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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  I love this car. - 2015 Ford Escape
  By danoham - March 20 - 1:12 pm

  This car is really fun to drive! It handles great and the 2.0L motor has excellent acceleration. I live in Colorado and the crowd-race to the tunnel is effortless, from both sides. The interior creature comforts are better than I deserve and it is obvious that careful thought went into everything. I closed the deal on 2/28 which turns out to be a very good day to buy, I paid $1014 less than the Edmunds estimate. My shopping advise would be to decide on the exact model, color, and features that you want then go to the Ford website and find dealers with that car in stock then start email conversations with their internet sales managers. You will be able to tell who is hungry.

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  Best Car for your money - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By aggiewife - March 17 - 2:44 pm

  I traded in my 2008 Honda Odyssey for the new 2015 Explorer Limited and boy do I love it! As much as I loved the function of the minivan, I was ready for something "cooler". It was really hard finding a midsize SUV that could compete with the space of the minivan and believe me I looked! I was just about sold on the Toyota Highlander, but then I decided to look at the Explorer. Im so glad I did because there is a lot more room in the back and the seats are much more comfortable. With 3 children, I had to have something with 3 rows up all the time. It is extremely fun to drive and the boys on my sons baseball team fight over who gets to ride with us. Im finally a "cool" mom! :)

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  Expedition convert. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Ivy Griffith - March 15 - 11:08 am

  As a family with four kids, expecting our fifth, we needed to upgrade from our cramped Toyota Sienna minivan, and I am SO GLAD we went with the expedition. Its roomy, comfortable, practical, and stylish. Our van felt like driving a boat it drifted in the road with typical minivan steering and got battered in the wind. Even though the Expedition is much bigger, the steering is WONDERFUL and we feel only the windiest days, barely. I feel safe driving my family around in this, and it handles like a dream in the rain. We bought it with 101k miles on it and will drive it until it dies. And then buy another! This family will never buy minivans again.

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  Love it! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By Carol Franks - March 14 - 1:46 pm

  I love my Escape! Its quick and fast. It doesnt get the fuel mileage they advertise though, nearly 25mpg on the highway, I travel 1100 miles, one way, twice a year. On level ground, I am getting 23.5 mpg, when Im at my home in the mountains, I get about 22. My only real disappointment is that I didnt get the Ford My Touch! The young salesman never mentioned it to me but it does add about $5000 to the total cost. Yes, its had several recalls but to me that means that Ford is on the ball and not ignoring my safety.

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  Ford appears to have a winner - 2014 Ford F-150
  By ohioengineer - March 10 - 11:27 am

  This is my third F-150 in seven years, as I lease. I use my truck as a combination farm vehicle and general transportation everything from towing a livestock trailer to picking up groceries to hauling my grandsons. I was pleased with my previous two F-150s and so far this one seems even better. It looks sharp (plenty of compliments), has plenty of power (2.7L turbo), rides like a car and handles very well. I am particularly impressed with the engine (see below)and the interior finish. So far the gas mileage has been disappointing - especially after all the hype - but I am hopeful it will get better over time. Overall a very good truck and one I would highly recommend.

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  love this car - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By john dragoo - March 2 - 3:05 pm

  I have had my mustang for 2 months now. This is a home run. I get 25 MG in city driving on premium fuel. I had a V6 2012 and there is no comparison. I drive it in sport mode and there is plenty of pep. Love the premium interior. Can,t believe I got so much car for 31K.

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  Been the perfect car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By textfree101 - February 27 - 11:16 pm

  We bought ours brand new in 2006, it was a demo vehicle so it already had 3,000 miles on it, it is now 2015 and our car only has 80,000 miles on it, just had its first tune up, THESE FUSIONS NEED A TUNE UP BEFORE 100,000 MILES OTHERWISE SERIOUS PROBLEMS MAY OCCUR, we had friends who learned that the hard way. this car is only the 4-cylinder model but it doesnt seem as slow as everyone makes it out to be, and its been unbelievably reliable, only needed regular maintenance and a sense that had to be replaced at about 50,000 miles. Perfect midsized car.

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  Love my new Escape - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Rebecca Welker - February 27 - 8:14 am

  Purchased my new Ford Titanium Escape in January. Been driving it for over a month in winter conditions and love it. Visibility is better than my wifes Ford Edge, pep and acceleration is better than the Edge. Understand that the Edge does have more comfort for long drives, etc.(its a higher end vehicle). The FWD performs great on snow/ice. Ford Sync is great, use voice commands a lot. Only downside is to reach the Ford Sync controls, its a little stretch. Love having the sunroof along with the roof rack. Cant wait to cut loose in the summer in this vehicle.

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  Review for anyone tall - 2013 Ford Edge
  By abellows - February 26 - 8:35 pm

  If youre a tall person and in the market for a crossover, give the Ford Edge a serious look. Im 65 220# and have plenty of room in all directions. The driver seat has many settings for your comfort. Now for the rest, I never thought Id buy a Ford but I love this vehicle. The V6 really moves and looks great while doing it. The ride is smooth and quiet. The sound system is crisp and clear. I dont have a phone with Bluetooth but Sync works really good with my i-touch. My only complaint so far is the transmission. It really doesnt like 2nd gear and reading other reviews it seems to be a known issue with the Edge. Highly recommend this vehicle especially if youre tall.

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  Like it a lot - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Bob Newell - February 26 - 9:16 am

  Weve had our explorer about 2 years now. Weve taken it across the country a couple of times and have always had a positive experience. Its comfortable, roomy and quiet. We have the AWD Limited model. Ive owned numerous Fords (2 trucks, 2 Mustangs, 2 Taurus, Torino) and we like this one the best.