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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  Mixed bag - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Missouri owner - July 2 - 12:56 am

  Very comfortable with a smooth as silk ride. Mileage is decent. Room for 4 with comfort. Very sharp eye appeal. Its my second Escape and the resale is very good. Very good acceleration. Oh yeah, there is one big problem. This vehicle squeaks and rattles like it is about to fall apart. Dont seem to be able to get it fixed.

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  Great ride but loses its Spark - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By artwolf - July 1 - 6:18 pm

  I love this vehicle. but seem to have a little gremlin in the rlectrical system. Keep having components that will work for a while, then die, only to start working again later. Cannot trace the problem down. A real pain. Fuel cost is on the high side with only abou 16 mp/g on good days. But its paid for and looks great. 4WD tends to grind a bit and really kills the turn radius. But works like a charm when needed on ice and snow. Center cosnsole is vinyl not leather. Rear bass speaker practically impossible to change. Paint is not holding up to bird droppings. Abysmal acceleration in 6-cyl.

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  Great Drive - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Darren - July 1 - 8:53 am

  Ive really enjoyed this car in the weeks that Ive owned it. Gets looks from everyone on the road. I ordered it in November and just got it two weeks ago. It was worth the wait.

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  Fiesta st - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Bobby Peckham - July 1 - 6:40 am

  Love the car very fun to drive

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  Titanium - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By San B - July 1 - 1:22 am

  What you should know before buying this car is that it has lot of "get up and go" more of a family car than a "first car. I love the back up camera and the customized seat settings, especially the customizable lumbar support.

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  Reliable for over 5 years - 2002 Ford Focus
  By dk - June 30 - 9:07 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 2001. I have treated this car good and it has been good to me in return.The door latches had a recall on them because they would stick, and sometimes still do. My valve cover gasket needed replaced at around 83,000 mi. I have around 85,000 mi on it now. Other than that , I cant complain about the car. I live in the Cleveland area , so it has seen its share of brutal weather. It is not the best car in the world in snow, but it is way better than lets say a Mustang. The stereo system rocks and the car handles tight and has good pick up for a 4 cyl. For the money this car is not bad (the new ones) This was my first brand new car I have owned and I am glad.

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  Three Reasons To Buy This Car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By doctor who - June 30 - 8:44 pm

  Ride, room (cabin and trunk), and a quiet cabin! The 2008 Taurus is large! It has the most back seat room and the largest trunk I have ever seen in a six-cylinder car, no contest! The new Taurus is heavier than the 2007 Five Hundred which gives it a smoother ride, but the Five Hundred was a little more nimble. Take it on the highway where it belongs! 3.5L engine is a significant improvement over the Five Hundred but acceleration has only been upgraded to adequate. Rather quiet cabin, turn on the radio and hear almost nothing outside! Glides over bumps in the road. The high seating position is great, and the (front) seats give good support for your back. Very comfortable inside.

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  What a car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Garry M - June 30 - 4:16 pm

  Great ride, handling and roominess. I love the ground clearance as I drive some gravel roads. I thought the CVT would take some getting used to, but after about 50 miles I love it. I do miss the rush of kicking into "passing gear" but Ill get used to it. Got 24 mpg on the first tankful in mixed driving. What a value for the bucks! Well engineered and great build quality.

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  Terrific Car - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By pitt2637 - June 30 - 4:12 am

  We have 1400 miles on the car and that includes a 600 mile trip. Averaging 38 MPG in mixed driving and 36 MPG on the trip while normally driving 70-80MPH. We love the way the car handles, looks, and drives, and are happy every time we get in the car. I have four kids ages 10-16 and they love driving in this car and using all the different seats. However, the navigation voice recognition is not performing well and we intend to take the car in to have it looked at. Our car has almost all the upgrades, which I love, but we expected much better voice recognition from the expensive navigation unit. Certainly we recommend this car as it is fantastic.

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  Best Family Car all around, Bulletproof! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Troy - June 30 - 2:57 am

  We purchase used with 34K miles in mint condition after trading in our 2000 EB Expedition, the new body style and interior made our 2000 look like an 80s car. Such a powerful car, and finally drives like a midsized SUV, unlike the original Expeditions that drive like a badly lifted truck. That horrible triton click is finally gone too on the new Expedition. With 3 small children this SUV is like a traveling family room, DVD player (that actually plays thru the car speakers or headphones), plenty of room, power fold 3rd row seats, modern interior, I feel very safe with my kids in the car in this beast, people move out of your way when they see you coming. 10 MPG, but who cares?