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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  Old School Looks...Modern Power - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Dave M - February 1 - 6:40 am

  Old school looks with modern technology make this one tough car. A nice car to look at, but even better to drive. Sure, you feel every bump in the pavement, but with 500hp and the whine of the supercharger, you quickly forget road imperfections. A true collector car.

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  Focus ZTX - 2000 Ford Focus
  By KP - January 30 - 10:00 pm

  A blast to drive.

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  Good Design, Work On Assembly Quality - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By fireman11 - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Ford has a real winner but needs to work on final assembly quality. Weve been to the dealership at least a half dozen times for small stuff: uneven door seams on left side (door allignment), loose RF wheel well moulding, incorrectly installed LF parking light (gap), thin and marred paint in left door jambs, ripped trans shifter boot, defective and squeaking AC compressor clutch (fuel mileage went up over 1 mpg when they fixed that). To the local dealerships credit, they have provided excellent warranty service and parts came in quickly (Im in Hawaii). Otherwise we are greatly enjoying our Explorer. A solid vehicle with a good ride and lots of room.

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  best s.u.v. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By josie - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I believe this suv has plenty of power, interior is proper for a man my size, comfortable,and a joy to drive.

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  wrong purchase - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By micheal livingston - January 30 - 5:19 am

  Ruff ride and excessive noise inside cab of vehicle

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  My First New Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Scott Findley - January 30 - 2:20 am

  This is my first new car, and was the "weekend special" found in the newspaper. Listed at 11,400 in the paper, which included 1400 in rebates. The 400-dollar college rebate did not apply to me, so I got it at 11,800. I was amazed at how easy the sale was. All the staff there were extremely helpful, and went out of their way to make it as painless as possible.

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  06 GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By bob - January 29 - 12:53 pm

  Ford did a great job with the style of this Mustang, however mine is in the shop for a new engine due to number 7 cylinder. Also, you will notice a piece of tape covering a hole in the firewall under the brake booster. I have contacted Ford about this but never got a reply. Once this tape dry rots and falls off, water and air will be able to come in to the interior. From what I have seen, they all have the tape covering this hole...so beware. Other then these problems, I love the car. Ford: pay attention and answer your emails and phone request for answers please.

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  Not living up to the hype. - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By kzooguy1981 - January 29 - 9:16 am

  I had this vehicle on order since early August and finally picked it up on November 30. Next time, I would rather buy from the lot than go through the hassle of waiting for delivery. The main reason for purchasing the vehicle was the EPA estimated MPG. After nearly 11,000 miles on the vehicle I am struggling to get above 37MPG for a lifetime average. Most of my driving is on the freeway and 95% of that time I have the cruise set at 62MPH so that the battery will engage. I have heard that the temperature and the fuel blend can make a difference but my experience so far has been frustrating. Driving in town at speeds under 45 MPH can certainly attain 47MPG.

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  Love, Hate - 2000 Ford Focus
  By MO ZX3 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Damn, I hate to love this car. It has screwed me many times. Im sure everyone is aware of the recalls.This car stranded me 1500 miles from home with a rear wheel that almost fell off (15K miles). Two days to fix and ford wouldnt pay for hotel. I cant imagine what would have happened it the wheel had fallen off at 75 MPH. Key became stuck in the ignition (25K miles). The driver said it was the 3rd focus he had towed that DAY! My drivers seat has broken and now pokes my rear unless I use a towel. Ford said this was not covered under warranty.Why do I still like this car? It was cheap and fun to drive. It looks much nicer than a $14K car.

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  Sweet! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By A1cntrler - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine as a dealer demo vehicle. I have had no major prblems with this vehicle. It did have a rough idle, but took it to the dealer and the reprogramed to PCM and fixed it. Runs smooth like a top now! Also I love all the help I can get from websites like mysporttrac dot com. IF you are looking for aftermarket parts or just help fixing a rattle on it, chances are someone on there has already been through what you are going through and will gladly steer you in the right direction. LOVE IT!!!!