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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  Great First Car - Except For Repairs - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Gmercedesbenz - July 30 - 10:29 am

  This was my first car, and for $500, Im not complaining. I bought the car with 77,000 miles on it, and it has now 87000 on it, but not without a few replacements. Alternator, starter, distributor, and some front end work was all the major repairs. But I cant complain about the 30+ mpg! A little more horsepower would be nice, mostly for passing on the highway. But she still does 75 mph with ease on the freeway. Highly unrecommended for a first car!

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  Beautiful car, strong, will get you anywhere - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Nick Bloch - July 30 - 5:19 am

  I did have to replace the transmission, but once I did, the car worked beautifully. Tows well, handles well, 4X4 in the snow works great. Its comfortable and the sound system works amazingly. I love this car.

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  Ok, my turn - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Richard C - July 29 - 6:36 pm

  Im constantly receiving compliments on my 500s sophisticated styling and classic/ traditional look. I like the 500 best in black, with the black interior. It feels just as cozy and comfortable as other luxury cars that I have been in. The ride is almost butter smooth on the freeway. Ive often found myself cruising at 80 mph, and didnt know i was driving that fast. It really is a tremendous value, because a top-of the line 500 runs thousands less than its comparably equipped competition cars.

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  Ranger Ranking - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By rangero - July 29 - 6:09 pm

  We just bought this vehicle and I must say it is much more stylish than some of the previous years...love the new front. The inside is a little narrow widthwise. Headroom is just okay. Plenty of leg room. Wish seats in the extended cab were standard. Very cute little truck...hope it lasts a good while. Ford does offer an undercoating for rust protection for $299 but I elected not to get it. I would recommend this truck over Chevy, Dodge, GMC, etc. It is not a bad value for the price. The dark gray looks very sporty.

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  First new car, and happy with the choice - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Louise - July 29 - 4:23 pm

  I purchased my Escape after having to finally get rid of an 11-year-old Crown Vic. I wanted something that we could take camping and that would be safe/comfortable to travel in but that would get good fuel economy in the city. I have not been disappointed with my choice! The car is easy to drive. Since it is a hybrid that depends on braking to recharge the battery, it tends to get better gas mileage with long, slow stops (at least thats what Ive noticed). I thought that going from a V8 to the hybrid would be a shock, but this vehicle really has some get-up-n- go. The seats are easy to move and clean, and Ive never had any engine trouble.

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  Best first car ever... - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Jldude - July 29 - 2:56 pm

  I bought this car 6 months ago, and have put on 10000 miles since. Have never had to replace anything yet. I use synthetic racing oil and the engine is just as good as any import. My biggest praise of the car is its mpg. I get a hair over 40 on the highway. Ive never gotten below 35 mpg. Also the engine is very fun at higher speed with the 5 speed. The biggest complaint that I have with the car is the noise. The tire noise is actually much louder than the engine noise on the highway. It is a very rough engine when its idling at a drive through. If Ford still built these with a higher overdrive and a better interior, it would dominate.

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  Decent SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By renogirl - July 29 - 12:41 pm

  Bought brand new....had in shop in first month, A/C had no coolant in it (factory error). At one year, serpentine belt broke, lost all power. One month later, CDs jammed in CD player and had to ship off stereo to be fixed. Took an entire month to get my CDs back from dealer. LOVE the Escape minus this problems. More irritated with dealer. Could improve gas mileage. Love the safety of side airbags.

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  I have this as a rental, and I am disappointed - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By stevefromtheburbs - July 29 - 9:57 am

  As a car guy, Ive owned and driven lots of cars. This is one of my most frustrating rentals. I have been more comfortable in a nissan versa note than this. Why? Getting in and out is like sitting on the ground. But also, the legroom, if you cut off the person in the back seat, is horrible. And there is a place to rest your non-pedal foot, but it is sloped sideways. And the brake pedal is too far up in the air from the accelerator. The part of the roofline where you get in and out, I have banged my head many times and the seat is down really low. The roofline is cut so low it doesnt allow you to do a drive through window very well. Im 511 and about 275lbs, so Im a bigger guy. But Ive gotten into other smaller cars without this much trouble. The car is well equipped for the price point, but that is where the love affair ends. Oh, and the trunk space is very generous, a big bonus. But for comfort, my wife and I cannot wait for this to go back and to get my RAV4 hybrid back on the road - it is having the windshield replaced due to a crack from rock chips. I had much more comfort in a Camry than with this Ford Fusion. The car has a backup camera, but the screen is really small....really, really small. The air seems to struggle to get cool, but it does have little air vents for rear passengers. The car has a nice feel to it, as far as the finishes, but the space/comfort thing is a problem. It handles well, but the ride is rough and bumpy. That is being said by a guy who normally rides in smaller SUVs.....so that should be a warning. If you like a smooth ride, get something else. Over even the smallest of bumps, it feels like there is a guy with a sledgehammer banging on the floor of the car. And it really thrashes you about too. The rear brake lights are LED and bright. The dash area has plenty of info, and follows the current Ford theme. the radio and controls are within easy reach. The visibility isnt too bad. And the equipment on the SE is good compared to others in its class. But when I priced out what they start going up to in price, after the SE, or when you put some features into it, and I cannot believe people are buying these. I would not buy one of these...Id highly encourage you to look around and rent one before buying.....Im so glad I never entertained buying one of these. My CMAX I owned, while full of problems and sounding like a hupmobile, still had more comfort than this.

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  Miami Heat - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Mike Smith - July 28 - 10:50 pm

  Mileage numbers not valid here. Does do 3x better than 8 Cyl Jag S in city traffic using reg gas rather than Hi- test. Will probably never make up price differential in my lifetime even if I keep the car for 10 years, but feel Im making a small contribution by using less carbon fuel

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  Not All That Great - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - July 28 - 3:10 pm

  Underpowered, fuel eating V-6. Not very comfortable to drive, blinker lights go to signal detent too easily when you select them for changing lanes. R\rear window wiper switch hard to locate and turn on. Power seat buttons hard to operate without opening door. You can feel the torque converter or something like it when you slow down from 70 to 55 same with going down a steep hill. Rear hatch leaks when it rains. All in all in my opinion this is not such a great vehicle for the money.