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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  Auto for the near future - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By weatherman - November 24 - 8:53 pm

  Loved the 2002 Escape so much my wife said we should get the Hybrid version. Stands a little taller, lacks the 12 volt outlet in the back, but is much quieter than old version. Perforated leather is softer and seats more comfortable. Drivetrain performance is not noticeably different than the V6 2002 we are used to. Sound system is good and the navigation is a neat plus when driving to unfamiliar destinations. No engine noise at stops and speeds under 30 is something we have gotten used to quickly. Electric power steering gives reasonable road feedback but not the same as traditional. When accelerating the engine spools up quickly, the vehicles moves smoothly without any gear changing.

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  Love this car - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Mike - November 24 - 10:18 am

  Owned this car for two months and 1500 miles. 2.0 turbo is an awesome engine. Not once have i stepped on the gas and wished for more power. It moves really well and pretty silent at that. This has to be one of the quietest vehicles Ive owned. Ride is nice and absorbs the road well. Fit and finish is first class. Panoramic sun roof is nice as well as the sound system and technology. Much better than my Infinity that i traded for this car. Very intuitive and easy to figure out. Ford has done a great job with this car front to back its a winner.

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  Best American Steel I ever owned - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin B - November 24 - 6:56 am

  Ive owned 10 new Pontiacs, 2 new Toyotas and this is my sixth new Ford and this one is the best of all. It does everything well, good performance, reasonable gas mileage for its size, and its comfortable. I like the style and enjoy driving it. The extra powerpoint needs to be outside the center console, its hard to reach even if the console were empty which is never the case. I would like to see a super sport edition with a V-8, some gas shocks and a supercharger. This would rival the Impala SS and still be sensible enough for adults. Fusion is fun with lots of potential. If it proves to be reliable over the long term, Ford has a winner.

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  First new car in 17 years - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By fredv - November 23 - 9:13 pm

  This is my first new car since getting rid of by 89 Mustang. Ive had good luck with Ford. No major problems. So well see how this one lasts.

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  What could have been.....needs improved! - 2017 Ford Fiesta
  By Alvin - November 23 - 7:47 am

  I was initially excited to try the Fiesta of the FOST fame, and it handled really well from a handling perspective in taking turns and being zippy. It also got excellent gas mileage (over 42mpg highway) for one of my trips, and overall was a comfortable ride. The challenge with the vehicle was the horrible powertrain; between the engine and the transmission, it couldnt figure out what it wanted to do. This was especially horrible for a stop-n-go or heavy traffic situations such as one would face in a daily commute, the engine kept revving and the transmission kept changing, it was very indecisive. Overall, decent car once it has a refined or improved powertrain, until then avoid for your own sanity.

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  Cobra - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Joe - November 23 - 2:56 am

  This is my fourth Mustang in three years. I thought Id start slow and cheap. First, 2006 V6, second 2006 GT, third 2009 GT500, now a 2010 GT500. I realized I lost a lot of money on the trade-ins, however, I love this car. Its so exciting to drive and people stare at the car. It looks meaner than any other of the previous GTs. You have to experience the car for yourself. I had a 2008 C6 Corvette, honestly, this car is much more fun to drive.

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  Nice job Ford - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cfunk32 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Nice car!Just bought an 04 ZX5 2.3L Man Comfort with the Audiophile & Moonroof upgrade. I love it. Drove my wifes 2001 ZX3 2.0 Auto for six months (finished lease) after she got a new car. I liked the 01 but not the noise & lack of power. Ford really improved upon the car in 3 years. My 04 is sweet! Rides great; no noise at 80mph. Bumps are like gentle kisses. 2.3 fast. Black of course. Pirelli P6s are nice too.

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  Love my Explorer Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Matcheck - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I puchased my 2001 Explorer Sport 4x4 in March, 2003 and I love it. A couple of minor fixes after the purchase - all covered by warranty, but otherwise a great vehicle. Ive driven it from CT to NC and back twice now, and both times, the ride was comfortable. Perfect for a single mid-20s guy with no kids!

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  the greatest - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jjim - November 23 - 2:00 am

  the truck is the greatest flat out. best ever made.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BBarnum - November 23 - 2:00 am

  So far, this has been a pleasent experience. The center console shift is very nice to have as well as an interior design that is hard to find comperable in any truck period. The new F-150 has cme a long way