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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  Just bought EDGE #2 - 2016 Ford Edge
  By cheryl marklund - December 4 - 12:04 pm

  Love this vehicle. So great to drive. The style, comfort and overall cost is perfect match. Was a little disappointed in the gas mileage at first, but now averaging about 28/gal on highway.

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  No problem automobile - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Tom - December 4 - 9:30 am

  I have driven 14 months 23,000 miles. No mechanical problem, gas mileage is as they claim. Quick pik up when need power to take over other car on the highway. My older Honda Accord has 2 second delay when need the power. Dealer adjusted power steering as tight as possible, but need little more tighten for more control at high speed. Need improve wind noise at high speed.

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  King Ranch Long Bed - 2006 Ford F-150
  By casonet - December 4 - 7:06 am

  I ordered my King Ranch Super Crew 4X2 with the optional 6.5 foot bed in the fall of 2005. I was concerned that the truck would be too long and look awkward, but was surprised when it was not. I had previously had two 2004 XLT models and had lots of problems with both of them. The 2006 model is like night and day. I have had no problems whatsoever with this new truck. Comfort, style, quietness and quality are all superb. Fuel economy is so so at 16.0 mpg and the performance is OK, but nothing to get excited about. But, what the heck, this is a large, and heavy vehicle, not a sports car. Overall, I am very pleased and would recommend the King Ranch to anyone looking for a luxury truck.

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  Best of the Crossovers - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By FRtyme - December 3 - 9:26 pm

  Researched many vehicles, Crossover/SUVs, but for the price could not beat the Freestyle. Interior does not look plastic. It is finished off nicely. Very comfortable and roomy. Power is more than adequate and handling is superb. Fun to drive. Only drawback I have found, there is a reflection of the dash in the windshield during the daylight hours. I can live with it. Great car, Ford should push it more then they do. They have a winner here.

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  Great Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dave M. - December 3 - 4:36 pm

  Being new parents, we were attracted to this model for really three reasons; safety, reliability, and the roomy interior. The high roofline really is nice when loading the baby in and out of the back seat. In July, we took a 9-hour car trip through the mountains and it was impressive. I dont understand the "lack of power" issue this car climbed those hill effortlessly. I think many are thrown off by the smooth transmission and mistake that for a lack of power. It doesnt feel like you are travelig that fast, then you glance down at the speedometer and say whoa. This is a great vehicle and we are so impressed that when we replace our other vehicle, well be replacing it with a Freestyle.

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  Awesome Ride! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By JH - December 3 - 3:43 am

  Always wanted a Mustang convertible! I have a Shelby Mustang so performance & fun is important. The price & insurance was surprisingly low. I lost my company car due to cost containment and never shed a tear with this as my personal replacement for transportation to and from work.

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  bummer - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By kurt - December 1 - 9:36 pm

  Having a hard time putting gas in the tank. It takes about 15 minutes to put gas in the car. It will only go in at very slow speed, like in between off and start.

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  top of the line - 2010 Ford F-150
  By cjk - December 1 - 9:00 pm

  This is a great truck. Inside and out, you cannot beat it. It is a nicer truck than anything else out there. I continually get thumbs up from people as I go down the road and always receive positive comments. Nice ride, great options and very comfortable. More power than my 2004 Lariat.

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  Great car, Sync 3 sucks - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Larry L - December 1 - 8:00 pm

  Were getting older and the 2014 Fusion was just too hard for the wife to get in and out of. The Escape Titanium was a perfect fit for her and even me at 64", I have zero issues getting in and out. Leather seats are comfy and it doesnt hurt to drive it any distance. The Sony stereo system sounds wonderful although the controls are a little much. While some of the controls are on the steering wheel, youll want to set the radio before you drop it in gear- trust me. Ride for the size of the car is decent, no apparent body rattles. It is not a quiet ride but tolerable, depending on the asphalt youre driving on. Brakes work great. The 2.0 EB engine is a power house in this platform. Great acceleration. Gas mileage for the first run was a little over 30 at speeds from 65 to 85 hiway in rolling hills. I would strongly suggest the Blind Spot monitor. There is a huge blind spot on the drivers side but the monitor is fabulous for letting you know theres a car there you wont find in the side mirror. Our biggest complaint- Sync 3. All we use is a phone- no data, no texting, no streaming, just a phone yet our Smart phones wont work with it, we have to buy new, certain model phones for it to work. Ford has a list of compatible phones that we now have to go out to buy. Hands free phone in Texas is a requirement, not an option so until we buy new phones, we cant use the same phones in this car like we did in the 2014 Fusion....kinda stupid on Fords part. Had we known this, we probably would not have bought the car. So if you are buying, Id check out your phones compatibility before signing a contract. Research "Sync 3 phone compatibility" which will give you a Ford Sync website with the list.

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  Fusion Melds Tech, Performance and Safty - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By TPC IN PVB - December 1 - 1:42 pm

  Mine is 2013 ford Fusion Titanium with econ boost, Has all the tech packages available. long list including Adaptive cruise control letting you set how many car length you want to stay behind car in front of you. Car will brake if vehicle in front slows quickly or stops etc Lane assist is like car provided "road rumble" steering vibrates. Then a very slight push toward the center of the lane. Great once going over 35 mph and on fairly straight roads as it is not going do more then 10% turn. I attempted to drive with hand just placed off the wheel to test car got a beep and notice on dash saying" keep your hands on the wheel" very cool You can easily disable or change sensitivity and amount of feed back you receive.The rumble can be more intense. Icon showing steaming cup of coffee, Cool feature if car detects your tired it will ding and a display will show "cup of steaming coffee "are you ready to get refreshed" This can happen if you change lanes quickly or fail to use blinker.