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 elecctric/hybrid sedan - 2017 Ford Fusion Energi
  By Nick selectric glide - May 26 - 4:18 pm

  Great commuter car - gas mileage is incredible for a mid size sedan. I have had the car for over 2 months and have 1800 miles on it. I am getting very close to the EPA figures of 42 MPG in hybrid mode (that is both city driving and highway driving) and 22 miles per battery charge . If you use the heater on cold days you will only get 18 miles per charge. You can switch to three modes - automatic, Electric only - EV, or hybrid mode.. Plus Ford dealers are giving great rebates plus the $4200 federal tax credit I paid almost the same as a regular Fusion with the same options. Electric mode is amazing for driving around town. I can go the entire weekend without using the gas engine. Electric mode (EV) is quick from 0-30 but slow from 30-60. But this car was made for high gas mileage and a great ride. Change between electric and gas engine is seamless - it is truly amazing. Of course you only get half the trunk space but I already knew that. Handling around turns is not as good as the 4cyl Fusion but it is still good. This is a heavy car so the handling is not as responsive as the 4cyl Fusion but the ride is just as good. ( I rented a 4cyl Fusion for two weeks and did a lot of driving in it). Overall I think this car is a great value with the dealer rebates and Federal tax credit.

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  Ford EscapeFun to Drive - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tigerman - May 26 - 9:46 am

  Just recently bought a 2002 Ford Escape. Fun to drive, comfortable, excellent looks. Rear seats extremely comfortable. Excellent 6 Disc CD Changer radio. Sound quality awesome.

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  Family of Explorers - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Rebel4x4x4 - May 26 - 1:48 am

  We have owned 3 Explorers and 1 Explorer Sport over the last few years. Have driven the others, have found none to compare to this wonderful machine. Has leg room for my 62" son in the back. This vehicle has the needs to fit a family on the go. Never thought I would own a 4-door until we drove test drove our first. Other brands we test drove have been rattle traps. Or have had head or leg room problems. I think the Explorer is just a great all around vehicle for anyone shopping for a good little machine.

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  A true Utility Vehicle - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Derek Roth - May 26 - 1:17 am

  This is the first vehicle that Ive LOVED! It looks as nice today as when I bought it. Its the ONLY vehicle that suits our families needs. With 3 kids and a dog, there is room for the dogs crate, suitcases and were NOT all sitting on top of one another. There are times when its still not large enough. With the diesel I get 21.5 MPG at 60MPH! In addition, we also pull an 8000 lb. camper. The ride is incredibly smooth pulling the camper at 75 mph through Nevada on the way to California. It also starts with no problems in Minnesotas winters! My two teenagers AND my wife prefer to drive the Excursion over the Sable wagon, and have no problems with maneuverability.

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  Rattles and noises - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By James Littlefield - May 25 - 4:37 pm

  Isnt it possible for Ford to build an auto that doesnt have rattles in it and doesnt sound like a cement mixer when idling? Friends of ours have a new Toyoda van and when idling, it is impossible to hear it running. My new Freestar sounds like a cement mixer compared to the Toyota. Also at times there is a noise from behind the dash that sounds 100% like a tuning fork. Have taken van back to garage, and of course it doesnt act up! Am I the only one that has had these problems?

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  Great car for your money - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By MaryFrances - May 25 - 3:46 pm

  I LOVE THIS CAR. Smooth ride, great handling, no blind spots. Very sweet looking car. Soft leather seats are very comfortable and dont get cold like other leather seats do. Handles better in the snow than my old Explorer did. Radio controls on steering wheel are a pleasure. Remote start is the best - glad Ford is finally offering it. Having my own controls for heat and a/c are great - Im always cold and the hubby is always hot. Plenty of leg room for all - especially tall people. Can sit in the back seat and not have knees up to your chin. Can not believe the trunk space.

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  Real Solid Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
  By JLC - May 25 - 9:33 am

  With two young kids and a few more nieces/nephews we can carry/haul all we really want to with this car. So far the car has been a delight to own. We feel very safe riding/driving in it. Id recommend (with one stipulation - see improvements) it to anyone. All-in-all though it really is a good solid vehicle.

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  Made in USA? - 2002 Ford Focus
  By John or Juan - May 25 - 3:50 am

  I was recently at a local Ford dealer, who had a huge selection of Focus automobiles, and not one was "made in the USA" : all arrived...legally...from south of the border. That aside, the Focus appears to be very well built and a solid performer overall.

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  MY Beast - 1991 Ford F-150
  By 91F150GUY - May 24 - 7:21 pm

  This truck has been nothing but great to me and I have beaten it to death. I bought this truck intending to use it as a truck, so I have pushed it hard. My family is a Ford family and I know that they last a long time even when you push them hard. We have a 15 passenger van and I have a family of 14 and we have beaten that van since the day we bought it in 1994. It still runs well to this day with 180,000, with no major mechanical problems. My truck has 171,000 and is still running strong nothing has been rebuilt.

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  Surprisingly Happy with Purcahse - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By sjb - May 24 - 10:06 am

  I traded in a SUV for the Freestar and was very surprised how much I liked the Freestar. It has great functionality (a lot of storrage for your stuff), easy access in/out for the children, and it has a smooth & comfortable ride (4.2L good power). Its interior looks great. I wish I would have bought this vehicle much earlier.