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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  Loyal Ford Owner - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Rich - May 17 - 2:21 am

  This is the 2016 SE model with 2.5 liter engine. It is a solid SUV. Almost no road noise. Gas mileage is better than the rated figure. Instrumentation is clear and easy to use. It has a smooth ride in city or on highway. The rear seat cushion is a little stiff, but we never use it for passengers. We are very satisfied.

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  Freestyle 05 SEL AWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Al - May 17 - 1:33 am

  I wanted a crossover between a van and an suv. I traded in a Chevy Avalanche. The Freestyle is great. Love almost everything about it, but mostly the gas mileage. At this time I am averaging 22.1 mpg, a welcome relief from the Avalanche.

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  Incredible Ride, Great Truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rick - May 17 - 1:24 am

  Im still having a hard time believing Im driving a truck because the ride is so nice. Ive made most of my friends and family members take it out so they can see for themselves. Soft, easy, quiet driving that eats up the dips and bumps on highways and back roads. Im averaging 17.6 mpg. Excellent sound system. Convenient instrument panels. Locking tailgate is a must if you go near a city. I love the 22 inch deep bed, and the fact that the bed rail on this 4x4 is high, very high - it prevents an average person from easily reaching in to steal something from inside the bed. Overall a fantastic drive. Ford went beyond expectations with this truck.

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  The Pink Probe - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Daniel - May 17 - 1:14 am

  I bought this car about 2 months ago and have had nothing but problems. This car has 164,000 miles on it. The engine is very healthy but everything else is falling apart. The transmission is very fickle and can never decide what gear to be in. The anti-lock light is on on the dash. The brakes make weird noises. The sunroof is rusting badly. The interior is absolutely falling apart and makes all sorts of funky clunking and cracking noises. The AC makes horrid noises and barely works. In Florida, this is not good! I will never by a Ford Probe GT again and dont recommend them to anyone. Horrible choice.

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  My Dear Alexa - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Daniel - May 17 - 1:00 am

  I got my 1994 Ford Probe SE with 213,000 miles on her 2 years ago. She has failed me one time. She was in need of a tune up (all the spark plugs fouled out). Front Struts, water pump, and rack and pinion steering have been the only expensive repairs. She has been the best car and loads of fun to drive (only with the five speed). Now with 240,000, she still runs great!

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  It Stinks - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By WJROCK07 - May 17 - 12:12 am

  The car was ok until it hit 1800 miles. Then a fuel injector problem caused it to shut off while driving at highway speed. A couple of months later, there was a huge puddle of transmission fluid on the garage floor thanks to a faulty rear transmission seal. So I get that fixed only to have the battery go dead a few weeks later. As of this date, the battery has gone dead 5 times and the problem is still not fixed. The dealership has replaced the alternator on one visit. On another visit they replaced the radio and the amplifiers for the MACH 460 sound system. On the 3 other visits they say "cant duplicate concern". Ford = Fix Or Repair Daily.

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  Problems with 2002 Taurus - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Sherri Chaney - May 16 - 10:46 pm

  This is our 3rd Taurus. We thought we would really like it. It looks nice and handles well. However, Ford neglected to inform us before our purchase that it has an emission control problem which causes it to sputter and stall. Weve had ours for about 1 month. They tell us they are aware of the problem and are working on the solution. Hope they find it soon!

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  First Ford Auto Bought Since 1986 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chrysler Man - May 16 - 7:46 pm

  Took on a trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and couldnt ask for a better ride. About a 1200 mile round trip, getting almost 29 miles per gallon. Had no trouble passing or getting up the grades on cruise control. I would definitely buy another Ford product.

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  07 Sport Trac, So Far So Good - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jbodine - May 16 - 7:30 pm

  Bought my truck just this past Saturday and already have 500 miles on it. I really like it. My gas mileage is averaging around 16.5 or 17 right now but Im hoping that gets a little better as it breaks in and I get more used to driving it. Its already better mileage than the Dakota I was driving. The bed is small, but my dirt bike does fit which was a must for me. The V8 engine sounds good and runs smooth, but I havent really stressed it yet. The drivers seat fits me well -- Im kind of wide at roughly 240lbs. It has Sirius satellite radio, but I will be adding an iPod adapter soon. The radio sounds really good with the subwoofer behind the back seat.

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  Save your money and buy a Honda - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By ROBBIE - May 16 - 4:21 pm

  I have had so many problems with this van it makes me sick. In the past two months I have replaced a transmission, O2 sensor, EGR valve, another sensor that regulates the fuel, and power steering pump. I only have 80,000 miles on it.