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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  Sleeper/overlooked - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Scape2 - October 8 - 7:53 pm

  Purchased a loaded SEL with all options. Ford has done its homework with this sedan. Value is what this vehicle has over the other 2 main players in this segment. For the price I paid, you couldnt touch a like sedan with like options for this price. Granted, plastics could be a bit better on the interior. Quiet, comfortable ride. Road feel is minimal. Handles fantastic around curves. 221HP V6 is plenty for this vehicle. V6 costs same or even less than 4 cylinder models in like sedans. Tinted glass would be nice.

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  Awesome Purchase! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By John DeCarvalho - October 8 - 5:06 pm

  I love this car! It is safe and roomy. Being 6 feet tall I have no problem getting comfortable even in the second seat. The interior design is classy and the command seating is great in traffic. We made a great choice!

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  Style, Comfort, and Economy - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By djm33315 - October 7 - 8:32 pm

  After shopping every hybrid on the market, the decision was easy to make - the Ford Fusion Hybrid was the best looking, best driving, most comfortable and most economical vehicle, especially for the price. Some people are writing negative reviews because they cant match EPA rating. I have to assume this is because they dont know how to drive a hybrid. I am averaging approximately 45mpg overall, this has improved from 38mpg on the first fill up. My dad drives a Prius, and if you mash the accelerator on that car, youll also average in the 30mpg range. The build quality, ride comfort, and luxury options make the Fusion Hybrid a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

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  ford f150 2004 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By diskiedog - October 7 - 10:00 am

  It was perfect when it came of the showroom floor. No problems for me to have to take it back to the dealership. I am happy.

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  ford f150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By big daddy E - October 7 - 10:00 am

  the best vehicle I have ever owned, very refined interior, very roomy, comfortable and stylish. very powerful engine, great for hauling or off roading, great ride, very smooth like driving on clouds, very stylish exterior. I am now the envy of all my friends.

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  Escape Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By John - October 7 - 9:36 am

  Living in the mountains of Colorado I was a bit skeptical about the Hybrid. After driving it through a 12,000 mountain pass I was sold on it. It accelerates better than some previous V-6 vehicles that Ive owned. The fuel economy so far has been very good; we are averaging over 32 mpg and it would probably be better if I didnt have a lead foot when driving it. The changeover between electric and gas is seamless. The interior has good room and being 65" I fit better in the Escape than I do the Explorer, another good selling point for me. We keep cars until they fall apart and the additional warranty on the Hybrid specific items gives us an additional sense of security. We love it!

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  Very reliable, practical car. - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Jake Sprecher - October 6 - 2:51 am

  I have a 2012 Escape with the rare manual transmission. The ride is nothing special, and the drivers seat is a little stiff and unsupportive, but that about sums up my complaints. I havent had a *single* issue in the 40,000 miles that Ive owned it. I think it looks really sharp, and is reasonably fun to drive with a manual transmission. The 4 cylinder bogs down a bit if youre in the wrong gear, but if you dont mind shifting fairly often it has plenty of power. I average low 20s mpg in town and high 20s on the highway. The steering is the best Ive experienced in any car other than my dads 1987 Porsche 911... its light in effort yet quick enough and very precise. I wish every car had steering feel like the Escape. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a practical, reliable and reasonably fun to drive vehicle.

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  Im never giving up this car! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Julian Novoa - October 5 - 10:55 pm

  I own a 1996 ford explorer limited with the 5.0 302 v8. We owned it since 2001 with 37,000miles now it has 166,000 miles we take it on road trips all the time and never has left us walking. The limited trim is absolutely luxurious and the alloy limited wheels are just pure style. I recommend this car to anyone who wants a v8 and a luxurious inexpensive SUV.

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  Beazley Review - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Thomas Beazley - October 5 - 1:06 pm

  At this point, the only thing that I would change is a little larger engine. It strains some times.

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  New SUV - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Steve - October 5 - 10:26 am

  New vehicle for me but so far Im thrilled. Nice ride and feels solid. Could have a nicer interior but I like that it is configured like a normal vehicle unlike the Prius which has monitor off to the side. Really good power and easy to maneuver. Going around curves did not feel top heavy to me unlike what Ive read in reviews. Does have a whiny engine noise when going up steep hills but not so bad that it bothers me.