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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  They could have done better - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Joe White - March 17 - 5:00 pm

  The truck has nickel dimed me to death, thank God for the 3 year bumper to bumper warranty. Brakes fixed 3 times for vibration before they came out with new and improved rotors. Intermittent problem with the climate control system powering off (not fixed yet). Air conditioner just cool, especially in the South. Gas pedal replaced for bad noise, Tail light assembly replaced (filling up with water), Stereo volume surge which they say they cant fix, cheap paint job. Just to name a few.

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  I LIKE IT! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jbelew - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I had an extended cab Mazda B3000 but the back seat didnt accomodate two kids very well. The Sport Trac is perfect for me. I didnt want to give up my truck but I needed more seating capacity. Now I have both. Unlike some of the competitors, this truck has a REAL back seat. Its actually very comfortable for kids and adults. I regret not getting the fixed center console. The removable nylon bag doesnt do anything for me.

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  My Ford - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rob54 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  runs great, very solid, good pickup, nice styling. Gas mileage not so great, but good for a v-8. Runs great on the highway

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  Blazing Yellow FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By PLACEysup - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I agree about the sluggish engine. It doesnt seem to want to get up and go when accelerating from 50 mph and above. The gauges for the FX4 have red needles. Hard to see in daylight with sunglasses on. Lose the suicide doors on extended cabs. Hard to load cargo in parking spaces next to other cars.

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  Great car horrible engine - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Jon - March 6 - 9:22 pm

  Ive had this car as a rental for 8 days. The ride is very smooth and supple. There is some cowl shake at times but its mostly well controlled. With the top up road noise is muted from the tires but noise comes through the windows easily. The ecoboost 4 cylinder is no where near 5.9-6.1 in the convertible. Best time I got was 6.9 It lacks any authority in acceleration and is a very poor choice. The fuel ole age I got was 19.3 mpg My 5.7 Hemi manual challenger gets that. The seats are quite good as I have three bad discs and spinal stenosis and arthritis in my sacrum and these seats were a dream. The stereo system leaves a lot to be desired. My Boston acoustics in my challenger easily outperforms the shaker system. I rented this car to see if I want to buy it. I do but not this powertrain. Do Im either left to v6 with no options allowed by fire or step up to the GT. This powertrain is a joke.

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  01 Mustang is a blast! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Jennifer O. - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Mustang for about 9 months, and have been extremely pleased by it so far. The V6 is plenty of power for such a small car, and I typically get 27 miles per gallon. I drive alot, and this car has been across several states, yet I have not ever been stiff after a long trip. There is not a thing that I would change about the front seats. Dont buy this car if you intend to routinely carry more than one passenger. There is NO room in the back for an adult. Overall, I am happier every day with my purchase.

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  Will always own a focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By candibee - March 3 - 10:53 am

  I traded in my 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 for the 06 Focus ZX4, and couldnt be happier with it. Performance, reliability and gas mileage is great. Corners like its on rails! I am a huge Focus fan, and I plan on always owning one.

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  Love the car, hate the chintzy interior - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Carole Child - February 27 - 8:56 pm

  I really like my Ford Focus Wagon; its good looking, zippy, reliable (so far) pretty good on gas around town, excellent on the road. I am not happy with the inferior interior ... when the drivers seat is back as far as it will go there are wires exposed, seat runners and handles exposed and clothing keeps getting caught on the handles. I am a very large person and I find the drivers space very comfortable, unfortunately the back seats are cramped. No space for women to put their purses. Some feature in the trunk for grocery bags, hooks, cut-outs whatever, so groceries arent rolling all over car. Would I buy it again ... you bet!

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  Must Drive It....... - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Dan1234 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Expedition I had, the 2003 is the smoothest riding truck Ive ever owned. You must drive it to see. The floor mats that come with it are very cheap for the cost of the truck and the front seats could use a little more cushion...

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  2008 Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Bill - February 24 - 2:20 am

  First off im a Chevy guy and my son bought this car and then I bought it from him. My son had the car for 3 years with no trouble at all and he wanted a new mustang so I bought this from him and I love the car. It gets great gas mileage and handles very well in all climates. the acceleration is right up there with my 90 corvette and I must say I am very impressed with the car. Ford has done these engines right and now im thinking of looking into some ford vehicles( just looking cause im a chevy guy). overall the Taurus has performed better than I ever imagined and I wish I had bought it earlier but it was a good car for my son and served him well. Its a 2008 with 81k miles and I feel it will be in the family for a long time. If you are looking for a great family car or just want a reliable ride then this is it, you wont be disappointed.