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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  One happy customer - 2008 Ford Focus
  By scenicdrive - November 18 - 9:53 pm

  We just returned from a 4200 mile road trip with mpg as high as 43 as low as 37mpg with 3 people & luggage. (Did you know that the speed limit on Interstate 10 is 80mph in Texas?) This car met all objectives, mpgs, comfort, price and not bad to look at. Fun to drive with manual trans.1st choice was a Toyota Corolla, but for $3k less, the Ford Focus feels really smart.

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  First Ford Purchase - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Michael Jagiello - November 18 - 3:47 pm

  I ended up buying the 3.5 Ecoboost. I was skeptical at first because of actual fuel mileage reviews. My trip home, IMI showed my average at 23 mpg at 65 mph. Then it shows Im getting 16.9 driving in the city. So far I am extremely pleased. I will also recommend buying from Murray Ford in Starke, Florida. My salesman was Anthony Sweat and he had to work to find a truck with the exact options that I wanted. They were great and also have a 15 year...150,000 mile power train warranty. The truck runs and rides great too!

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  the best yet again - 2005 Ford GT
  By ncubextreme - November 17 - 6:18 pm

  AMAZING... thats all I must say

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  sweet - 2005 Ford GT
  By tex7769 - November 17 - 6:01 pm

  its looks sweet, the engine is perfect, handles great, and powerful

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  The best damm SUV made - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Jesse james - November 17 - 5:42 pm

  I love my ford....

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Ford GT
  By GOTHZKITTEN - November 17 - 5:33 pm

  this is a completely awesome car - i love it

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  2005-FORD GT-Owns The Road - 2005 Ford GT
  By Haldejohn - November 17 - 3:18 pm

  No Doubt about it, the FORD -GT is in the TOP Of Its Class, Road Performance is Outstanding, and Un-equaled. Styling is Traditionally Sound, and Provocative Similtaneously Catapulting itself Above any known competition. FORD Continues to Produce Automobiles which Dominate the world both in Design and in Performance. Reliability is the key to Confidence and FORD has the Niche to Deliver to its Customers Both Exceptional Quality and the Edge in Performance which Ranks the FORD-GT a Consistent Winner in the eyes of anyone seriously Considering not just an Improvement over 2004, but a Leap of Consumer Exuberance when considering the Un-Paralleled 2005 FORD-GT.

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  A Home Run - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Earl - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Ford did a Great job w/this one! Design, comfort and Fun! Its a shame a dealer cant take care of a Nice Ride when you trust them to do so. Two trips to dealer (To take care of their carelessness) 21 days total.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Douglas - November 17 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the car for a year, but its a fantastic vehicle. The driving pleasure is just superb. Handling, acceleration, and ride all congeal to create a wonderful product.

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  F150 XL - 1998 Ford F-150
  By weblank - November 16 - 7:17 pm

  This pickup has always been reliable, even in severely cold weather. I have had no problems with it. It still has no rattles, squeaks or wind noise. It runs smoothly and the automatic shifts well. The only improvement that could be made is to reduce the cabin noise level. This pickup is much quieter than my previous F150 but could be better.