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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  Satisfied owner - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Steve Nemeth - December 8 - 9:13 am

  I purchased my 2006 Ford 500 SE with the CVT transmission in November of 2005. It presently has 6,500 miles on it and is running great. I am very happy with this car and how well it is built. So far, it has lived up to my expectations. I read a lot of research about this car before I purchased. It does take time to get used to the CVT tranny and how it shifts. The car drives well. I cant really say its fun to drive, although it handles well. Fun driving to me, would be in a smaller sportier car.

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  Best Hybrid on the market - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By himiler - December 8 - 7:56 am

  No two ways about it the Fusion is the BEST HYBRID. With 4100 miles its averaging 44 mpg. Just ran 1200 miles almost all highway with AC on at an average speed of 65 mph and got an astounding 44.3 mpg around town even better at about 49 mpg. Unbelievable!!!

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  Totally surprise with the performance... - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Cesar from Austin, TX - December 8 - 2:00 am

  We recently got a 2016 Ford Escape S (base model) and Covert Ford here in Austin, TX gave us a great deal for the car. We just went to Dallas to visit my son and were totally surprise with the performance (very agile and fast). We just had 1,500 miles and on it and averages - - 26.4 miles/gal (city) and 31.8 miles/gal (highway) - - I thought the gauges were wrong but it confirmed it when I fill her up. We didnt have all the bells and whistles but it has enough features we need to have a smooth/leisure travel - - bluetooth, back-up camera, usb port. We do keep our cars for a long time - - so, I do not regret adding a 7/100,000 miles extended warranty on it - - definitely gonna drive this to the ground.

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  no problems - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By texasexped - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 4x4 XLT with 5.4 back in 2000. It was a dealer demo with 1500 miles on it. I have never had s single mechanical problem with it yet. It now has 37000 miles on it. I would buy another. Its a great truck for freeway driving. Its a dog as a grocery-getter though. I still have no regrets though.

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  Tom1861 - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Thomas E Goddard - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased my second Taurus. Like the feel and ride. Would buy again.

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  MyEscape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By unhappyford - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought v6 in April 01, Paid the 1st visit to the service dept for a check engine light by Aug 01. This started a series of diff lights coming on at diff times and many visits to the dealership-(thank goodness for warranty).Each time Id take it in and theyd fix a light of the month but no guar it would be "fixed". 27,0000 miles later and 10x to the dealership in 2 yrs was all I could handle. After it being in the shop 8, 9, 11 03 I traded it in and got a Nissan. The less than reassuring attitude from the Service Dept and Ford left me no choice but to find a reliable means of transportation for my family.

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  Sweet Sorrow - 2002 Ford Escape
  By rjc - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Maybe isolated. I traded in my Escape before the 3 year/36000 mile warranty. Had multiple electronic issues. Dash lights would go out, stereo lights, brake lights.They were fairly minor but I wasnt about to keep after warranty expired.Would Still have car otherwise. Its fun to drive, milege wasnt too bad

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  Dependable, Poor Quality - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By dynomo - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the van with 36,000 miles and still running good at 140,000. Runs good, drives good, comfortable, roomy, and great safety rating. Lots of little problems due to extremely poor quality: Speedometer, power locks, power windows, rear heat/ac, cruise control, brakes, check engine light and interior lighting.

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  This is Not My Husbands Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Dixie - December 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the first truck I have even considered buying. I dont think I will ever go back to a car. The King Ranch is very luxuious, comfortable and a delight to drive.

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  From Cobra to X - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By crafty - December 7 - 10:16 pm

  We have 2500 miles on the X and it is so much fun to drive. We are Grandparents, My wife thinks I disguised the 2003 Cobra we traded in on the X as it is Very Quick! Mileage is 24 now but will get better as 30,000 miles roles up. Road holding ability is super and no effort needed to drive. We use the rear part for hauling and it has more room than you think. All in all we think we are going to be very happy with our "X"