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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  Traded in my Juke - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Keith Owens - June 8 - 3:30 am

  Well, I was on the lookout for a used Rouge and stopped at the Ford dealer. Instead of the used Rouge he drove up in a Ruby Red 2016 Escape 4wd with Stone interior and the Chrome package. Lets just say I left the Ford dealer with the Escape. As much as I paid for the Juke I can tell you the Ford is much better quality. I do not get the impression that anything about the Escape is cheaply built in any way. It has been a while since I owned a Ford and I hope this one holds up to my expectations.

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  Glad I bought it - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Fox - June 8 - 2:13 am

  I have older parents and was looking for a car that was comfortable, easy to get in and out of and with a trunk that could hold two walkers and a wheel chair. The Ford 500 does the trick. We love to drive it. It has great pick up and handles well. The interior is plain but everything is within easy reach. We wonder why were the only people who know about them. Weve only seen one other 500 in four months.

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  LOVE MY FORD F150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By MARTHA - June 6 - 10:43 pm

  I have had this truck for 8 months and love every inch of it. Well worth the money and it is just a beauty to drive and own. This makes my third truck and love it more than any vehicle I have ever owned. This is the 6th Ford truck in my family over the past 20 years. My dad and brothers drive Fords. After all -- is there any other truck out there?

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  First New Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By 1stNewCar - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This was the first New car I have purchased, and I am very happy with my decision. I test drove many different cars (Accord, Camry, Charger, Caliber, etc.), and settled on the Fusion. Put on 2500 miles in less than a month. Very comfortable for long drives and averaged 28 mpg! Comfortably seats 4 (took a trip with three friends, shortest being 61", and everyone had plenty of room).

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  Value Winner - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Michigan - June 5 - 10:56 pm

  The Freestyle is an excellent vehicle. Our family of six took a 2500 mile road trip and it was a pleasure. The car rides and handles well. Its solid and we havent had a single issue.

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  Great car - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Mike Daney - June 5 - 12:56 pm

  clearly define the S vs. SE. SE much more car for your money. Sync 3 should be a standard feature and not an option. Hard to justify added expense for Eco boost engine when performance is equal to standard engine. Initial impressions all positive very nice car for the money.

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  What a Privledge to Own - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By John Tamel - June 5 - 7:26 am

  Just an overall great car. A bit pricey, but buying in February appears to make a considerable price difference. This car somewhat reminds me of the car in the movie "Christine" because it is capable of so many things. Most notably, the 500 horsepower will blow away just about anything. Most Corvettes dont even match up to the Shelby in terms of power. Corvette owners lining up next to a Shelby at a red light shouldnt even consider steppin on the pedal. Try that and youll be embarassed and left in the dust. Any person using the Shelby for ordinary, everyday travel should be shot.

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  Great Job Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DesrochersRick - June 5 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I would change is I have a STX-150 and it is a great truck but rolling down the window is difficult because it is so low. Other than that really enjoy my new F-150, switched from Chevy to Ford and a great move

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  Love my Focus! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By kristafied - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great! Fun to drive, lots of goodies, plenty of pep, especially with the manual transmission and Zetec engine. I recommend it to anyone!

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  big bad mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mustang man - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I have a mustang gt 260 horsepower this thing will get up and go for less than $30,000 but if you want the cobra be prepared to pay $35,000 but you get 390 horsepower.this car is very reliable. :)