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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  All hell breaks loose after 90K miles - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By NomoreFords - August 24 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Taurus was a solid if unspectacular vehicle for the first 90,000 miles. After that, all hell quickly breaks loose: the transmission goes, the electrical system turns into a nightmare, and the engine slowly falls apart. Ford? Never again.

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  big is better - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By sammyk - August 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Excursion Ive owned. The first had the V-10 and really bad mileage. The 6.0 diesel is very powerfull and gets GREAT mileage for the size of the vehicle. On the highway, I average 24 MPG at 75 MPH. My Jeep Wrangler gets a paltry 15 MPGs. We have had a few minor, but annoying problems, particularly electrical ( A/C looses power.. just shuts off ) but far less than the problems we had with the 2000 V-10 ( also electrical, interior lights would blink on and off everytime it rained and it rains a lot in FLorida ). Overall, this vehicle represents the best value for people / cargo around.

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  Fords Come-Back Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
  By brockstar - August 23 - 9:10 am

  All I have to say is wow. I love this car. never thought I would buy a Ford vehicle. I went to the dealership to look at the vehicle and test drive it. It was the first vehicle I looked at. From that moment I had to have it. I have had Mercedes, VW, and Honda in the past. This car drives as nice as the Mercedes did. Ford you did good.

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Htein - August 23 - 4:46 am

  I had a choice between going with 07 SEL w/ leather & spoiler and a 08 SE for the same price. I went with the 08 SE since it had better safety ratings. The car is beautiful on the outside and inside. The only few points off is: 1) the plastic inside look somewhat cheap, especially noticeable at the fan grilles. 2) the phone bluetooth button does not work without sync, which I did not know otherwise I would have bought a model with sync. (I never asked) The maintenance is nice, oil schedule is every 7500 which is a plus from every 3000 miles that Im used to. The car handles and rides very smoothly. Its power output is definitely better than our other 4cyl Saturn.

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  Worst Ride Ive Every Had - 2002 Ford Escape
  By EX Owner - August 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased a 2002 XLT Escape with leather seats in July of 02. We liked the body style of the vehicle and read all of the consumer reports on the vehicle SUV of the Year, etc... This vehicle has to be the worst riding vehicle I have ever been in. The seats are very uncomfortable on long distance trips. Road noise is awful. Interior trim is cheaply designed. Fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired. Finally traded it this past weekend OH HAPPY DAY!!!! At its price, I honestly can not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  X - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By EMAGEE - August 23 - 2:00 am

  WONDERFUL VEHICLE. ONLY DIESEL SUV AVAILABLE FUEL MILAGE 18 - 20MG HAVE LARGE FAMILY GALLONS PER PERSON IS WAY LOWER THAN 2 CARS IT REPLACE. IM 62 TALL ONLY VEHICLE I TESTED THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO HAVE SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK TO BE COMFORTABLE. SUBURBAN CANT HOLD A CANDLE TO IT. FOR SPACE OR ECONOMY SINCE THEY HAVE NO DIESEL. I ALSO TOW A LARGE TT NOOO PROBLEM. LOVES TO PULL 31 FOOTER AT 65 13.5 MPG. TRY THAT WITH A 8 LITER GAS

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  love my bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By port hole authority - August 23 - 2:00 am

  After owning several Mustangs this car by far is the best and most fun to drive. Real head turner... I have the Merlot with sand interior.. I drive a Volvo 850 for my beater.. the bird has never seen a wet road. garaged and dusted off for sunny days ONLY.

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  Pretty, but high maintenance - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Rob in Peoria - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I liked the looks, but wish I had done more homework before buying. In little over a year weve put more money into this car than we paid for it - new tranny, brakes (twice!), and tires. Hopefully I can help someone else keep from getting sucked in by the sporty appearance - if you love your mechanic, or more specifically, love making his boat payments, buy this car. It also rides rough and is noisy (wind noise is terrible)

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  Very disappointed - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By JAKE - August 22 - 5:40 pm

  I purchased my Ford 500 limited because I liked the roomy interior and gas mileage. The safety features were a plus also. I have always bought Ford trucks and am a loyal customer. This was my 1st Ford car. I have had so many problems with this car I will never by a Ford again. The car has been in the shop 18 times. The dash bubbled the brakes the strut bushings the air cond. The rear bumper cover rust under the hood too many to list all. Strange noises that Ford cant fix or explain. I even tried sueing Ford under lemon law but Texas lemon law states too many miles on the car between repair intervals disqaulify my case. Im still having problems but cant trade because of to much neg. Equity $8,000

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  Nuclear Fusion - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Traveling Man - August 22 - 2:01 pm

  This car does it all. It even parks itself. After having a Camry and a Beamer I never thought a Fusion would be better. It is! The 2.0 has a much better response than the Camry and it rides just as good as the Beamer. It stickered at just over 36K but after some discounts I gave 32K including fees and taxes. The fit and finish is superb and no orange peel. After purchasing I used it on a 9 hour road trip and after a long day driving I still felt relaxed. The Camry always made my back ache after 2 hours. I have put 11K on the odometer and cant find anything to complain about. Ford has shown me that they can build a car that deserves top ratings.