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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  Creepers Short Take - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Creeper04 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  The Mustang is a stylish ride that looks good and is mechanically sound. However, as happy as I am with my car, there are just a couple of things that I could be happier about. First of all, I purchased the 2.8L V6 STD Coupe and wish I had purchased the GT. The power level is fine for a 6-cyclinder, but the feeling you get from driving a mustang demands a feeling of power that just isnt there with the V6. But the look that you like so much now continues to grow on you. I love it. Mechanically the car is solid and fun to drive. Best of all, it looks great in your garage.

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  Focus -- GREAT! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By JAC - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Very good driving dynamics. The brakes and steering are world class -- the benchmark for the rest of the competition!

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  Ford Escape is Great - 2002 Ford Escape
  By ltjohn - July 22 - 2:00 am

  fantastic vehicle, very comfortable, the features of a full size SUV but in a compact package. Only bad feature is it is slightly top-heavy and thus prone to roll over if a sharp high speed turn is made. I have the full opion package with the leather seats and center console. Everything is really convenient. I will definitely buy another when the time comes

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  A solid car - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By A.J. - July 21 - 3:29 am

  I purchased a 2013 Ford Fiesta Titanium HB with a 5 speed manual transmission with a little of 30k. At the time of this review I have had the car for about a month. Fist of all, I love the gas mileage, I am getting around 38MPG. The car accelerates good, but does have some motor lag with the AC on. However its a manual, so I just push threw it. I am not a fan of the Sync system. I am 6,1" and I fit just fine in the car. I made a 4 hour dive last week, I got 40MPG with the AC on, and I was completely comfortable. The trunk is super tiny, but the seat fold down, so you can get around that. I stayed away from the automatic because of the reported problems.

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  My Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Candy - July 20 - 3:56 pm

  I am the original owner of my Sport Trac. I have really enjoyed the versatility of the truck. I did have trouble with the belt sounding like crickets. After getting the tensioner pulley replaced the belt doesnt make the noises anymore.

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  Still like new - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Barty - July 19 - 4:36 pm

  Purchased this pre owned certified car from dealer for what I consider to be a reasonable price. Although it has 36,000 miles its in great shape and I bought the extended warranty just in Case! There is an annoying little rattle (more of a ticking) that seems to only happen when I drive...versus the dealer! Ha. The entertainment controls are cumbersome... And there are about four different ways to change the temperature or radio channel. I vote for simplicity over trending.

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  Terrible Fuel Mileage - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By sabrinakrouse - July 19 - 6:06 am

  I purchased the Ford C-Max to replace my Toyota Pruis, hoping for compareable gas mileage. Sticker stated 47 MPG and I am currently getting 33 MPG, very disappointing!!! I am experienced hybrid driver and have tried all the recommended suggestions to get the MPG to go up...not driving above 60MPH, not accelerating to aggressively...ECT. Very very sorry that I purchased the Ford C-max. I have 2 kids and do alot of driving and have sacrificed room for the gas mileage, if I would have known that I was going to get this MPG I could have gotten a small SUV and had the room that I am missing.

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  Ford - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By erty - July 18 - 8:56 pm

  Excellect vehicle

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  Vehicle still new - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By C G Stockton - July 18 - 11:00 am

  I have had the car for only one month but then that is as long as it has been on the market here in Houston. I am impressed with the acceleration, handling and for a vehicle in the economy class, quietness of ride. I had an 2002 Impala and I believe the car to be superior in most respects.

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  Great American Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By dbgoff - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Ford Mustang is top notch in every aspect. From the great power to the comfort in the seating. I have the 5 speed manual tranny in the model I bought, and the 4.6 litre v8 pulls with enthusiasm. All the powe amenities are standard and the car is built in Dearborn, Mi so I keep with American quality. For the price I got into this car, 21,000 after all said and done, I dont believe it can be beat for that money. Great car.