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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  2006 Ford Freestar Sel 4dr Minivan (4.2L - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Connie Riley - May 4 - 10:25 pm

  We have 6 grandchildren who travel with us quite frequently. So we have wanted a minivan for quite some time. We purchased this van in January, used w/33,500 mi. and so far it has been great. Very nice van, great exterior, love the Norsea Blue color. I have taken the kids on several outings and trips and theres plenty of room and everyone is comfortable.

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  Disappointed again - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Cheryl - May 4 - 6:38 pm

  Replaced my 2002 Escape at 38K mi. due to too many major repairs (torque converter, manifold, bearings, struts - to name a few) with a 2005 Escape with an extended warranty. After 3 months there was a leak in the gas line. At 60K mi. the torque converter and sunroof motor went up. Now at 65K mi. the ABS sensor went up ($700+ to repair). Sometimes I hear a crunching sound in the rear when I make turns or go over bumps. I have only done street/highway driving. All maintenance has been done on schedule by a Ford dealer. I will not buy another Ford.

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  2015 SE 1.5L ecoboost - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By AaronG - May 4 - 12:20 pm

  The good: I purchased this Fusion new for $17,990. After 26,000 miles, I have had zero mechanical issues. Combined gas mileage is 28.3mpg over those 26k miles. 60/40 highway/city. The highway mileage is really impressive after the engine is broken in, averaging just under 41mpg. The seats are very comfortable, and the ride is very quite and smooth. The 1.5L turbo is impressive and really does a good job. The bad: My local ford dealer has a horrible maintenance department. The cost to do a standard oil change and tire rotation is 3x what Honda charges for my Accord. Also, the 30k mile service costs around $800. In the car, the screen is small for the backup camera. Overall, its a nice car.

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  Great Car - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Cameron Cassar - May 4 - 10:57 am

  This car was great we got it in about 2002. The car just died on us in 2016 due to a transmission problem. We were able to put about 286,000 miles on this car. This is amazing for an American made car. It had its issues due to it getting old but it worked perfectly for about 10-12 years.

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  Nice edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Fernando - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I dont have 4x4 but I have cross a river and had a lot of fun in the mud. Te ranger edge is a nice truck i would recomended to any one.

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  Nice edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By fernando - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I dont have 4x4 but I have cross a river and had a lot of fun in the mud. Te ranger edge is a nice truck i would recomended to any one.

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  Super Value - 2009 Ford Focus
  By nobog - May 4 - 6:27 am

  This was quite a deal. A SES for $14,150! (list was $18,295). Beware, the $500 Ford cash for using their credit will yield you a 10.75% interest rate. I took that deal but will pay it off early so it doesnt matter. Manual trans but with a 4 cyl thats the only way to go. Reasonable quiet and smooth, build quality seems good, even the temp control buttons on the dash have a good feel. No rattles or wind noise. THE deal for 2009.

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  Great until it hits 50k miles - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Samantha - May 3 - 11:31 pm

  Bought this car in 2005 with 48k miles, now has 90k. Got great gas mileage up until about a year ago (avg 32 mpg mixed), now gets 22-24. Auto trans may be dying shifting is labored. Have had to replace ignition lock (50k miles), coil (55k), a drum brake (65k--some kind of part that held it together WENT MISSING and the shoe was scraping the drum), motor mount (85k). Have had to put way too much money into this car since I got it, $1000+ for things that shouldnt break. Very concerned about the poor gas mileage lately mechanics cant figure it out. Have had fuel system flushed but no change. Back bumper also lost a screw and is sagging. Looking for a Civic or Corolla now.

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  Good Value, overall... - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Collin - May 3 - 10:35 pm

  We purchased this vehicle after owning a 2000 Focus LX. Our new coupe looked great in red with black cloth interior. We paid about $16k BUT were very impressed with the improvements made over the 2000 model. The interior quality is much improved, as is the sound deadening, ride, handling, and POWER. The DOHC 2.0L offers plenty of mid-range torque with an impressive intake growl. The brakes are good, but lack anti-lock. The stock sound system is adequate. The vehicle handles VERY well for its class it is difficult to lose grip even in the wet. Replaced alternator at 48,000 miles ($220 from AutoZone), and a front marker lamp at 44,000 miles. Overall, we love the looks and performance.

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  Performance SUV for the family - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By GP - May 3 - 10:10 pm

  Bought used with 38K two years ago. 53K now. Love the sound of the V8. Strong acceleration. Surprised by how well it handles. Pretty nimble for its size. Lots of convenient features. My kids love the DVD entertainment system. Rear parking sensor is nice but just went. Need to repair.