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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  2008 Escape - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By drdan3 - January 15 - 7:53 am

  I have had the 08 Escape for over two weeks now. Cons: *Body style very trucky - personal opinion but trying to emulate Explorers isnt a selling point for me. The windshield (and entire front end) could be swept back - perhaps improving the aerodynamics and MPG. *Interior - climate control buttons are confusing. Recirculate gets disconnected when using footwarming vents; seems to have a mind of its own. Also the buttons are very small, should have stuck with rotary dial * No grab handles - curtain airbags seems to have made them disappear - no where to hang my dry cleaning * No Bluetooth available - I bought a TomTom 910 for both Bluetooth & GPS.

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  Ford Focus SE 2013 - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Steve England - January 12 - 11:03 am

  Good performance, good driving reliability, low cost maintenance. 2013 transmission had a slip, needed an overhaul.

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  Love My Weird Looking Car - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By clovjul - January 11 - 6:16 am

  I had the 2013 Fusion and hated it. They put me in this, even though I was resistent. It is funny-looking (better than the ugly Prius, but that isnt saying much). And now I freaking love my weird looking car. It is fun to drive, feels spacious inside but is easy to zip around. The MPG is about 35 right now and I think I can get it higher. Not 47, but maybe 40. The seats could be a bit more comfortable, but I really love driving my car and am loving owning a hybrid. No way would I consider the Prius now.

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  after a year of ownership... - 2002 Ford Focus
  By SVTADAM - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Very fun daily commuter. Attacks the twisties with willful abandon. For a naturally aspirated motor the power is adequate. Have had numerous issues with warrantee items...dual stage intake, exaust rattles, interior leak, mainly integrity issues, and lots of check engine lights. Meticulous owners may expect to visit dealers more often than they would like. Very aftermarket friendly for performance/apperance upgrades.

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  Good little truck - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By timo74 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 02 Ford Explorer Sport used with 86K on it. Ive had it for two or three years now and Im very happy with it. It now has 110K on it and has been very reliable so far. Some features have stopped working (CC, outside temp, a couple buttons on the radio, the 4WD Low setting) but it still gets me around just fine. The only parts Ive had to replace so far are the wheel bearings and the fan belt. Still, I wont complain. Its a good little truck! Im thinking my next vehicle will most likely be another Ford Explorer or Escape.

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  Whats up with the brakes?? - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Christopher Lake - January 8 - 7:46 am

  I have had my EDGE about 10 days. When applying the brakes, it sounds like metal-on-metal, just like I have gone too long without changing pads, and am now riding on bare metal shoes. The dashboard lights are very dim, no matter how far I turn the dial up. Im a big guy and that isnt the Edges fault , but short trips are better on my left knee that is jammed against the side door. Right knee is okay. I drive alone, so there are no passenger complaints. Gas mileage averages about 27MPG so far which is better than I thought. Will have to readjust headlight beam throw as the length of lighting comes up short, high beams superb!

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  Pretty good for a first year car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jeff - January 8 - 1:56 am

  My positive comments: You get a lot of car for the money and the size is fantastic. My negative comments: At times the transmission seems to search for the right gear and is underpowered at start.

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  I love it, too bad no one knows about it - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Max D - January 6 - 11:13 pm

  I traded in an Outback for a 2008 w/ 14,500 miles. Though exterior styling is bland (this doesnt have too be a bad thing) everything else about this car is great. It handles well with good power. The interior is very sharp and the third row seating is actually usable and accessible. I consider AWD a must for Wisconsin winters and the seats fold easily for tins of space. there is even enough room for a decent amount of stuff with the seats up.

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  Its not all that bad. - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By K,B. - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a car you just drive. It will probaly last forever and remember it is a nascar car. And it is good looking.And it comes down to this a car is a car.My other car is a truck and the wife loves it. I got stuck with the car it;s not all bad.

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  Mustang Macho - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By aubtig - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Like all convertibles you have to live in the right place, but once you meet this criteria you are in a really fun car. The top is a breeze to open (No pun intended), and the car is reponsive, quick, and agile. It is a keeper.