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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  A great vehicle - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Cole - April 30 - 3:00 pm

  The braking distance, which has been much discussed, has not been an issue other than that it is longer than my 05 Acura TL or my wifes previous car, a 00 Focus. Exterior design and interior design are spot on, with a surprising amount of legroom in the second row, even for passengers 63". As the car is now only 3 weeks old, we have had no reliability issues. The new 3.5L V6 is a little noisy on heavy acceleration from a stop, but very quiet at speed. The vehicle feels planted in the cloverleafs, with minimal body lean and no tire squeal. We cross-shopped this vehicle with the BMW X3, Mazda CX-7, Cadillac SRX, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Toyota Highlander.

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  Most dependable car Ive owned - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Robert - April 30 - 8:43 am

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  Better then the Civic could ever be - 2008 Ford Focus
  By GMann27 - April 30 - 12:40 am

  From the smooth quite ride, to the surprisingly athletic styling, to the exceptional power the Ford Focus does everything right. I was concerned with downgrading the size and power of my engine, so much so that I initially never thought of looking at the Focus. But the test drive up one of the steepest hills in my area proved that the power and acceleration I would need was present. Ford is years ahead of Honda with this car. SYNC is absolutely amazing and will be a major "deal breaker" in all future car purchase.

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  n/a - 2002 Ford Escape
  By escapee - April 28 - 9:56 pm

  This is the best of both worlds!!! I drive mostly in the city, congestion, tight parking, etc... The Escape drives, and handles well, performs well too! Gas milage only about 18 (CITY) I did get 24 (HIGHWAY) ONE time! This vehicle has never been back for service, other than oil change, It is even better than the 2001, that I had, that was wrecked with 16K on it! My only complaints are small... I would like to see a lighted ignition switch, (Its hard to find at night) and I would like a little better ride, like the NEW Explorer! Definately the MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK SUV (in my opinion)

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  Never Again - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Disappointed - April 27 - 12:20 pm

  I thought this would be a great vehicle. Instead, we have had it in the shop at least 10 times. I am on the 4th transmission and it to is going. The back panel has broken numerous times, the dealership has to replace it several times when I take it in because they cant get it on without it cracking. The black paint around the doors is peeling - I was told that isnt covered in the paint warranty that we bought! The ignition had to be replaced twice because it wouldnt turn. We have had to replace numerous other parts on this vehicle. What I had hoped is to have a great vehicle for years - instead Im stuck with a lemon.

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  A Great All Round Vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By G. King - April 27 - 4:21 am

  There is nothing about this vehicle that I dont like. It looks great on the inside and on the outside, has a comfortable ride and performs great.

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  An American classic is back! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mr. Shelby - April 26 - 3:30 am

  My new Mustang V6 performs very well and above my expectations. The acceleration is very impressive for a 210-horse V6 and the exhaust sounds great. The brakes are comfortably responsive and perform as sports car brakes should. Handling is not as quick as a 350Z or a couple other Japanese sports cars, but I realize that my Mustang is larger and heavier than those cars. The automatic transmission shifts quickly and with ease. The ride is comfortable, but Im reminded on long trips that Im driving a sports car and not a luxury car. The rear seats are typical of Mustangs and are somewhat comfortable as long as you are 510 or less. I am very happy with my purchase of the 2005 Mustang V6!

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  A sleeper that combines practicality with fun! Ger - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Brent - April 25 - 12:08 am

  Ford has stepped up their game with this version of the Fusion. The twin turbo V6 breaks the 300 HP ceiling with a 325 HP, 380 lb/ft engine with quick response & a flat torque curve. Zero to sixty in low 5 second range - the straight line acceleration is awesome for a 4000 pound vehicle. The 6 speed automatic transmission is a bit on the sluggish side for upshifts, but this is a car that is designed to be a daily driver that offers a bit of fun when open roads beckon, not a true performance car. Downshifts in Sport mode are a bit more crisp. The ride is pleasant in normal mode - quiet & smooth. In Sport mode it gets a bit more stiff and the active noise cancellation switches off, so you get a bit of induction noise from the twin turbos as well as a bit of synthetic sound piped in. It isnt the roar of a Porsche being challenged, but remember this is primarily a family car that is upgraded. The AWD keeps you firmly planted during spirited cornering, and the brakes are adequate though not awesome. The safety technology available on this model include accident warning with automatic braking, pre-tensioning of brakes when obstacles are detected, automatic following & braking with the Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Dampening of the suspension with electronic stability control, automatic lane departure monitoring with active steering, rear obstacle detection, and pedestrian detection with automatic braking. It is a vehicle with advanced technology that equals the best the Germans have to offer. All of this in a car that you can get out the door loaded for about 40 K, which wont buy you a similar German car stripped down. It is a great value! A practical family car that offers near BMW / Audi level acceleration & handling with good if not great brakes. If Ford can get a bit more road feel into the steering, add a bit more style (leather dash, please!) to the interior, and make the automatic transmission a bit more crisp, they will have an Audi slayer. As it is it is a much better value than the German comparables - you give up a little but get it at a price the Germans cannot approach for the same loaded vehicle.

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  Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By rick - April 24 - 7:33 pm

  Excellent drivability and great looks and comfort.

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  What A Find! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Wayne TW - April 24 - 1:13 pm

  Wow, what a find! Normally I do not like Ford products, but this Escape has changed my mind. Beautifully designed and a real kick to drive. Wife and I both just love it totally. Though I am tall, 62", I get in and out easily and have plenty of headroom. Totally feel comfortable. Wife totally love it. It will be around for a number of years to come