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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  Started when I bought it.... - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By TashaKathryn - September 16 - 2:00 am

  When I bought the vehicle, I thought i had found the one. WRONG. I have replaced brakes 6 times and rotors 3 times. Inside light has a major problem and will sometimes not turn off. Also windows leak air. Transmissn started slipping at 90k and is now about to die @ 119k. The car is very comfortable and pretty durable, but I am disappointed in the maintence.

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sue - September 16 - 1:20 am

  I regret buying this car. There is no pick up, the quality of the interior is very poor, the gas mileage is horrible. I could hear and feel the brakes each time I pressed them. I could feel the axles moving in my car when I turned the steering wheel. In the 2 years that I have had this car, I have had to have the power steering pump replaced and the air conditioner fixed twice.

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  Good price for good car, SE - 2016 Ford Escape
  By DacDog - September 15 - 7:31 pm

  Pros: 2.0 Ecoboost engine has plenty of pickup. Drives great in rain. Good quiet ride for mid-size vehicle. Good styling and comfort. Plenty of options on SE model available, unlike competitors lower end models. Wife doesnt like FOBs and button start and wanted a key. This was the best option. Has door combination lock, also a requirement not available on lower models of competitors we visited. Nice Panoramic Sunroof Sync 3 works well with Android and iPhone Rear seat room adequate for average height person Cons: Not keeping up with times. No phone storage spot for driver except cup holders, thus losing a cup holder. Limited storage space throughout Glove box almost hits passenger seat. Not functional with seated passenger. Smaller interior than most like competitors

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  Great Commuter car with questionable interior qual - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By NAIR - September 15 - 2:08 am

  Leased a 2015 C-Max. One month after the purchase, noticed that the interior trim fit and finish is on par with the late 90s Hyundais. The trim is literally falling apart. Glad that I leased this car instead of buying it. Pros : Roomy interior with a good ambience Sync is not as bad as people say it is. It does its Job and is a decent system My 65 miles round trip has been netting me 55 Mpg (Not too bad but should have been more for a PHEV) Cons Big battery look away what should have been a generous cargo space. (Better than Fusion Energi or Accord Hybrid though) Questionable interior quality NO SPARE TIRE!!! This is my first domestic purchase and will see how it holds up for 3 years!!!! Have had this car for and a half Still love this car Pros + The interior passenger volume of this car is deceptively large as a 350 pound coworker fits in this car with no issues. + Very peppy engine + Massive windshields make for excellent visibility. + Average Mielage of around 50 - 55 Mpg with a total range of 650 - 700 Miles between fill ups + Kids Love the Ambient Lights + Love the rain / speed sensing wipers Cons - Gas only mileage is lower than promised ( 35 actual Vs 47 Promise ) (I had a lead foot though) - Scheduler for charging and AC do not work even after 3 dealership visits (I blame the dealership Autonation ford for this) Over all makes a very good commuter car. Ford please update this car since competitors like Chevy volt and Prius prime makes newer / updated and better products now

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  driving great - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By morin - September 15 - 2:00 am

  had to add a pro stering dampner to the beast [with respect to the big girl],it was all it needed,other than that its always dependable for us,and confert for us is great,gas mil nis about 26 on freeway,19 to 21 in city,i cant complane,ac in unit will freeze you out.its like a meat locker,the power is a monster,and thats before you give it gas,when that happens,hold on to your head please.as you can see,i like real power and quilty,and this is it!!!!!!!!!!1

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  It is a quality truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By forkbeird - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Execpt for one rattle and one bit of warranty work this truck is excellent. The power and utility is tops. This truck fufilled every expectition and preformedjust how it suppose to. Ford does trucks right.

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  My First Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By edyhskl - September 14 - 5:50 pm

  I get more looks and thumbs up than my 79 Harley! Truly love the style and throaty sound coming from the dual tips. 60s touches with modern performance and handling. Im reliving my youth vicariously thru my car.

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  Missing my Escort - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Escort - September 14 - 4:13 pm

  Interesting drive. At first I thought it will roll-over at cornering, but got used to it. For this particular car they should eliminate the word "economy" in "fuel economy": 22.4 mpg on the highway, 20.5 mpg in town. My Escort was close to 40 mpg. Dealer just doesnt want to fix it.

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  A True American Hot Rod - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Phil Purdin - September 14 - 2:00 am

  It was the end of the year (2003) and I needed a new car. I went shopping without any particular model in mind and ended up with this Mustang GT Coupe. At age 55 I must say this is the most fun Ive had for decades. Ive been driving those 4-cylinder, gas-saving imports for way too long. The Mustang is sheer fun with great performance. The mileage is as good as my wifes Grand Cherokee straight six, when I keep my foot out of it. It cruises beautifully in the 75-80mph range which makes it tough out here in California with so many 55mph two-lane stretches.

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  Fun and Sporty! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Michelle - September 13 - 9:53 pm

  I sold my Yukon XL and wasnt ready to move down in size to a car so I had never really thought about the Escape because I wasnt crazy about the older body style. My Mom talked me into test driving one from the dealership where she worked. I loved it! My daughter loved it too. So, I figured out the colors and options I wanted and the dealership found one for me. I love it!