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:

• 

  NOT A GREAT CHOICE! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Hajr - May 6 - 2:00 am

  THIS SUV IS THE GREATEST GAS GUZZLER I HAVE EVER SEEN. 7.6L ENGINE WILL SPIT YOUR GAS OUT IN AN INSTANT! I AGREE ITS SPACIOUS, BUT THE RELIABILITY IS VERY LOW JUDGING THAT AFTER 2-3 YEARS OF USE, THE VALUE OF IS GOING TO DROP LOWWWW. STICK WITH A SEQUOIA AND TRUST TOYOTAS ENGINE....AND AFTER ALL...ITS A FORD!!!! ITLL BREAK APART SO FAST YOU WOULDNT KNOW WHAT HIT YOU. IM NO FORD HATER BUT USING REAL EVIDENCE OF FORDS RELIABILITY, I CAN SAY THAT IT IS VERY POOR.

• 

  3.8L Stangs -> 1995 - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By 3.8garth - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Top of the line Fords appear to be a greater value. Plus get this last year for a proven 5.0L configuration in a Mustang - classic. My attempt to save money by purchasing a cost efficient 1995 Ford Mustang with a 3.8L V6 and weaker 7.5" transmission was a huge and costly error. If you are still considering a low-end model at least research it from Edmunds, NHTSA, and Consumer Affairs before making a commitment.

• 

  mustangs!!! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By qt_thats_16 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  it was very awesome and fun to drive. Mustangs are the best.

• 

  Original owner 07 Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By joedallorso@ocalahousehunter.com - May 5 - 7:03 pm

  I bought my Edge in December 07 and this is June 16. I have only 74K miles on it. I had a problem with the anti lock brakes that was out of warranty $1200- and had to replace the AC compressor $1200-. Gas mileage is poor only about 17 mpg in city. It has great acceleration and Id trade some of that for better gas mileage. Great back seat leg room ! Great storage behind the rear seat ! It is the rear seat leg room and storage that sets the Edge apart fro the competition. Update 01/2017 I traded my Edge in on a 2016 Edge. I liked the 07 enough to but another.

• 

  Near-Perfect except for Tire/Road noise - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Larry - May 5 - 6:30 am

  After 2500 miles,this car is in the top 5 of cars I have owned. I have owned dozens. Surprisingly quick and agile. Factory specs say 0-60 in 8 seconds. That is not bad acceleration for getting about town and into traffic. The car will exceed the posted speed limits anywhere I have driven on mountain highways in Colorado. Drivers seat and driving position is very comfortable (I am 62"), although my 55" female passenger seat occupant thinks the center of the back of that seat is uncomfortable. I didnt get the bluetooth/synch option but the auxiliary input jack is very handy for portable audio and XM users

• 

  Solid vehicle - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By RDR - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I got this car with 92,000 miles already on it and didnt really expect to drive it too much as a second car. However, with its great mpg and roomy interior (as opposed to a truck) I drive it all the time know. I know have 130,000 on it and have had to replace the normal: tires, battery, and fulids. I plan on taking it on a 5,000 mile trip this fall.

• 

  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Lizbeth - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1991 Escort GT new and still have her! She just turned 195,000 miles with just the usual wear and tear expenses. I love this car, the body is still in style, and I love blowing past the new cars with gutless engines! If you have a chance to get your hands on one of these terrific cars, DO IT!!! You wont be sorry.

• 

  Fifteen Months and Still Lovin it - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By lvass - May 4 - 8:36 pm

  I bought my Escape Hybrid AWD in March 2007, shortly after they came out. I have averaged 31 MPG with this vehicle, driving 80% city, 20% highway. I couldnt be happier with this SUV. I am impressed by the improvements in ride and road noise (I own a 2001 Escape as well). The fit and finish have been great and it just right for both my 4 11" wife and my 62" self. I live in Colorado, it has done very well in the mountains and the power of the 133 HP 4 cylinder backed up by the electric motor is equivalent to the V6 gas Escape I have. I think this vehicle is well worth looking at if you are considering a hybrid SUV and you have a small family (2 kids) like my self. Ford has done a nice job.

• 

  2013 Fusion Hybrid - 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By otego25 - May 4 - 9:11 am

  Ok. I have had this car for 120,000+ miles and overall the mileage 48.9 for the entire time I have owned the car has been exceptional. I do a lot of highway driving but also my share of up and down steep hills. The seats are fantastic and the driver assist package I would recommend to anyone especially the side sensors. I know that the press felt it was a distracted drive but it is the opposite once you are used to things. I am about to change to a newer model and have looked around but I will be hard pressed to find anything that compares. I have test driven both the Honda and Toyota but the seats are far from as comfortable as the Fusion.

• 

  Happy with my Escort. - 1994 Ford Escort
  By mracko - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has acceleration for passing and gets better mileage than I was expecting. 32 to 38 in the city and as high as 44 on the highway. Overall it has been a very reliable vehicle