagon for her. Liked it so much, I tested a 5- speed ZX-5 & found it the nicest manual Ive driven in 30 years. Ford has finally gotten it right, VERY right. This little number handles as nimbly as any sporty car from Italy or Germany I ever owned. Build quality is A-1, styling fresh & space utilization excellent. Engine revs freely & makes lots of nice noises when pushed hard. Only 2 litres, but dump it into 3rd & let her wind up to 4 thou per & she takes off. Car is the most fun Ive had in 20 years, in fact I traded in my Alfa Romeo sedan for it & have absolutley no regrets.

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  Ford Focus Wagon SE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By avion - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Nimble handling, excellent controls, steering and brake feel are tremendous. Nice automatic. Lots of room in back.

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  hot sports coupe - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By ndotym - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Since day 1 it has not surprise me on the great performance and handling, the 8cyl are fast but the six really outshine on the handling side just a blast to drive thru the cyn. ford needs to include the rear swaybar or atleast a option, added mine and now its a perfect sports coupe.

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  Best Bang For Your Buck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By ltm7047 - January 18 - 4:33 am

  This vehicle is second to none with its ability to tow, haul, or just plain get after it. The new body style makes this truck the most attractive in its class; itÂ’s just as nice on the inside as it is the outside. The driver friendly cab puts everything within comfortable reach from the speed controls on the steering wheel, to the radio, four cup holders, and dashboard storage space. An extremely smooth ride and handling will make you forget you are driving a truck. I highly recommend buying this truck for work or play (I use mine for both). I couldnt be more satisfied. Thanks ford for another great product.

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  I Love My T-Bird - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By szwickel - January 17 - 6:22 pm

  My 2002 Red Ford T-Bird (hard top and convertible) is the most wonderful car I have ever owned. It is fun to drive and I just love the fact that after 2 and1/2 years, people still stop and comment on what a gorgeous car it is and how wonderful it is that Ford brought the car back. I always wanted the 1955 T-bird, but could not afford it, and when I finally could, my husband objected to buying such an old car. As soon as he saw the 2002 T-Bird he bought it for me and gave it to me as a surprise. The car looks good, drives like a dream and is fun to be in and be seen in.Thank you for bringing it back.

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  My almost 1 year old Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Cathy M - January 16 - 4:43 pm

  I love driving my Freestyle. It drives like a larger car but doesnt have the truck feel. We just moved our daughter using it and it fit a lot of her things, including our grandsons toddler bed. It had a recall and that was taken care of without a problem by a dealer other than where we bought it.

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  2003 No Problems - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By GB - January 16 - 3:42 pm

  This car has met all my expectations. Plenty of room and creature comforts for a large family. Great performance when pulling a 7,000 lb. trailer, handles it with no problems. Only downside is poor gas mileage in city driving conditions, better than expected when on highway (18 MPG). I would definitely purchase this vehicle again.

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  Do I Buy out my leased 2013 Explorer Sport? - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Glenn - January 16 - 10:41 am

  I love my vehicle. With 42,000 miles out of the 45,000 3 year lease commitment, I naturally was ready to lease a 2016. In reading the other reviews, I thought this would be helpful to others who have been leasing for 20 years+ like me. I have decided to purchase my 2013 instead of leasing a new 2016 AND include the purchase of a 3 year 45,000 mile extended warranty. It will cost a total of $28,500 when 2013s appear to be selling between $30,000 and $33,000 in my area of the country (Northeast). The 2016s are just as nice, but not much different, so Im not anxious to jump into another $550+/month lease given the bird in the hand that I have now.