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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  97 F-150 Workhorse - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Paul - November 8 - 2:59 pm

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. 164,000 miles w/no major repairs needed.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2000 Ford Escort
  By headwinds - November 8 - 1:56 pm

  I bought this car off the lot (with 15 miles on it) it was fully loaded with options (power locks and windows, moon roof, 6 CD player). So far, its been great to drive and very reliable, with only routine maintenance (tires, oil change, etc) needed.

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  Loving it - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By ezf - November 8 - 9:30 am

  OK folks. Most cars do not get the EPA estimated mileage. That said, youll love this car. Its much more comfortable and stylish than a Prius. Ive only had mine a few days and Im loving it. Rides great, is quiet and fun to drive. The SYNC is a bit fussy, but fun to play with. Im getting about 33 now but it will go up as the weather warms and engine gets broken in. I am very happy with my choice.

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  Deceptive - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By LesterUt - November 8 - 9:20 am

  The Sport Trac is confining to drive. I had previously owned an regular Explorer and a F-150. This Sport Trac seems to be a buffed up Ranger and seems to be a Ranger chassis. Legroom and space for the driver lacks room and the seat sits fairly high, obscuring driver vision. The engine is underpowered for the frame. But fuel economy does not reflect the poor performance. I would not purchase this vehicle again. I would recommend spending a weekend with this vehicle before making a decision on your purchase.

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  Hybrid Rip Off - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Moe - November 8 - 8:10 am

  I paid $10,000 extra for a Ford Hybrid Escape that doesnt come close to the advertised mileage. The Ford dealership doesnt want to hear from me anymore. They chose to insult me instead and say the difference in fuel economy is due to my "heavy foot". I have offered to have the dealership take my car for a month and prove to me that the Ford Escape Hybrid is capable of getting the 33 to 38 mpg that it is advertised at; however, they will not do that. Basically they have told me to pursue the lemon law. Ten thousand dollars buys a lot of gas even at todays prices.

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  Great alternative to a Jeep - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Moshe - November 8 - 6:23 am

  I purchased the Escape becuase of its AWD and new 2.3L-auto combo- and I am very happy with the performance of the Escape on wet roads- no wheel slipping or skidding - hope winter driving is just as much fun. I work for Chrysler and decided to save the $8,000 difference for a Jeep- I dont need a "trail rated" 15 mpg SUV. Cant be beat for $18,000 and change after the $2000 rebate (lowered to $1500 in November)

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  Great Design/ Good Mileage - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Joy - November 8 - 2:10 am

  I must say I am so pleased and impressed with my Edge. This is the first American vehicle that I have liked in a long time. I am a former Acura driver and although I loved my TL I was not impressed with there SUV. The Edge design caught my eye and after test driving it I was sold. It has been a real head turner and people ask me about it all the time.

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  2006 EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By A C ROGERS - November 8 - 1:44 am

  Nice upgrade from my 98 Eddie Bauer Expedition. So far no major complaints. It is a full size SUV and if you cant afford the gas -- dont buy this or any large SUV. Read complaints about uncomfortable front seats I have not noticed that with mine. Overall, this is an excellent SUV, but my next purchase will be the Nissan Armada LE - more horse power, more towing and more low end torque.

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  46.6 MPG and climbing! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By EnergyMoron - November 7 - 4:53 pm

  This car is amazing With 2500 miles on the car I am getting 46.6 MPG since we bought the car (the long term mileage meter is 45.9 since there was some mileage already @13 MPG). My goal is 50 MPG going on I-10 and I-610 to work 20 miles each way each day and I make the goal most days. I have learned to drive the car now so that 55 MPG runs are not uncommon and best is 58.5 MPG. Performance of course depends upon driving style and there are tricks one learns. Learned a lot by talking at the mileage teams at the Shell eco- marathon (where 1000 MPG is sort of the norm). Unbelievable that a car that big (we have 3 kids) can do this

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  No regrets.... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Gary - November 7 - 4:10 pm

  Have had very positive experiences with the car since we brought it home from the dealership. Enjoy driving it on short and long trips. Comfortable and roomy allowing for taking trips without using a roof carrier. Appears to have more room than our `97 Explorer, and is a lot more comfortable to drive. Feels more like driving a car than something much larger and heavier.