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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  Great Car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By towscorpio - January 8 - 2:00 am

  No problems Great Car

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  I like It! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By W.W. - January 7 - 4:36 pm

  Picked up my Charcoal Beige SEL V-6 with black leather last week. After reading all the reviews and road test data my expectations were high and this car has not disappointed me. I think my wife even likes it. So far, fuel economy seems to be as advertised which was one of my concerns. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a mid-size sedan.

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  Best vehicle ever! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By glhouk - January 7 - 3:23 am

  I have had the C-Max for 2 and 1/2 months and 4,500 miles. This is the vehicle I have been looking for for more than 10 years. It has the large enough interior, high seating position, high roof line, ease of entry, and good handling and mileage of a very small car. It is a pleasure to drive and I am getting 38 to 45 mpg depending on wind direction and my speed. I have achieved over 50 on a few occasions but average in the lower 40s. At 65 to 70, it is around 38 to 40. The power train is so smooth, and on the interstate going 65+ and needing to pass, I was shocked at how quickly it zoomed up to 80! I am averaging 10 mpg more than my good mileage Pontiac G6.

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  The Durable Starter Car - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Vegete - January 7 - 2:00 am

  For someone looking for something to get you here and there, this would be a decent pick, expecially if youre young. The gas milage is incredible, and you dont have to worry about knocking it around a bit (handled 2 rear end collisions). Its definetly not a car you want to be driving if youre in a hurry (not even 70hp!). Passing on the highway can be a hassle unless youre already going at a much higher speed than the person in front of you (for this reason, I suggest a manual transmission). Overall, its decent.

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  Love my Tbird - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By alzimmerman - January 7 - 2:00 am

  My dad convinced me to buy this car while I was in college and it has long outlasted those days! It is fun to drive and generally a very reliable car. I just bought a BMW convertible, but still put most of my miles on "the bird" as the car is affectionately named.

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  Underappreciated - 1992 Ford Festiva
  By Scrocx - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car since 1993. I done burnouts that rival some of the best. I have caused a 91 Explorer to get a new transmission for trying to out last the FASTIVA in a burnout competition. The build quality is excellent. Designed by Mazda. Produced by Kia. Sold by Ford. This vechicle will not let you down. I now have a 1992 Mazda 323 GTX Turbo 1.8 Liter DOHC motor in the Festiva and it is capable of leveling Z28 Cameros and GT Mustangs. For a total cost of less than $4000 this is a vehicle worth a look.

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  Economy is cheap for a reason - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Loaf - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The car has some minor problems. The car was just towed away today because it will not start (even after several jump attempts). I had driven the car at 5:30, got back in the car at 6:30, and the engine wouldnt even turn. Thanks ford, you suck again. This is the second escort i have had.

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  Love my 98 Expedition!!! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By dzvess - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I love my Expedition. Wouldnt trade it for the world, unless it was for a new Expedition!

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  Stay Away - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By BrianV - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This car only lasted about 60K miles. It had been the the dealer many times for things like radiators, a/cs, suspension, etc. Most expensive car Ive ever owned, and the 160HP engine just doesnt get the job done. 4x4 system is decent but not that great. JBL stereo was good for its time. The bad experience with this car is what convinced me to buy my first Japanese car, a 1998 4runner limited 4x4 (which is light years better then this car).

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  Another great hot hatch from the experts at Ford - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By ksvtguy170 - January 7 - 1:17 am

  As a fan of hot hatchbacks and former owner of an SVT Focus, Id had my eye on the Fiesta ST since it was first introduced. When I heard 2017 was the last year of the current iteration and Ford dealers started to offer incentives on STs, I knew it was time to pounce on this cult car, which has received about the most unanimously positive automotive press I can recall. And amazingly, the ST is as good as they say--a pure drivers car disguised as a "cute" econobox. Ford absolutely nailed the steering, braking, transmission, power, throttle response, and handling with this car. I have driven a few Porsches, and the way the Fiesta ST feels to drive is, amazingly, at a comparable level of precision and balance. If Porsche built an FWD car, this is what it would be like. The SVT Focus was a gem in almost all ways (power was fairly meh, though), but the Fiesta ST is almost shockingly better, except for ride quality (the one impossible-to-deny fault of the ST). Even city driving is enjoyable because of the telepathic, precise controls, small size and nimbleness, and friendly clutch. But twisty roads or freeway on-ramps are the places youll really appreciate how good this car is. Its hilarious fun to drive. Drawbacks: The aforementioned ride, which does smooth out on the highway, but can be brutal on broken pavement. And yes, its small inside. If you routinely carry four adults and their luggage, get something else. Mine is already developing buzzy/rattly interior pieces, and I fear that problem will get a lot worse. Reliability is a concern with Fiestas, and I havent been super impressed by Ford service departments in my area--fingers crossed. Otherwise, I cant find any faults. Its a remarkable car and every drive is a thrill. Its worthy of every bit of the hype.