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 suv - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Penny Hays - March 21 - 10:12 pm

  We are enjoying it need to get a few rattles fix but over all comfort food!

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  Decent little ride - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Bigg E - March 21 - 10:00 pm

  Ive had my truck for about a year and so far so good. My only complaints are the harsh ride over anything but smooth highway. It definately rides like a truck. The short wheelbase makes it bounce all over the lane when you hit a bump. Overall, I like my truck. It was a great deal. 4x4 works good. I would recommend it to anyone that is single or does not plan to carry a lot of passengers. Good cargo room for its size. Has not given me any problems either.

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  Good truck but stiff suspension - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dutchdna - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad ride for a truck but the suspension is simply too stiff, I get shaken around quite a bit when driving on a not even so bad road. I test drove the Nissan King cab and I believe the ride is soo much better as well as the performance but the reason why I didnt want it is the constant engine and exhaust noise. The Ford is nice and quiet. Dissapointing is the fuel consumption, I dont get more then 350 miles out of my 26 gallon tank before the "low fuel" lights up. Overall, a good pacjage for the $$. I received a $7000 off MSRP!!

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  Nice Ride - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By bluesguy - March 18 - 10:00 am

  After working at Ford for a couple of months, I test drove this and I fell in love with it. My wife liked it so much she got one also but in a different color. These are nice spacious vehicles. Very fun to drive.

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  Expedition Rocks! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Homegrown808 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Expedition for only 8 months now and I love it! I like its solid feel and roominess. Living in Hawaii, my family and I have been up to the mountains and down to the sea with complete satisfaction! Plan to keep it for a long time!

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  Ive owned my Ford C-max for a YEAR - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By klovors_mom - March 16 - 9:37 am

  I loved this car at first But now it has locked me out and wont start I got over it the first and second time but now we are on the eighth time Every time I have taken it to the ford dealer i bought it from(this is the third time) they give me a different reason and say it is fixed after they are done They even said it was my remote start i had put in even thought it did it twice before I put the starter in They told me i had to remove it cost $177.00 Oh and that remote start cost $650.00 to put in But I live in the country we have a lot of hills I am trying to get rid of the car because I have a two year old and need something that is reliable

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  Overall a good family vehicle. - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Susan - March 15 - 7:36 pm

  I swore I would never be an M&M, a Minivan Mom). This vehicle kinda looks like a station wagon. Not a big fan, but the chrome helps. I own a 2000 Ford Taurus sedan. I was set on buying another one until I saw the Taurus-X. 2 problems so far. The first is the knocking sound that comes from the engine. Ive been told that this is normal. The second is the manual latches on the seats. Ive had nothing but problems w/the 2nd row driver side. It is very difficult to release and does not operate properly. They have not fixed or replaced the seat. I think they are waiting for my warrantly to run out. Other owners have had the same issues. Im hoping enough people will complain to prompt a recall.

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  Solid, fun little car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By dan397 - March 13 - 1:26 pm

  I recently took a new job involving a long commute, and decided to look at the Focus and VW Golf TDI as commuter cars. Coming from a BMW 335i, I have high standards and the Focus (so far) has lived up to them. Its no BMW, but its a fun car to drive and has enough bells and whistles that it doesnt feel like a penalty box even when compared to a far more expensive vehicle. The engine, chassis, and tranny arent quite as refined as the Golf, but the car is still very solid and fun to drive with a good trade-off between handling and comfort. The Focus blows the Golf away in feature content, and both have very nice interiors for the price.

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  Worth a look! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Kone - March 8 - 9:53 pm

  My Focus is a daily commuter over highway and suburban roads so Im in it a lot. The car has good extras, good pep, handles fine, has been reliable so far, and was reasonable to get into. Id even go so far to say that its fun to drive. Make sure you include it on your shopping list.

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  Great Commuter Car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Chris - March 7 - 2:53 am

  Had a very bad experience with a Hyundai, traded it in for this Fusion. 4 cyl, 5 speed auto, black on black cloth. The car rides extremely well, offers a controlled but supple ride. The engine has enough grunt to get you from point a to b, I bought it as a commuter car and mileage was my primary concern, so Im pleased with my 25 mpg city and 30+ highway. High quality cloth seats, my only gripe is that the door panels dont feel sturdy. Just hoping it wasnt a complete lemon like my Hyundai was.