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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  Garbage - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Bob - May 7 - 5:41 pm

  Rust all along lower front doors found at 2 years old. Dealer has repainted 3 times. Now the hood is bubbling too! Rear drivers wheel locked up at 35mph due to emergency brake shoe coming apart. Then 1 year later the passenger rear emergency brake locked up the same way. The shoe material separates from the metal. We never used the emergency brake and nobody had ever worked on it. Heck this truck has less than 30k on it! Cant believe no recall on brakes that just lock up one tire at speed TWICE! Power mirror switch inoperable.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By dallas - May 7 - 4:00 pm

  I was originally thinking about an Impala or used Camry. I am very glad I chose the Fusion. I have averaged 32- 34 MPG on two lane highway, 29-30 MPG on interstate and overall about 27 MPG. We have one young child under a year old and have plenty of room for everything during our long trips home (~400 miles). The only drawback is turning radius which I was aware of before buying the car, but it does not turn on a dime, more like a nickel. I have 13,000 miles on it already and have enjoyed them all. I drove several late model Dakotas previously and this car is just as fun and enjoyable to drive. I recommend it fully.

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  Mustang GT Performance Pack, is better than Camaro - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Nation - May 7 - 12:28 pm

  After coming from a basic, 2013 Camaro v6 manual. My Mustang is so much better in so many ways, I can actually see out of the Mustang! I have the base gt with performance pack, so comparing the performance of the two cars isnt really fair. Although comfort, interior quality, and technology is much better! I also find the 6 speed manual on the gt to be very smooth shifting. The only negatives I have found with the car, is that the exterior panel alignment could be better, gas mileage is sub par, but hey it is a v8! Also the back seat is not very comfortable to anyone over 51 due to the fastback design. I love what the base gt comes with although my word of advice if you are not going to upgrade the sound system, is to go ahead and step up the shaker system. The base 6 speaker audio is severely lacking. In fact it is dissapionting for a $32,000 car to have such a crappy system! There is no bass response and if you turn the radio up to 20 the music will sound like a muddy mess! Although I have never kept factory audio systems long, I find this one to be the worst system I have experienced, but I am currently in the process of upgrading it. Overall I love the car! Its is a beautiful body style, and drives amazing! It is very confident in corners, and the 6 speed manual is a thrill the throws are crisp. Clutch pedal travel is a little long, but it doesnt fatigue you in traffic. In my book this car gets a solid 4.5 stars!!

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  I think Im in LOVE - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Cat - May 7 - 11:56 am

  Ive been in love with the Mustang since I was 16 (and learned that you cant insure a 16 year old on a Mustang with my parents income). Twenty years later, and I finally got my dream car. Redfire metallic, pony package, V6 because I still cant afford insurance on a GT. Since most of my cars have been 4 cylinders, Im not missing any power. The price was surprisingly low. The car is kind of huge considering its a SPORTS car, but I love it. Its heavy and has an excellent safety rating. It turns corners like its on rails. It gets up to the speed limit way before any other car Ive ever owned.

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  Great Little Ford - 2006 Ford Focus
  By bluedoctor - May 7 - 9:04 am

  Works for my family. Fills any hauling needs except for extra large stuff. Fuel economy is excellent. Fun to drive with good performance. Great price.

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  dusty - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Linda Kammeyer - May 7 - 7:48 am

  The only negative I have found with my 2016 Escape is the dust that collects around the inside of doors and the hatch. We travel some gravel roads and always have dust in door frames and hatch.

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  Satisfied with the hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By stormpeakco - May 7 - 7:36 am

  We purchased this vehicle primarily to become more carbon neutral. This vehicle has far exceeded our expectations for us and our two large dogs. We have achieved an average of 29.75 miles for the life of the car (22K) and that includes residing at 7000, winters in the snow country with soft snow tires and CO winter gasoline. A recent trip to the west coast yielded 31.5mpg. Sure it is gutless but it is supposed to be with only a four banger and runs on regular, not jet fuel. Thus far it is the ideal primary vehicle

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  Not the best but manageable. - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Jaime - May 6 - 11:43 pm

  Average car. Good condition when I got it. Some minor problems needed to be fixed. But all repairs were affordable. The paint scratches very easily. Minor problems on engine. Interior is a little challenging when things start to pop up (dash panel pad). Its a nice car in some ways. Meaning average. Saves gas a lot more than older cars Ive driven. Just dont speed. So far reliable performance.

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  transmission - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By diane - May 6 - 10:03 pm

  well, all i can say is i thought this was my car of choice.only owned for 2 yrs and transmission went out. dealer states "oh, you will love the 6 speed transmission".it does have 70,000 miles but i have never ever nor my husband had this happen with a vehicle before.we did call dealer and ford customer service but we got no where with them! we were going to buy a new taurus or fusion but you couldt GIVE me one now and that is what we told dealer and ford.very very ashamed of ford.we wlii buy a honda!!

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  Great Looks, Bad Ride - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By jcrawlinson - May 5 - 11:56 pm

  Got an excellent deal on a used 2004 Ford Heritage F-150 XLT 4x4. Big, shiny, comfortable! In 2010, however, the [non-permissible content removed] the fan. The 4x4 literally fell apart. There is no reason I should have had to have the suspension, transfer case, and transmission completely replaced in a 6 year old vehicle with under 100,000 miles. Pour quality. I will never buy a Ford 4x4 again and may never buy a Ford again.