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 Ford - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Dan W. - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I think they are excellent trucks. I have had a 300 motor and a 302 motor. They both get a 10.

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  Fusion hybrid support - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By kinetics - January 11 - 10:26 am

  On 4/5, after about 500 miles, vehicle just stopped in traffic with all error lights lit. Towed to dealer. on 4/6 dealer notifed me that it needed a new processor but Ford "could not find one". On 4/11 the dealer installed processor but all error lights remain lit. On 4/13 dealer was "in contact with Ford Enginneering and working on the problem". This is not the way to introduce a new vehicle. I wonder when I will get a Fusion that runs!

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  GOOD CAR BUT NOT WORTH THE PRICE - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By AspiringTom - January 11 - 10:00 am

  It is a pretty good car but it has its good points and its bad points. There are some reasons that I am disappointed with this car. First of all the suspension has been terrible from day one. I can feel every bump in the road and thats no exaggeration. I didnt think it was going to be that big a deal when I bought it but over the years Ive grown to hate that about this vehicle. From a stop my Stang bogs down if I try to give it gas too fast. If someone is about to rear-end me I want to be able to get out of their way quickly. If I would have known what I know now about this car now I wouldnt have bought it.

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  2003 explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By julmar - January 11 - 10:00 am

  poor interior materials, they scratch even with a finger nail

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  01 Taurus LX - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By 2bee - January 11 - 10:00 am

  We should have spent time researching about this vehicle. I regret for spontaneous purchase of this vehicle. The most I should have done was waited to purchase either an SEL or SES for the same price or less. Failed air bags during a front impact, clunking noise in front suspension during a turn or braking and worned thread on wiper arm. Id noticed a poor pick-up during acceleration and the air conditioning pauses during acceleration. To protect us from any future major expenses after manufacture warranty expires, we had purchased an extended warranty.

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  Honest Two Month Review - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By N - January 11 - 9:59 am

  We have had our 2016 Sport for two months now. It replaced a five year old Chrysler minivan. Before buying the Ford, we compared it to the 2016 Honda Pilot, 2015 GMC Acadia, and 2015 Toyota Highlander. All vehicles were the top trim models. We liked the Ford best overall. So far the only issue has been a bad tire pressure sensor, which was at bad at purchase and was replaced the following week. As far as the seats others have been complaining about: I am 511, 220, and have a 36" waist. My wife is 56, 170, and is a size 16. Once we adjusted the seats, the comfort level is fine. We have the heated/cooled leather seats. The vehicle is quiet, punchy, handles well, and has plenty of interior room for three teens and a child. The storage room behind the third row seat is decent, more than any of the vehicles we tested, but not as much as a minivan. This is one of the only downsides and we know it switching from a minivan to a suv. My only other issues would be the hood (seems bigger than it needs to be) and the touchscreen. I like buttons and switches, not touch screens and different menus to change settings. Overall a good vehicle so far.

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  Love this SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Theresa - January 11 - 7:33 am

  Traded in my 2005 Jeep Liberty and couldnt be happier! It rides and drives like a car but still gives me the comfort of knowing I can get through snow. I use this for a lot of stop and go driving and find that the fuel mileage is great. A little low power on hills but for 4 cyl and better mileage its worth it. Sunroof is a must. Lots of leg room, comfortable in back, AC Max is "Cool" right away. Hidden compartment in console is nice to stash valuables out of sight. No more problems with spinning of rear wheels in wet weather like the Jeep. Took it on a short trip, cruise worked really nice. Overall, this was the best trade in I couldve made to stay in 4WD, have comfort, and be fuel eff.

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  Wish All Cars Were As Enduring - 1992 Ford Escort
  By redrider31730 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car. I hope I get as much satisfaction out of my future vehicles as I got out of this 1992 Ford Escort LX. The only thing I had to replace was 2 timing belts and the AC stop working in this past year. It took me and my own 250000 miles. Thats the same distance to the moon. I just traded it for newer vehicle. To the workers of Ford. . .Salute.

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  Great all purpose SUV - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By gkjrs - January 11 - 2:00 am

  44000 miles and still doing everything I ask of it......

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Minimalist - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the basic model. The only extra is an AC. It is fun to drive. I love it. Easy handling and good gas milage (almost 27).