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:

• 

  Ford Cant Build Consistency - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Beware of Ford - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This car was well-maintained by the first owner, whom I knew. I bought it with 53K and, 3K later, the transmission went. Thats a 1000 dollars for a used transmission with a 3-month guarantee! Ford Consumer Affairs took my information and said someone would review it. Uh-huh. A local Ford service writer said that the most hed seen Ford give customers towards out-of-warranty repairs was $500, but you had to have the work done at a dealership, which would cost $2600! Yikes! Do not buy this car, it is too risky, and Ford does not stand behind their product. P.S. All the mechanics and transmission shops I went to or called said the same thin

• 

  106,000 and goin strong! - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Skippys Driver - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has been extremely reliable for my 250 mile weekly commute. Yes, its the most gutless car Ive ever owned but having the manual transmision helps. Fun to drive (for its class), holds the road suprising well driving through water on the highway. Have been rear ended twice with marginal damage. I get 31-38 mpg. Wish there were more comparable models available as Im getting up in mileage.

• 

  Love Our Escape - 2016 Ford Escape
  By dick hummel - November 10 - 10:05 pm

  Weve purchased our new Ford Escape less than a month ago. It has the additional Equipment Group 201A package. We havent tested it on various road or weather conditions, including wet pavement. This is our first SUV. It has very good maneuverability and pick up for city and highway driving. We havent hauled heavy loads. We love the rear camera, all-around visibility and reverse sensors that give us added protection with backing up. The interior is very comfortable but wish there were more storage compartments in the front. We love the convenient storage in our 2010 Fusion which has more storage space than the Escape. The lumbar support and ability to elevate the drivers seat, adds to the drivers comfort with less fatigue. So far the gas mileage isnt great - only 20 mpg combined city and highway. But our vehicle isnt properly "broken in" yet. The owners manual states to calculate after the first 1000 miles, which we havent reached yet. The Sync 3 is awesome and user friendly! The speaker system produces clear, crisp stereo music. Also, the mph displays in large numbers on the information display panel allows the driver to see the speed at just a quick glance. The cruise control buttons are easy to find and its much easier to resume speed with just a flip forward on the resume/cancel bar. This winter, we will appreciate the FWD that will automatically convert to AWD if needed. We have used edmunds.com for over 15 years and have found it to be a very reliable source of information for our auto purchases.

• 

  Car looks great, rides O:K but - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Del - November 10 - 10:00 pm

  18,000 mile & needed a new transmission, and I got a re-Mfg. one put in, thats with the dealer does when they go. Also multiple recalls, including, tires, air bags and also seat belts. Then they changed electrical harness & and in the beginning the oil sending switch. Car has made me plenty unhappy. Yeah they might be better than the Blazer I once rented but that really dont say much if you know what I mean.

• 

  An absolutely great car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By jeff_h - November 10 - 5:43 pm

  I sold my Prius after over 100k miles, lost 10MPG but gained a FAR better ride and features. Ive had the car for 4 weeks and 3,000 miles and I am very pleased. The sticker MPG is 41/36 and after 3,000 miles of mixed driving my MPG is 39.8 which is pretty darn good. Sync is great, I think the sound system is also great, the backup camera is very handy too. Whether the added price is worth it for the hybrid, each consumer will have to decide for him/herself. The $1,700 tax credit is valid until 9/30/09, it defrays some of the extra cost. Bottom line -- if you are considering a Camry/Prius and dont test drive this first, you need a "kick me" sign on your back.

• 

  Black Tauras - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By sheri&chuck - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had little to no problem with the Ford Tauras. I drive 70 miles to work a day, and have a wonderful relaxing ride. I love this car.

• 

  Stang Killer - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Dougie420 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I love this car so much. No sedan can compare to the raw, unyielding power of this four door muscle car. I get twenty miles to the gallon, AND can haul all my friends around rather comfortably. This car is the perfect blend of performance, sports car feel, luxury, and practicality, although I do agree with everyone elses reviews in that these cars are EXTREMELY expensive to fix. Believe me though, if you enjoy driving like I do, the expenses of upkeep pale in comparison to the amount of exileration you feel when you hear the roar of that freakishly powerful Yamaha engine.

• 

  Love it! - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Pirate - November 9 - 7:30 am

  I now have over 15,000 miles on our Ford Escape Hybrid (4WD). The average gas mileage is 29.3 MPG which is within the EPA estimate for this SUV. My wife and I love the SUV. I did all the research at the time comparing the Escape with all the other SUV on the market in its class and am more than happy that we purchased the Escape Hybrid. The SUV has been great so far the only exception is I wish the door gaskets would be heavy duty as they can be damaged fairly easily just through normal usage. Both front doors show wear on their door gaskets. The drivers side was replaced several months ago. Other than that its a great SUV. Actually its fun to drive. Great SUV. Thanks Ford. Just love it!

• 

  Plymouth Rock - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Dexter Olsson - November 9 - 3:33 am

  The Ford Escape Hybrid has been a totally satisfying experience. Even with full time AWD the gas mileage is excellent. However, it is very important to follow instructions in the manual. Consistency is essential. In fact, using cruise control as much as possible gives significant mileage improvement. The car handles and rides very well, no doubt due in part to the low placement of the large battery between the rear wheels.

• 

  Ford Expedition XLT 5.4L 4WD - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By jchill - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck. Make sure you get the 5.4L, my brother-in-law has the same truck with the 4.6L and theres a big difference. Yes its a gas hog, but you should know that when you buy one and just accept it. Its comfortable, especially for trips with the dogs and family. Watch your speed cause this truck will move. I would purchase it all over again. No problems with it at all. Fits into our garage with room to spare.