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:

• 

  Wow what a car! I love it. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By alcontejr - December 29 - 5:16 am

  I moved up from a long line of Tauruses. I was skeptical during my first test drive. Thought it too confining with poor visibility due to size of side view mirrors which I thought blocked front corner vision during tight turns. I also do not like the high beam stalk switch. It is vague.

• 

  Three hours a day commute - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jerrie Marie - December 26 - 11:56 pm

  Since I spend a lot of time on the highway, the little things really affect me. First off, the 6 speed auto trans is smooth, but the Fusion gives me no feedback or control over what gear it is in. When punching the gas (6 cylinder) to pass someone there is a pause while the engine revs up and the 6 speed fumbles to find the right gear. This seems fairly unsafe to me. I would like to have a control to send the transmission into lower gears. Also, while the cruise control is on, if I increase speed with the gas pedal, the transmission fumbles around too much. I can see the results on the tachometer. Otherwise, WOW! What a lot of car for the money!

• 

  Great car,Great value! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By nice car! - December 25 - 8:16 pm

  Traded our Explorer in for the new Five Hundred and so far we are very pleased with our choice. We no longer need the utility vehicle and wanted something that was full size but not oversized and after looking at many makes and models we settled on the Ford 500 because we felt it was more bang for the buck with the AWD and options galore for around $23,000.Very happy owner!

• 

  Just Buy The Car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Lou - December 25 - 11:43 am

  Just Bought a 2006 Focus SE. Have 1500 miles on it. This car doesnt drive like a small car; it is comfortable and has a quick response when you hit the the pedal. Handles like a dream and feels at home on the highway. Gas mileage isnt as promised but isnt far off. I am averaging 24 MPG city & 30 highway. So far I am very happy with the car.

• 

  Transmission Stinks!! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mod463 - December 25 - 10:46 am

  Bought my Fusion in mid-late August 2009. At 3,000 miles the water pump went out. I heard a lot of squeaking and the more I drove it the worse it got. I took it to the dealership and the they said the water pump went out. Took a week or so to get parts and fix it. On March 8th the transmission just about went out completely. Took it back to the dealership and they said the clutches and valve body need replaced and the parts are on back order for a long time. They got Ford to give me a rental car. Also there is times the starter sticks and the car will not start, will take 4 attempts for the car to start. I think I have a LEMON!

• 

  Love my baby - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Felice - December 25 - 6:43 am

  I was afraid of driving in snow until I drove this, and camping is easier with space to pack it all.

• 

  "Fordecito" Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By John Lucas - December 24 - 3:53 pm

  I love this car. Plenty of room and comfort, and the handling is terrific for what it is. Hertz gave me one in Chicago. I drove it 600 miles, city and intersate, came back to Southampton and immediately traded in my Cadillac for my Fordecito.

• 

  A Handsome Hauler - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Kelly - December 24 - 11:33 am

  Lets say you are an outdoors type or a family type, either way you need something to haul your gear or your people or both. This truck, I like calling it a truck - its not a car, and "SUV" sounds silly, carries your stuff in style. I sigh every time I look at my Ex. Its just so good looking! It hauls my husband, two dogs, camping gear, luggage, a bike on the back, and a small kayak on top. I keep the third-row seats lowered for more room in the cargo area. I love knowing I can raise the lift gate and easily load my gear or groceries into the cargo space. The front and back seats are comfortable. People in the back like having access to their own heating and cooling controls. Other than that, my Explorer has basic controls but Im okay with that because it kept the price low when I bought it used. Besides, I do not want nor need navigation, bluetooth, or the MyFord touch. The trucks auxiliary ports are sufficient for playing my music through my phone. I fill up the tank once a week for my daily trips to work and back. I drive 250 miles a week plus local driving on the weekends. My only concerns are the whistling noise around the windshield at high speeds and sometimes the engine refuses to go faster than 80 miles per hour though that might be the result of a safety feature - and really who needs to go faster than 80 mph.

• 

  Fusion - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ibteeman - December 24 - 9:31 am

  I bought this car 6 weeks ago for an around the country trip. So far Ive put 9000 miles on the car and traveled from Atlanta through the north to Oregon, to South California, and back through the south. 2 weeks after I bought the car, Ford came out with their announcement....sorry...we meant 40 MPG on the road, not 47. That was one of the reasons I had purchased this car. But hey, going to get some money back in September, right? Fuel milage has only once came near the 40 (new number) for the highway. So far, Im averaging around 36 mpg. That has been disappointing. But the other reasons I bought the car was for the comfort and quiet on on that it delivers!

• 

  Tuff little truck, couldnt be happier! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Liz - December 23 - 2:56 pm

  I love this truck! Only problem so far was covered by warrenty. Size is perfect for someone like me, no kids, 2 dogs, unmarried. Handles like a dream in the snow and carries 4 snow boards, 4 people and all the gear without any trouble or feeling weighed down. Surf board fits on top and running boards make it easy enough to strap the board on top. This truck has been very cheap to own and so far has only required maintenance to keep running; it has over 125k miles on it! Cant say enough good things about it and I will drive it until it wont start anymore. Switched out the stock shocks for Monroe and couldnt be happier. Its the only mod I made and I will never go back to stock shocks.