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:

• 

  Great small SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Escape_Fan - August 20 - 9:26 am

  In June I purchased a 2009 Escape XLT AWD with the 4cyl engine. I have been waiting to write a review until I had driven it for a while. I live in the Boston area. I have taken my Escape on vacations to Cape Cod and to Acadia National Park in Maine. Commuting to work I average 24mpg, while on the highway I get 28mpg. I love my Escape except for one thing. The 4cyl engine is too noisy for me, especially when accelerating. Once up to cruising speed, the Escape is remarkably quiet. Also, while peppy, the 4cyl really struggled climbing the hills of Maine, especially with the AC on. If I could go back and buy my Escape again, I would get the 6cyl FWD which has the same combined mpg as 4cyl AWD.

• 

  Best Car Ever - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Elizabeth - August 20 - 1:01 am

  I have had this car for over a year and have had no problems. It is very fun to drive, and like most Fords, it has a lot of power. Being a coupe there is still a lot of room for passengers and the trunk is huge. Small and easy to get in and out of parking spaces, especially good for college parking. Easy to control and steer. Great design inside and out. This model is much more appealing than the earlier and even later models. Overall a great buy and would not want anything else.

• 

  Bullitt 1222 - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Bullitt 1222 - August 20 - 12:27 am

  This is a great car. Its a great investment as well.I own number 1222 of 1800 made in black. The bullitt is def one of the best looking mustangs on the road. I have bolt ons gears and a tune and i am running 12s. this is def a great performance car especially for a 2v mustang,

• 

  Its A Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By VoiceOfReason - August 19 - 3:46 pm

  I was bored here at work, so I read through the last 7 pages of reviews. While most people were positive, I had problems with several of the reviews. It seems like some people forget that this is a TRUCK. Its not supposed to ride like a car. It has enough power to plow through the snow here in Jersey, and is comfortable enough for me to drive the 300 miles it takes to get me to my parents house. Although the gas mileage is horrendous, what do you expect, its a TRUCK. I had a 1000 watt power inverter installed to make it the perfect tailgating accessory for Eagles games. Overall, I love this TRUCK.

• 

  2015 xlt 2.7 ecoboost . Crewcab 4x4 - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Bmt plumbing & heating - August 19 - 1:09 pm

  I have a 2.7 ecoboost crew can 4x4 xlt with the 302a package. Everything you need and want. I am currently getting 22.8 high way, the truck really has balls, its very quiet , handles pretty decent , better the. The 2011 that I previously had, not too cray about the auto start auto stop .truck is awesome, good on gas, fast, luxurious. Not sure about some of these negative ratings, must be some Chevy owners bashing the #1 selling truck in America , and theres a reason its number 1. Love the truck.

• 

  She took one for the family - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Stephen Krautheim - August 19 - 8:07 am

  We purchased a 2009 SEL I4 in April to replace our minivan. My wife loves the size, maneuverability, and fuel economy. I rated the performance lower, but we did pick the I4 for fuel economy. Loads of room in the back for two growing tweens with plenty of leg room for me in the front. Anyway, Frannie (our name for our Fusion) took a direct hit centered on the driver and rear door. The airbags deployed, the B-pillar was crushed, the C-pillar and roof line were creased, and the doors look like used aluminum foil. However, my wife walked away with only some bruises from the seat belt, which she felt clamp down. We are currently shopping for a 2010 Fusion or its sibling, the Mercury Milan.

• 

  Best Car I have Ever Owned - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ina - August 19 - 1:56 am

  My family has owned 5 Ford cars over the years. The 500 was by far the best car. Never recalled for any reason, always reliable, fun, comfortable. I would trade the Fusion I have now for a 500 in a heartbeat!!!

• 

  Great truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Steve - August 18 - 12:44 pm

  For the price, you cant beat this truck. Ive put 145K miles on mine and havent had a problem yet. I have the 4.0L and the power and pick up is great, I can get around traffic with ease. It makes a good sleeper if youre going against GTIs, Civics and the like. Insurance and maintenance costs are cheep. Its half the price of the Tacos. Decent ergonomics, definitely go for the bucket seats. You can use parts from the 95-01 explorers to give you an over head console with a temperature gauge, leather seats, etc. Overall, the greatest truck on the market.

• 

  Meaning of Fusion! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By JFrench - August 18 - 11:53 am

  Fusion - a merging of diverse elements into a unified whole. Fits the description of the Ford Fusion I bought - 2007, one owner w/ 18,200 miles. I studied and researched several cars before deciding on the V6 SEL Fusion and I have not been disappointed in the least. Class and style - a head turner. Very comfortable and responsive. Hope the long term reliability holds true.

• 

  Smiley face - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Jrhackett - August 18 - 10:47 am

  I am soooo happy with my new truck. It exceeds my expectations! I am also happy with my purchasing experience. Thank you!