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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  trailer hauler/people mover - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By pdy2505 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  So far reliable. 1 Firestone failure. Pulls a 9000 trailer very well getting 12-13 mpg. Gets 20 mpg+ without trailer with optional diesel. Will travel over 850 miles per 44 gal tank. Noisy outside but economy makes it worth it. Truck based, ride is harsh on bumps. 3.73 rear axle is right.

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  great vehicle - 1999 Ford F-250
  By wowhatarush - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. I am 100% happy with it.

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  Best new car to date... - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Kate Paquin - August 11 - 6:48 pm

  The 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with the 300A (standard) package plus navigation and adaptive cruise control packages is the best new car to date. Our previous cars were two Hondas EX sedans, two G-20 sedans, a 2001 RX 300 Lexus which we still have and a 2005 Toyota Camry EXL, which we traded when we purchased the Escape. The more we use it the more we like it!!! It is the most comfortable car we have ever owned. The 10-way with lumbar front driver and front passenger seats were the first thing that got our attention. No other car in this price range has that for both front seats! The ergonomic design of the center and door arm rests is noteworthy. The new design of the console moving the gear shift down and putting the cup holders to the side plus the new electronic parking brake demanded that we chose the 2017 over the 2016 with multiple buyer incentives. Our only regret: We debated getting the 301A package and now really wish we had. At night in rural areas the headlights are not adequate. The HID lights in the 301A package would have made driving at night safer. Otherwise this is the perfect car for us as far as size, comfort, power, fuel economy and cargo is adequate for our needs.

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  One week in and very pleased - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By wamba2000 - August 11 - 11:32 am

  Took delivery of a 2013 SEL 303A a week ago. Initial thoughts: Was driving a mid-sized SUV, but mostly use the vehicle for commuting. I wanted the following: Comfort, fun to drive, better mileage, flexibility to handle a large parcel/item via a hatch, reasonably quiet driving experience, all the toys like Nav, backup camera, leather, etc. The C-Max delivers all these items. There is more head and leg room than in the SUV ( I am 66" and 240lb, dont fit well in many vehicles). So far only one build issue, which the dealer addressed. Last, the mileage: EPA tests were followed to the letter, but it is not real world. I am getting 37.0 mpg on the first tank. Cold weather does affect

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  Very Dissappointed - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jgcalbny - August 11 - 3:51 am

  I have now owned a 2013 Ford C-Max for exactly 3 months, and I am not at all happy with my purchase. Like most C-Max owners, I only get 34-35 mpg. I drive a combination of regular roads and highway roads. My main concern with the car isnt the substantially lower than advertised mpg, but rather the fact that I have now had to have Ford Roadside Assistance come and jump my car on 4 different occasions, plus had my friends jump it once. I have brought it in multiple times for service, to two different Ford dealerships. Each time, getting the same answer: "Theres nothing wrong with your battery, and we did the latest update. That should fix the problem." And yet still no solution.

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  my first car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By ccbabe1689 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  When I got this car, my battery DIED the second day I had it. Now it starts up funny. Transmission is iffy but otherwise the car is great.

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  Love It - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By WT Trapper - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Have owned em all. The Ranger is more than enough truck for what I do. Handles great.... and looks even better.

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  NO problems so far - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By BrockExplorer - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive just recently purchased this vehilce, my parents purchased it brand new and we have never had a single problem other than regular scheduled maintainance. The vehicle has been great and I plan to drive it until it dies which Im sure will be at least 200k, this is one of the 3 Fords my family owns, ( F-150, and Taurus) Im proud of all my fords.

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  Perfect first car - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Desert93pgt - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car, and i dont think i could have gotten a better first car. I am moving on as i want more power. For someone who wants light mods or to stay stock this is a perfect car, good power, crisp and great handling. ON a track this car holds its own against higher end cars well out of its pricerange.

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  The Perfect SUV - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By DaBeast - August 10 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is that the only way to own this SUV is to have the 6.0 Turbo diesel, and you get used to the sound. The gas mileage is incredible for a vehicle this size whether in town or towing! We have owned many Ford vehicles over time (F-150, Bronco, Expedition) primarily for towing a large boat over long distances. Nothing we have owned has even come close to comparing in towing quality and interior quantity. This SUV is made to tow! The 6.0 coupled with the regearing of the Transmission in "Tow" mode makes this SUV superior over any other SUV. The interior room is just another added bonus. Especially for hauling all the gear, kids, and dogs.