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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  Best Hybrid on the Market-Well done Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Dave - June 27 - 8:43 pm

  Never thought I would ever purchase another Ford after my 88 died on me (trans, eng problems). Settled on buying a Camry Hybrid. Researched it and the Ford Hyb kept coming up on reviews. Well, read on that too plus others. Was sold by ALL the publications that thought the Ford Hyb was better. Final decision was based on the design, style, options, drivability, etc of the Fusion Hyb. Very happy with the car. Fun to drive. Achieving 41+ MPG. A few trips, got 56 MPG, especially in 45 miles or less neighborhood driving. Trick is to gradually accelerate to just past the desired mileage, say 47, completely back off the accelerator, it goes to EV (electric). You can then maintain 45MPG.

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  No Problems Mon - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By ahjok - June 27 - 8:30 am

  Bought my wifes C-Max June 2013, at 12,000 miles now and the car has been perfect. I believe that Ford has ironed out the kinks in early models (late 2012 - early 2013) -- we have had no problems with dead battery, SYNC system, etc. Recommend this car to anyone who want the high MPG of a hybrid with decent handling, acceleration and creature comforts. We paid $26,000 out the door and are very pleased, good job Ford!

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  1993 Taurus GL Wagon - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Ken U - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle new aand used to commute to work for 6 years. My 19 year old son now drives it. The milage is 115,000. I haad several significant problems from the start including a burst hose and premature brake wear. It ran well for several years then there were more problems starting about 3 years ago. I have replaced the radiator, water pump, the entire steering system, struts, wiper motor and controls, AC compressor, power window and lock switches. I have invested a great deal of money but the car runs well, its roomy and safe.

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  Love my 09 Expedition - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By MS - June 26 - 10:26 pm

  Bought this car with 82000 on it in 2015. Its an EL and you cant beat the roominess, the comfort, the leather, etc. The mileage is not bad for such a big truck - solid real 11-12 in stop and go. Up to 18-20 if all highway. Mix gives solid 14-15 depending. My 2014 Durango (too small and weird shifting) only did a little better 14-15 in traffic and low 20s on the road. We liked the 09 Expedition so much we traded the Durango for a used 2015 Expedition. Which is also great, albeit mileage with the turbo is say 3 or 4 mpg better. Have 93000 on my 2009 now and I expected well get to 150,000 for sure. You can get a good price on a used one so let someone else eat the first and second (or more) years depreciation.

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  explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kahrn03 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck

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  The worse car anyone can buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Disappointed custome - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle 8 months ago and let me begin by telling you how terrible this vehicle is. Since October, my braking system, shock system, rear air conditioning, timing belts and finally the torch converter have all went bad. Everything listed had to be replaced except the torch converter the Ford dealership is refusing to correct the problem. I purchased this vehicle with 22,000 miles and quite frankly this car is a piece of dirt. I am currently seeking to buy a Jeep Cherokee and love it so far. Just in case anyone reading this in the Knoxville area DO NOT do business with Ted Russell Ford.

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  Safe, Reliable and Fun - 2004 Ford Escape
  By escapeowner - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This exterior and interior of vehicle is very sharp in appearance. It is fun to drive, and has nice safety features, which gives one a sense of security when driving. Cargo space is more than needed.

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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Escape
  By AuntSusiex2 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt looking to buy a new vehicle but after one test drive I knew I needed this SUV. The Escape is just the right size. Not too big, not too small. I am a smaller woman 53 and I did not feel out of place in this SUV. I love my Escape!

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  Heidys 2004 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Heidys Paz - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The Mustang models are prettier from the year 1998. My favorite cars are Mustangs, but I thing that the 98 model with a luxurious interior and tempting spoilers would be a nicer model, they stilllook really good being old, but brand new would mean a surprise to consumers meaning better raiting and business. More economic on fueling would help.

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  Nice Surprise! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ValWat1 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  At first when my salesman brought the car over for me to look at honestly I thought "I dont like it" because I really wanted a 4 door model. But when I sat in it I noticed how comfortable the seats were, how great the stereo was, the neat armrest compartment between the seats the (get this) Cruise Control & on & on...Also how surprisingly LARGE the trunk space is I fell in LOVE with it.