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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  I love it! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Pam - March 7 - 5:50 pm

  Ive had my Fusion for 3 weeks now and I just love it. The Fusion handles well, its fun to drive, its comfortable and it looks really good. My husband added a rear spoiler and now it looks even better.

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  All Around good car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tony - March 7 - 9:23 am

  Overall a good car - It has a lot of features that I didnt expect for the price of the car. The "lack" of power is over-hyped. I found the power more than adequate for the size of the automobile. I test drove a Mercedes C240 V6 and it seemed to have less power then the Five Hundred. I believe its automobile writers personal preference than actual performance. I would recommend this car - but please read suggested Improvements).

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  best suv ever built - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Jonathon Reiley - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Exellent vehicle, highest level of towing capacity and best engine selention in it class with the optional Powersroke Diesel, great fuel mileage, I got 22 mpg on my way home from seattle (not pulling anything) in my mind there is no compitition for this rig...

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  2002 Ford Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Wannebo - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Great clearance, speed, maneuverability.

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  Mustang, My Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Nicole World - March 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car used from a local dealer with only 7300 miles on it. The engine is in great condition and the interior is like new. The overall performance and look of this car is just excellent to us. I cannot tell you how many looks we get from people at intersections and on the highway. I am tempted to start a tally. We have the standard Mustang with Deluxe and Pony options so it does not look like any of the other Mustangs in my area. A real head turner. The handling is just wonderful on it. We feel very safe and comfortable riding and driving this beautiful machine.

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  interesting - 1995 Ford F-150
  By trler1 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was purchased used. Expect for replacing the shocks, this unit has had little down time Floats down the highway @ 65mile/hr. It has lots of extra power,nice pulling unit . Better gas mile come with a loaded box.

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  An SUV that I am not ashamed to drive - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By pjl1 - March 6 - 10:43 pm

  Took delivery of FEH in 6/24/08. The moment I drove it home I knew this was a keeper. It has plenty of power and yet it gets good mileage. I get about 6.7 lt/100 KM in a small town and 7.1 on the highway. It is quiet in electric drive (stealth mode). We bought an upscale model with most of the toys including the AWD. The ease of getting in/out is also a plus. The front leather seats are very comfortable. Interior lighting gives it a classy look at night. The ownership, to date, has been a pleasure. It is a bit disconcerting at first when the engine shuts down in traffic. I dont mind when the ECON switch (on) shuts down the AC in traffic (I can take a litle heat) I just thnk about the gas.

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  Fun drive at a fair price - 2012 Ford Focus
  By joejh - March 6 - 8:26 pm

  I love its look, handling, and lux interior. The My Ford Touch, when it works, is very good. The upcoming software update should make it great. I will admit that it lacks horsepower. Im still getting used to losing 90hp from my previous car, but the Focus accelerates okay - just not heart pounding. It makes up for it by having great handling. This car came loaded with oodles of options and features and still came in at the low 20s. Could easily spend several thousands more.

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  Impresive - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By Adel - March 6 - 6:27 pm

  Have had the C-Max for 18 months now. Its been a great ride, very fun, quick and feels great to drive. A very good job from ford, everything feels great and such a good job of automating the car where lights, wipers and everything is automatic. The car is very well executed, although CVT, it feels right and has good acceleration. Power and handling both are good up to 90 MPH and above that this is not so fun, making it better suited for City and traffic, particularly great electric only ride in heavy traffic with out turning on the engine at all up to 85 MPH. Being in LA, have just done 20,000 miles and looking forward to many more. This is no prius, the higher seating, weight and drive feel more like a cross between a mini minivan and a hot hatchback (which is very heavy at almost 4,000 pounds). My best tank MPG was about 85 MPG, almost 1,100 miles a 12 gallon tank and least has been around 65 MPG. I am due for a second oil change shortly, making it 10,000 interval for maintenance which is always a good bonus. Not much I would fault the car for, maybe a bit higher ride and ground clearance be good but I do like the ride. I got the plug in, but the hybrid only ones were more fun, much lighter and sharper rides. I do have passengers often and the back seat is very comfortable. Ford has a winning formula for the car of the future, size, power and the whole package.

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  BEST SUV EVER - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Kim M. - March 6 - 6:23 pm

  I traded in my 2016 Chevy Equinox on the 2017 Ford Explorer . I had looked at Chevrolet ,Honda,Toyota, and even a kia but nothing stood out to me. The Ford Explorer was a win the second I got in. You cant tell by looking at it but its got a ton of room inside. The drive is unbeatable. I cant imagine a better car. I have moved furniture with it, had every seat full and no one complained about the ride. The A/C is outstanding . You will not regret buying this car trust me .