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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  Quick commuter car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Calitocra - March 25 - 10:00 am

  After test driving several other econo- boxes I was feeling very uninspired. I was looking for resonable economy but fun-to-drive factor, too. After taking the Focus SVT 5-door for a test drive I was sold. Great handling and brakes, interior upgrade is far above typical econo-box fare, spirited engine response (at higher rpm). This car is great fun to drive, is smooth on the highway and is amazingly quiet at highway cruising speed. The SVT team did a great job on the suspension. Its firm, but not harsh, nimble, with little lean in the corners. So far, Im very happy with this car.

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  Sport Trac review - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By luckydan - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very versatile. From loading up friends for the lake or tools for the job, it handles it. It is sporty, rugged, and yet comfortable with many upgrades available. It has suited my lifestyle perfectly. It drives very well and has a quite ride. Biggest complaint is the gas milage but it IS an suv, what can you expect?

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  What a lemon! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By ANT - March 25 - 9:00 am

  This is by far the worst car Ive ever owned. I bought the car used in February with 114k on it and little by little this car is starting to fall apart because a month after I bought it my A/C compressor went then after that my Pistons on my engine bent it left me stranded on the side of the road while I was on my way to work. And now I have a leak in my power steering fluid tank which was causing my car to smoke up so bad that people on the road next to me kept on starring thinking that my car was gonna just explode so they just kept on moving away. So basically I been at mechanics more then Ive been on the road. This car was a very bad choice its like problem after problem. In the beginning I thought it was a nice looking car with low mileage I was wrong and now Im just ready to junk it Lol. Too many problems for 123K

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  2nd 2007 Escape Hybrid, going strong - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By draidr1 - March 25 - 7:09 am

  Background: Bought a used 2007 Escape Hybrid at a dealership still under warranty and it was an excellent purchase. Great Gas mileage, excellent handling, roomy, good use of storage. Sadly, it was totaled in wreck caused by driver not paying attention while on a cell phone. I turned around and bought the same model, same year Escape Hybrid because I loved it. Both vehicles have been excellent for me throughout the years and besides the maintenance costs, Ive had minimal costs except for a pricey emissions sensor that went out on me recently. Ive taken care of it and its taken care of me.

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  2013 ford c-Max - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By tl6446 - March 25 - 3:13 am

  I purchase this vehicle a month ago expecting to get about 47mpg and all I can say is (NO WAY) will this car achieve/even close to that mpg. I feel cheated by Ford Motor Co. Its a nice car quiet and cumfortable but that is it. I was told by the dealer that the fuel economy would improve after 2,000 miles, well now I have 3,000 miles and the best I can get is about 35mpg. I go by the miles driven and the amount of gas I use and not by the computer that reads 37 to 38 mpg! I actually get 35-36 mpg not even close to 47! What a joke! 12 mpg off. There needs to be class action law suit because this car is a rip. I have a 2010 Prius that consistantly achieves 47+mpg overall but its cheap plastic

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  I got the lemon - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By tkr2good - March 25 - 3:00 am

  I bought the car 8/31. The ABS brakes went out on 9/3. Dealer had car till 9/7. I drove it one more day and now 9/9, its back at the dealership for same problem. The 3 days I drove it was very nice. My challenge was running entirely on the electric motor. I bought the cheapest model and got it for $1000 under MSRP. "Never pay sticker or mark up!"

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  Very impressed so far. - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By aaronj1159 - March 25 - 1:03 am

  Ive had this car for about a week, so I cant provide much information on long-term success yet. However Im so happy with the initial quality and fuel economy results of this car. I commute almost 80 miles a day in a mountainous, and recently colder region, and getting over 41 MPG straight away in those conditions is wonderful in my opinion. Im also not driving the car as conservatively as I could. The bonus is that Ive seen so many people turn their heads as I go by, and Ive had multiple strangers compliment the vehicle. The ride is very comfortable and steady, and to this point at least, I couldnt be happier with my purchase.

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  Great lil SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By purplewool - March 24 - 11:36 pm

  I love my Escape. I get better milage than sticker promised. I love driving it. I am in it much of the day and find it comfortable.

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  Fusion Sport AWD - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By kentak - March 24 - 9:00 am

  Picked a Fusion Sport AWD after looking at Mazda 6sGT and Accord Coupe EX-L V-6/stick, both great cars. The Accord coupe was really fun with great drive train & excellent response. The Mazda was comfortable & quick, but bland. The Fusion had very quiet, roomy interior & trunk, sure-footed handling, smooth power & AWD. Sync is way better than the simple aux input that the Honda offers for phone & media integration. More integrated front styling is distinctive. The wheel/tire & aero bits add to the image without looking tacky. Great Euro/American blend hints of Mercedes and BMW styling but is distinctly American. Interior is first rate and rivals the Accord coupe for quality and comfort.

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  My second one. I love it! - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fink501 - March 23 - 11:56 pm

  My first one was a 2001. We put 70,000 miles on it in 4 years trouble free. Quite impressive for a brand new model. My wife is an avid gardener and always had our previous cars full of flowers, dirt, rocks and trees. Although I would not consider my Sport Trac a truck my wife does and it works beautifully for her hauling. The rear seats fold flat and provide a very useful cargo area while being fully secure. We have a lockable hard tonneau cover which makes the bed quiet weather proof and very useful. The 4 wheel drive is only adequate, the ride is only adequate, the cargo capacity is only adequate, the size is only adequate but what sets the SporTrac apart is that it does all of these things.