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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  Most for the $$ - 2002 Ford Focus
  By glen124 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  By far the best "bang for the buck". I had seen the car, and went back 2 months later to buy it. Even at MSRP, it would be great, but I got it below invoice, and then lots of rebates on top of that, so for the price, nothing else could even compete. Only had 1 warranty issue so far (the horn), but may take it in to have them investigate a squeek/rattle near the rear hatch. Great utility by being a hatchback. I thought mileage could be better, but on recent highway trip averaged 28 to 30mpg, far above 25mpg EPA highway rating.

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  IN SHOP TOO MUCH - 2002 Ford Focus
  By focusboy - April 8 - 2:00 am

  My car has been in the shop almost 6 times already for paint coming off the car just stalling out stereo always turining off steering not responding and still it is a piece of junk it always acts up every day i have a new problem that i notice its either the engine making a noise or something not working.

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  Explorer XLS - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By kristine - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I got this car on Sept. 2002. My parents bought it for me as a gift for my 16th birthday. My birthday is in February but we got it earlier for me to get used to it. We traded in my dads 2001 Mustang GT for it due to insurance prices. When we got it we were all shocked. It drove beautifully. The suspension was wonderful. No complaints at all.

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  Its a salvage title and it did awesome - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By matt - April 8 - 1:03 am

  I liked it. you have to game it to find the best MPG. Which is good for people who are ADD? or who need some added stimuli while driving. The gaming is not a distraction and actually got me to watch the road more. Great daily commuter and 4 passengers fit in great. Sync and stereo is very important to me. sync had some issues and can get annoying but will work well. Speakers bass etc are great. Better than my 2006 toyota sienna XLE. blue tooth is nice. camera is nice. ambient lighting is nice but unnecessary. because you get in and drive. Seats are important. I drive a 2013 explorer at work and the seats are better in the fusion. Owned a 2010 non hybrid Camry before fusion. Camry was an XLE and the wood trim popped and so the inside was nicer. Ride was soft compared to the fusion. Fusion is more sporty. not sure what I like more. Stereo was similar. My Fusion gets 33 in winter (Minnesota) and 35-36 in summer. I can get 38 MPG to work and 40 MPG back if I game it (20 miles each way). averaging approximately 60 MPH on the highway.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Ford Escape
  By LOVE THIS CAR! - April 8 - 12:50 am

  Gave up my loaded sienna with great trepidation. Id become spoiled with all of the perks, space and comfort, but had to get awd and trade leasing for ownership due to a new job. Wish Id done it sooner! Best decision ever-- comfort, heated leather seats, 6cd, great cargo area, smooth ride (once the tire pressure was adjusted), and awesome stereo. Couldnt ask for more! Even gets better gas mileage than my husbands kia sportage (which has less cargo space, no heated seats or 6 cd changer). Gets around great in bad weather. Its just fun to drive at a great price (saved 150/mo on buying compared to my lease w/out a trade)! Had a Jeep and Blazer--this is better!

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  Excellent commuter, the power is fine. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Wayne - April 7 - 11:33 pm

  I purchased my Freestyle in November 2004. Since then I have driven it over 6,000 miles, mostly in Atlanta traffic. As a commuter the Freestyle has provided excellent comfort, power, and gas mileage. I keep a detailed log of my gas mileage and average over 20 mpg in an urban / suburban commute of 45 miles per day. The lowest mileage to date was 19.4 mpg on a really bad week, with a high of 25 mpg on a interstate trip to North Carolina. In my opinion the comments about the Freestyle being low on power are incorrect. The 3.0 and CVT do an excellent job keeping the car going and provide plenty of power for passing.

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  Good Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Lori B. - April 7 - 11:00 pm

  Minor problems, fixed under warranty, rear axle seals needed replacing, shocks needed to be replaced after only 1 year, aside from those issues, its a really great vehicle. Tried to trade it in for a new one. Market Value is incredibly low, couldnt trade it in. I guess Ill have to keep it. Sorry FORD, no new sale here.

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  Its a Ford, What do you except? - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Crystal - April 7 - 8:53 pm

  I got my 97 Taurus a little less than an year ago, and if I had the chance it would take a trip right back were it came from. When the car came to us the battery was dead, and it was a mess such as to its dirtiness (it was bought out of auction). When we drove the car it had a clunking in the brakes, which that turn into a money spree of new rotors and brakes for all four wheels which never solved the problem till the car died. Which that happened in the first five months of owning it, the cause of the faulty gas gauge a 167 miles left (please try 0) luckly we had AAA to bail us out. After we had it fixed the bill came back for almost a $900 dollars not to count the faulty anti-lock system.

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  The SUV that has it all. - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Brad - April 7 - 8:08 pm

  This is my fourth Explorer and they just keep getting better! The features, versatility and the price cant be beat. The V-6 fuel ecomomy isnt great but, I get the same MPG that I got with my Acura MDX and I dont have to run premium fuel. The Sirius radio and Sync system are great. Towing two SEA- Doos GTXs takes a little effort, but the vehicles handles and stops well. The third row seats are great for kids under twelve and I love the power up and down feature. The second row seats recline but they do take a little effort to move up and out so people can get into the third row.

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  Very Nice SUV! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Mickey - April 7 - 7:15 pm

  We have had our Edge for just over a year now and the wife loves it! We average 18mpg in city and anywhere from 21-22mpg winter time to 22-24mpg in the summer and have reached 26mpg a couple of times. The ride seems rough when riding in the passenger seat compared to the driver seat(just my opinion)we had sirius installed after we purchased the vehicle and wife loves that also. She like the looks and compares her edge to a less expensive looking lexus rx. no problems with tire pressure monitoring system as mentioned in some reviews