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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  My favorite vehicle yet - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Casper, WY - November 12 - 3:53 pm

  I loved my Ford Windstar and didnt think I would want to drive a "big" SUV, but a move to wintry climate area changed my mind. I love the way it handles, the very smooth ride and the strong engine. The interior is roomy, comfortable and very quiet. The fold down rear seats are very easy to manipulate and it provides lots of cargo room in the five passenger mode. For a five member family it was a great choice.

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  2006 Premium Convertible - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By tripleR - November 12 - 1:46 pm

  Overall the car is exciting to drive. All features and accessories operate well. Runs as advertised.

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  2003 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Arnold Caffas - November 12 - 1:00 am

  The vehicle has an excellent ride. Friends who ride in the vehicle are surprised at the level of comfort. I have not taken the vehicle off road many times, but I am very satisfied with the off road capabilities. Highway fuel economy is better than 20 miles per gallon. City mileage is pretty good. I would recommend the Explorer to anyone considering a mid-sized sport utility vehicle.

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  Great car - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By D M - November 11 - 11:52 pm

  This is a great car. So far no problems a couple of recalls, all taken by dealer. Still happy with the Fusion. Put 3 thou+ on since the last review.

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  Happy Ex-150 user - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Bogey golfer - November 11 - 10:58 pm

  Have used f-150s for almost 50 yrs..... Traded my 98 pu in for a smaller vehicle as I no longer at age 70 require a truck, but desired the similar ride and driver sitting-up comfort I became used to. I have not been disappointed a bit. Am getting 25.8 mpg combined mileage with the 6 cyl engine right out of the box. Only complaint I have is that the driver is a bit confined on right side with the transmission console for the big leg room I am used to..... But I am 6,2" and 310# ..... So if I have room, almost anyone else will have more! Dash is great and allows full review of all info quickly....... And I added moon roof as a treat to myself..... Kinda like it! Yes.... Count me as a happy owner!

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  Good solid suv - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Tony - November 11 - 2:39 pm

  The Ford Escape I own is fun to drive. I drive both city and highway and avg. 23.08 MPG. I found this SUV to have all the room I need. I can seat 5 people with comfort. Great sound system, good air, sun roof is easy to operate as well as all other systems and controls.

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  Like the Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By pbear9 - November 11 - 11:41 am

  Really like this Edge. Had a Mazda CX- 7 that was repurchased by Mazda. Looked hard for the replacement vehicle and have been pleased with the Ford. Had Fords years ago and they have definitely improved.

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  Old guy with used Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By miamimykle - November 11 - 10:37 am

  I just bought my self a midlife crisis treat, a 2002 Mustang GT convertible with a five speed manual tranny and all the bells and whistles available in 2002. I was sitting in the Corvette I was going to buy when it caught my eye. There isnt a mark on it inside or out and is, if I may use the term a freakin rocket. The sound system is incredible! Yes, old guys still rock.....best thing I ever did for myself...if you dont have one, get one!

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  Love My Frogmobile. - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Tim the tool man - November 11 - 10:00 am

  My Focus ZTW is the best car I have owned in several years. The Focus is not a problematic car like it was when it was first introduced. the car is fun to drive, economical, and quite frankly handy as a pocket on a shirt when it comes to hauling your stuff.Alos this car is comfortable to ride in I love it.

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  Great Car Little Possible Improvments - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Chris Barton - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving my car. I dont have any options in it other then AC, CD player and cruise becaues Im 67 I can reach across the car easy. The only suggestion that I would have would be to maybe add a hood scoop. It is a sporty looking car and It would appeal to the teenage and younger crowd if you had a hood scoop like the mustangs, and maybe better city to highway mileage. 30 city and 35-40 highway would be able to compete better with the foreign cars in the economic standpoint.