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:

• 

  Love my Ride - 2016 Ford Focus
  By RainRoc - December 5 - 11:08 pm

  I still love my Ford Focus!! Great gas mileage and it is still fun to drive. I have the hatchback and when I need extra storage, the hatchback provides it! Love the interior design. Love driving it!!

• 

  Go drive it... - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Hogrod - December 4 - 11:30 pm

  As a life-long Dodge guy, I was apprehensive about my wifes suggestion to check out the new Ford Edge, but Im glad I did. After months of looking at others, we settled on a fully loaded Edge SEL+. The most striking feature is how it doesnt look like everything else out there. The interior fit and feel was great, and gauges and dials were nicely laid out. The only downside was that it was difficult to locate the exact vehicle we wanted. We were told by the dealership that the hold up was factory caused due to issues with the Vista roof. The Vista roof is highly innovative and well worth the extra money. V-6 engine feels well mated with the smooth 6 speed tranny. Nice vehicle!

• 

  Old School Stang w/Modern Conveniences - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By SonicStang - December 4 - 11:03 pm

  The interior is set to excite ... it is truly a cockpit! From the minute the engine roars to life to the end of the ride when you set the alarm, this car ROCKS. The steering is incredible on this monster - tight with no mushy give in the middle; handles like a dream. I thought I might have fun with this car for a year or so & save it as a weekend car after that, however I can see myself driving her on my 40 minute commute for years to come. The exterior experience is simple - hope you like to get looked at. The car feels like a car again - solid. I bought a Sonic Blue Premium 4LV6 and there are times the attention is "ALMOST" embarrassing, but Im learning to get over that!

• 

  Nice SUV for the price, easy handling - 2001 Ford Escape
  By B Mills - December 4 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle used, and it had about 30,000 miles on it after 18 months of usage by the previous owner. So far we have been very pleased with the performance and handling. My 16 year old daughter is driving it, and she has great visibility, and can park it and manuever it easily. So far no quality problems, just a few minor rattles from the back door. The engine is quiet and has plenty of power.

• 

  Best Car Ive EVER Owned - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Mike P - December 3 - 2:06 pm

  First off let it be know Im a Firebird guy through and through. I was looking for a Trans Am back in 2006, but didnt find one at a price I was happy with. Lo and behold I spotted my little gem of a GT for sale at a new car dealer. Hands down it is the best car Ive ever owned as far as reliability. The only things Ive replaced in almost 10 years of ownership has been, the infamous intake manifold, (Ford corrected this defect in 2002 I believe) fuel pump, alternator, brakes, serpentine belt, radio (The Ford CD-6 players are CRAP) along with routine maintenance. Ive also replaced both headlamps due to delamination. Power windows still going strong, and Ive never even had to replace a bulb or fuse in this thing! Its not as fast or sexy as a Trans AM, but its way cheaper to maintain, and light years more reliable. Kind of the the girlfriend who would never cheat on you, and has dinner ready and waiting every night when you get home, while the Trans Am is out at the club.

• 

  Happy to be back with Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mike P. - December 3 - 10:10 am

  Handles very well. Smooth on the road. Tires are rated 44 psi and they had 40 when I drove off. A bit choppy so I dropped pressure to 34 PSI and it made a nice difference. (Door sticker states 31 psi) I have an SE model but it is nicely equipped with optional sun-roof and spoiler. I love the style and the crisp handling. Gas Mileage seems to be in the 30s avg. but I do a lot of highway. Well see as it breaks in more. Very happy with the purchase. Fit and finish is excellent.

• 

  Very dependable fun ride! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By wayne toms - December 3 - 5:35 am

  Vehicle is really fun to drive, dependable and handles smoothly.

• 

  2017 Escape Titanium now at 9800 miles - 2017 Ford Escape
  By johnjrs3 - December 3 - 1:44 am

  This is the 2.0 liter brand new 2017 AWD Titanium. I should say I traded in a 2014 Escape with 61000 miles I put on it in 24 months. I drive 80 mile commute daily. Ford is now taking the Honda approach. Pay attention to details and fix the little things. There are strong improvements in the new model. Sync 3 is vastly improved easy and highly intutitive. The handling is just a little better with less steering resistance. the car is noticeably quieter. The shiny black plastic is gone replaced with a much higher quality material. The shape of the rear and the front are better looking. All in all every issue I noticed in the 2014 has been improved or eliminated as an issue. Drives like a sports car, and I look forwards to my commute each day. at 9800 miles I continue to have no problems Average mileage has improved to 26 mpg Its not much better on the interstate at around 27 or 28 The passenger seat is a little tight and my spouse complains on this issue She has a new edge which does have more comfortable passenger seats All in all still an A and I would buy again

• 

  Never Again - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Samantha Johnson - December 2 - 8:25 pm

  This car has been nothing but trouble. For years I have been Japanese car owner and I made a colossal mistake by buying Amercian. The transmission shudders, lunges, and loses power. It is dNgerous and I have taken it a number of time to the dealership for repair only to be told "it falls within Ford specs". Its dangerous to drive, the engine is unpredictable.

• 

  Love it! - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Super Dave - December 2 - 1:40 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I have been shopping for a new sports car after selling my 2000 Saleen Speedster 6 months ago. I test drove a 2010 corvette grand sport, 2009 zo6, Nissan gtr, and a 2005 Dodge Viper. The GT500 beat all of them in every catagory. The corvettes and the Viper were out dated and way overpriced. The gtr was a cool car but $76k are you kidding. The performance of the GT500 was equal to the Z06 but so much more updated and advanced. Test drive them all for your self and you will see. One thing that about made me almost not buy this car though was the dealer would not let me test drive this car without making an offer.