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:

• 

  Nice truck. - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Duncan - January 16 - 5:16 am

  Bought the truck in July 04, have 10K miles in 6 months and LOVE it. Needs a little better suspension though. Just a bit shaky for such a well thought out vehicle. Perfect combination of city commuter and country hauler. Much better seating for 4 adults than a cramped car, not huge like an SUV, yet still very sporty. Only 1 problem in 6 months but it was a quick fix for the dealer. Bed extender is a "must have"

• 

  Very dependable used truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Bob H. - January 16 - 3:22 am

  I have owned Ford trucks for over 30 years and this one is the best. My only complaints are wind noise at highway speeds and fuel consumption. Overall it is a solidly built truck that is holding up well. 80,000 miles with no mechanical problems.

• 

  Fantastic Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By DWalters - January 15 - 11:03 pm

  This car has a lot of get up and go. The seating is very comfortable, drives very smoothly, looks like a Cadillac for 1/2 the cost. good trunk space, have fit 4 sets of golf clubs in it. Overall very satisfied.

• 

  Best deal in class - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By testcase4321 - January 15 - 10:06 am

  I spent about 2 weeks shopping and test driving family sedans (Camry, Accord, Malibu, Altima, Impala, and Fusion). All were highly rated here and in Consumer Reports. Overall, I found the value provided by the Ford Fusion beat out all of the other competitors. The Fusion was about $4K cheaper than the best deals on the Camry and Impala, and about $5K cheaper than the best deals on the Altima, Accord, and Malibu. I dont regret my decision at all

• 

  Best in class - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 2.3 focus R - January 15 - 10:00 am

  improvements not required in the focus line up. performance is great with the 2.3 engine; better than almost any other car in its class, even better than the V-6 in my wifes malibu! Its relatively quiet, even w/ low profile tires. handling is great, as is comfort on longer trips. driver seat adjustability is great. If you like to drive, and youre on a budget, this is your car!

• 

  Much better than Windstar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Jimw0709 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Much improved under the skin--dont let the exterior fool you---this is far different minivan.

• 

  Either you LOVE IT or you HATE IT... - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Jenny5150 - January 14 - 10:32 pm

  I LOVE IT! Its comfortable to be in whether a driver or passenger (front, rear or 3rd row) and Im 61"! Its not exactly a smooth ride, but I consider this vehicle a truck, not a luxury SUV. My husband I purchased it for its function (cargo capacity and towing ability.) We bought this truck/suv knowing fully well that the fuel economy would bite. How could you think otherwise? Im already brokenhearted knowing that Ford will no longer be making the Excursion.

• 

  Where did quality go? - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mike Noel - January 14 - 10:23 pm

  After owning foreign-made cars for several years, my wife and I thought wed give American-built cars a try; so we bought Fords - an Escape for me and an Expedition for her. We hardly can keep them out of the shop. Ive had a rattle in the dash that is now in for its 4th fix this year. Also, each morning when I start the car, there is a "screech" of metal on metal that my Ford dealership tells me theyve never heard before. They are trying to fix it. For us, no more American-made cars. We are going to go back to Toyota and Honda.

• 

  So impressed we bought another Fusion - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Terry bollins - January 14 - 7:52 pm

  We use the Fusion to commute between two states and put about 1000 miles on it bi-weekly. When our 2014 got to about 75,000 miles we traded it in for a new2017 AWD Fusion eco-boost. Several nice updates but its the same, exceptionally well handling vehicle vehicle weve come to rely on.

• 

  Great Car/Bad Brakes - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Dan - January 14 - 3:13 pm

  Great car, but watch out for the brakes especially the front brake pads that go quickly. Also the radio tend to be cheap. My wife and I both own 2001 Focus cars and have found that they both experience the same troubles at almost the same exact time. I have enjoyed this car, but hate the dealership and the service they provide.