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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  Poor Gas mileage - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jack - February 28 - 3:20 am

  Ive had my 2010 Fusion Hybrid for 6 months and only get 31 mpg city/hwy. From everything I read Im one of the very people owners that is getting this low of mileage! Dealer said that because I drive a short distance around town, that is what I will expect. I have driven 60 mi. plus and still cant get over 31 mpg. Ford advertised with city driving, you would expect the best gas mileage, not mine! I have talked to Ford Corp. and depending who you talk to Ive gotten contradicting explanations. This is my only complaint with the car, but I bought it thinking I would get much better gas mileage, like reported. I cant imagine if I drove in cold weather what I would get.

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  Ford Tough - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By cb_spiering - February 28 - 1:46 am

  Great truck. Much more pleased than I thought I would be. Extremely pleased with this purchase.

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  05 FX4 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By BIVFD219 - February 28 - 12:40 am

  I bought this truck last Monday and I have to say I am well impressed. The truck is very well laid out with features. The 300 hp 5.4 runs great with lots of power. Transmission shifts smooth.

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  Ford Tough? - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff - February 27 - 9:03 pm

  This is a highway car not and off road one and both the front and rear end are bad, both front hub assembly, ball joints, transmission slipping between 1st and 2nd, the V6 engine is noisy, the O2 sensors had to be replaced as well as the intake gaskets for sucking air. Interior - The seats have no lower back support and the rear seat belt latches in the back seat keep anyone but a small child from seating in the center. Arm rest broke. Exterior - trim bad from factory and shows spots where it is snapped on.

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  2003 Escape XLT 4x4 - 2003 Ford Escape
  By David Wicksell - February 27 - 8:30 pm

  I purchased my Escape new in May of 2003 and have loved driving it ever since. When new they had to replace the radio (CD/tape) because the clock ran slowly. It was also missing the rubber stoppers for the liftgates glass. Both problems were fixed under warranty. After a while I noticed another couple of defects, the rubber seals in the liftgate (both the glass and the gate itself) as well as the moonroof, leaked slightly in the rain. That is just sloppy workmanship in my opinion. The moonroofs switch didnt work correctly. They were however fixed by the dealership under warranty. I now have 34,000 miles on it and it runs like new. There have been no mechanical problems or any other problems.

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  What happened to Ford? - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Robert - February 27 - 7:28 pm

  This has to be one of the worst automobiles ever made.I once was a big Ford supporter but after owning this van I will never buy another Ford again. Transmission problems, front end problems just a terrible van.This is an automobile that is used for family outings. Stay away from Fords.

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  Not a replacement, but a whole new automobile! - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By opensky1 - February 27 - 3:04 pm

  I loved my 2014 Mustang convertible (read the review), so I got a new 2017 to have all of the active safety features and other convenience tech. What I got was something that is a huge step up in quality. In fact, a different machine, with the feel of the BMWs (Mustang handles better in my opinion - test them) I tested and a huge leap above a Camaro. It accelerates smoothly up to 121 mph (where it is electronically limited), gets up to 32 mpg on highway (with super unleaded, about 29-30 with regular). Handles much better than the GT (again, try them out side by side - I did several times - GT feels front heavy and bulky). Drives like a sports car. Has plenty of storage, something lacking in the old Mustang and non-existent in Camaros. The only things lacking is automatic braking (something I will demand in 3 years or I will switch models), and lane warning/assist. The forward collision warning is great, but it just pre-loads brakes, probably a nod to the general macho among Mustang owners, but auto braking should be an option for those of us more concerned with being alive (and the safety of others) than imagined macho. Another after market add on is a windscreen, which really makes a difference. It makes your car a two seater when in place, but I never have more than one lady friend at a time riding! :) Easy to remove, but dont get this car for a backseat anyway. One small feature I love is the center console which locks when you hit the door lock fob. I leave the top down a lot when I go into a store. This combined with alarms keeps stray hands out that stuff. All in all, a wonderful car. If they add automatic braking, I will be getting another in about 3 years.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By D. Wilson - February 27 - 1:20 pm

  Ive been driving this car for over four months now and it has outperformed my expectations. Gas mileage is at 29.6, and I drive all highway miles. It handles like a foreign car, is incredibly smooth, and looks sharp (appearance package). Acceleration leaves something to be desired, but I find myself driving in a safer, more fuel efficient manner when the ability to peel off the line is no longer an option. All in all this car has performed far better than I anticipated.

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  Tbird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By lambertdds - February 27 - 1:15 pm

  Great design and comfortable ride. I wished it was a bit more of a sports car ride, but it is still exciting. Ford did a great job!

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  Bad Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By 4myranch - February 26 - 11:53 pm

  This truck has everything you want. The interior is the best designed set up in terms of convenience. Quiet ride and great sound system are a plus. I took it off road twice already and it was playing in the mud and had no problems at all in what I put it through. An outstanding new truck. Well done Ford!