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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  And so it begins - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Richard A - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Im coming up on my year anniversary with my Fusion Hybrid. I like the car, but am beginning to have some problems. I have my display set on providing the most information possible. It has begun resetting itself to another setting. And, I got in the car the other day and an alarm went off saying to start the car to disable the alarm. Hmm. I got out of the car, hit the lock button, and opened the door. I took it to the dealer and the door handle on the inside HAS BROKEN! Shouldnt the way you get out of the car be one of the most dependable parts? I would have expected it to be a hard metal, not plastic. I was afraid of buying domestic, I hope it wasnt a mistake.

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  Expy - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Michael Gurr - November 8 - 12:47 am

  Solder issue on the speedometer tachometer board causes odometer to go on and off. There’s a diy fix but you have to remove the dash to do it. Check your plugs every 5000 Miles. These 5.4’s like to spit out the spark-plugs.

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  Luv my Sport Trac! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By DennisA - November 4 - 8:50 pm

  I really do love this truck. It has the comfort of a big Explorer interior plus has the pickup bed to haul around my tools, etc. I am able to transport amazing piles of stuff, including sheets of plywood/sheetrock, dump runs, etc. plus I can put all of my computer gear in the back seat for secure storage/transportation. The gas mileage is OK, the ride is somewhat bouncy but overall this is a great utility vehicle for transporting the family comfortably or hauling stuff around.

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  New Experience with Ford - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Rob Covington - November 4 - 2:34 am

  Im constantly surprised by how much I enjoy my F150 truck. It has the power and comfort that makes it a pleasure to drive.

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  A great car! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By xpoyzenivx - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Explorer! I will keep buying them as long as they keep making them. A very reasonable buy for what you get; lots of great low-priced extras such as power seats, etc. Very comfortable! Doesnt handle as well as it could though.

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  focus rating - 2004 Ford Focus
  By michelle/robert - November 4 - 2:00 am

  this car has been great for us. Fun to drive, looks great, great warrenty. I cant wait to buy a new one.

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  My Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By francie - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I had loved the look of the car from day one, and when I was finally able to buy one new I could hardly believe it! I wasnt even going to test drive it first, thats how much I loved it already! And now its everything I had dreamed it would be. Im 44 and i feel like a Teenager again behind the wheel. Its practical yet sporty. Thats good enough for me! I actually look forward to my drive to work everyday!!

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  96K and still hangin tough - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Quinal - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I really like my Escape. Everything is fine with it.. I only have a couple of complaints. The road noise is a bit much at times and the seats are a hard. Other than that, everything is great. VERY Peppy, great value for the money. Drives like a car, not like a truck. I owned a Grand Prix GT before my Escape and Id race that GT with my escape anyday. Even with 96K miles.

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  bang for the buck - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By gism - November 4 - 2:00 am

  with out a doubt the mustang gt conv is the best fun for the money. great looks and great sounding v-8 power with some grunt to it. no problems and no other vehicle for under 30k can come close to this. certainly not any of the v-6 or 4 banger front drivers. the mustang gt will run circles around them and still hold 2 sets of golf clubs in the trunk

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  Bashing - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Bob Rumley - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have driven several of the tauruss compitition. While i do agree. that the intierior needs to be refind and Upgraded. I love the way it drives handles. and performs The Duratec V/6 Jumps all over the road and eats it up.