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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  Great Car, Much Better Than Hoped For - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By barco1 - November 21 - 5:41 am

  Have 2000 miles on the car so far and loving it. Big pluses: seats are very supportive and comfortable. Driving is nimble and quick, dare I say sportscar like? Driving country roads is quite fun. Freeway driving is great; Id have no problem taking this on a long road trip. Driving in all electric mode has a great feeling to it, hard to describe, but there is a direct response to it, not sluggish at all. I plug it into a normal outlet at night, fully charged every morning. So far, combined MPG is 51, and I do not have driving habits that promote good mileage. Only major drawback is the fact the back storage is not flat when the back seats are down, due to the batteries.

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  Running Stong - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jacob - November 21 - 3:26 am

  I am so glad I decided to by my Five Hundred. It has been the perfect car for me. After 65,000 miles it is still running strong with no mechanical problems whats so ever. Nothing has gone wrong and Im now glad I didnt get the exteneded warranty. I consistantly get 22-24 mpg and the awd not only saved me this winter but got me out of the mud at a concert when a bunch of other sedans got stuck in a muddy field! I have every intention of running this vehicle until it rolls over and dies, but its going to be a long time from now.

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  2015 Ford C-Max Emergi - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By Mike - November 19 - 7:55 pm

  I have owned over 35 vehicles in my life. Cars, trucks and everything in between including a Nissan Leaf. This is without a doubt the best vehicle I have had so far. Great interior and comfort. Great stereo system. Room for 4 tall adults easily. Fantastic visibility. Great power and handling. Fantastic gas mileage. I average between 58mpg and 65mpg on my daily drive to work and back. My only complaint is the huge battery takes up most of the cargo area and for the price of this vehicle it should have a backup camera included but it does have backup sensors. This is a fantastic vehicle and I do not understand why Ford does no advertising on it. I hope they are not going to phase it out because that would be a huge mistake.

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  Great Car at a Reasonable Price - 2003 Ford Focus
  By HosMan - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchase a new car every two to three years. I am amazed at how well this car is put together and how well it designed inside and out. Granted I have only driven it for 2000 miles but I like it more each day. It is loaded with little features that are usually only found in more expensive models. The sound system is great. If you need a good puddle jumper for under $13,000, this is your car.

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  Unitys toy - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By unity - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I owned an F150 prior to my Explorer purchase. I love the size not too big and not too small. Perfect!

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  i love fords - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By lovefords - November 19 - 2:00 am

  this is the perfect car, it drives so well and its perfect qualiy, you would be surprised

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  ford review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By cruzen - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle that I have ever owned. Only 700 miles and I look forward to driving it everyday. handles great and is very comfortable. all the options make me feel like im in another social class level. we had the capatin chairs put in the second row so we have all kinds of room. I recommend it to all my freinds.

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  Definitely Ahead of its Class! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ariasj - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I, who once said will never buy a truck, have converted due to this F-150. I absolutely love this truck. I cannot image any other being better in any category. The ride is smooth, quite and confident. The interior makes you forget you are in a truck. On rough roads, you feel the slight vibrations but you dont hear any snap, crackle or pop from anywhere. Its solid built quality will not make you second guess is value or capabilities.

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  Super Nice Redesign - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Teller - November 19 - 2:00 am

  As a long term Chevy owner...I am pleasantly pleased with the new F150 What a great ride and handling package! The visibility is outstanding and the fuel mileage isnt bad either with the 5.4 ( 14 mpg so far )........ my old 5.7 chevy got 9 mpg): if they are all put together this well Im sure GM is going to have a run for its money on this one. Mine came from the Norfolk, Va plant

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  A Lincoln with a bed - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ellis Hudgins - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Our first trip was one of the most comfortable rides that I have ever taken. Ive owned luxury cars, sports cars, and trucks (all makes included), and this is the best ever. My wifes comment was that is just like a Lincoln Continental with a bed.