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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  03 Cobra Convertible after 6500 miles - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By stock383rwhp - November 27 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Cobra is a real muscle car but handles better. My HP is higher than advertised. The cars a blast to drive. It runs to 55 in 1st, 85 in 2nd. Torque curve is so high and flat that the car pulls like a freight train. Mine tested at >320 ft-lbs of torque at the rear wheels from 1900 to 6200 rpm, topping out at 373 (410+ @ engine). The top and windows can be down up to 65 with comfort and with the windows up to 100. The rear wheels do hop instead of sliding when you push it too hard in low gears with cold or wet tires. Traction control is very good and makes driving on wet roads easy.

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  The Best Ive Ever Had - 2002 Ford F-150
  By ScottD - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I really like this truck. I have owned many trucks, including other Fords and different brands, and my feelings are that Ford has always given me a better sense of trust and solidarity than any other manufacturer. I am pleased with this truck. My previous trucks have always been big V8s and with this truck only having the 4.2L V6, I had a low level of concern that it would prove to be kind of weak, however it has never disappointed me. A solid truck thats eager go everyday. This one and I may spend many happy years together.

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  Review - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By o5stangawsomecar - November 25 - 4:06 am

  Purchased my 05 Mustang after selling my Taurus, The ride was very good compared to the old (fox platform) Steering is very resposive, traction control works great. Great smooth power, I have a automatic, it shifts very smooth, you cant even feel it. Wish it had heated seats or the option, Seat belts are alittle tuff to grab. Doesnt have some amenities but I knew that buying it. I think the stereo is excellent.As for reliability, I am hoping I will not have any problems. But it has a warranty. For the money I think Ford did a great job. I am very happy!

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  Surprising Upgrade - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Damiacci - November 24 - 1:09 am

  I had a 2010 Ford Edge that i traded in due to it getting a little long in the tooth. It was a base model which I was fine with. Anyways, I went down to the Dealership after doing an online app and after a pretty interesting buying experience, I took home my Ford Fusion SE w/tech package, in Black on Black :) My favorite part of the car is of course the styling and the LED daytime headlights which look soooo cool when the sun is setting. It was a pleasant upgrade to the Edge with the Technology. I like SYNC 3(not love) and I like the clean look of the dash. Now I do have a few gripes I hate to mention but I have to be honest with other buyers: SYNC has been glitch only twice, in the 4 months I’ve had it. There was one small occasion when I got in my car and my music would not play from my phone…But it worked eventually after a restart. My 2nd week having the car, my windows did a funky ghost thing where they would go up and go back down to where I had it originally sitting. Was very annoying, had to take it to the dealership and they told me the motor was bad and has to be replaced. Now Ford did do a good job of getting me in another vehicle and getting the window motor replaced quickly. My only other gripe(not sure if this is even something to mention given the class of the car) is the powertrain. i personally dont like the engine or transmission and I guess this may be coming from the fact I came from an Edge with significantly more power. But i feel the engine could be slightly more powerful and the transmission could be a little more smoother. But again, as mentioned,this is a base engine so i guess you get what you pay for. Also, the gas mileage is so so.... Otherwise, i really love my fusion, i truly hope to have many awesome years with my car, despite the fact that I am racking up miles like a truck driver. I absolutely appreciate all the cool features, touch screen, trip computer and the black on black is so very sexy with the styling of the car. Although, it has room for improvement, I am very happy and grateful for my car. I look forward to getting more Ford products in the future. :). thanks for reading.

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  New Hybrid Benchmark - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hybrid_veteran - November 23 - 10:16 pm

  Being a very high mile driver my last three cars, before my new C-Max, were a Prius and two Altima Hybrids, each driven over 100,000 nearly trouble free miles. I never expected or got the EPA mileage rating on any of them so the C-Max shortfall doesnt bother me a bit. It started out in the low 30s and at 2500 miles is now in the high 30s while driving hard and fast without paying any attention to maximizing gas mileage. Build quality and performance put the Prius to shame and its substantially smoother and quietier than the Altima. If its reliabilty ultimately comes anywhere close to the Prius and Altima the C-Max will simply set a new higher bar for the entry level Hybid market.

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  Worst car Ive owned - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Rob - November 22 - 9:27 pm

  Drove off the lot with vibration. Dealer said normal even though its obviously not. Bought an angle finder and found 4.5 degree working angle for transaxle-to-driveshaft and .5 degree working angle at pinion-to-driveshaft. Working angles should be 1 degree at least or youll wear out u-joints. Working angles should be within 1 degree or youll have vibration. While trying to get that fixed, 5.0 engine developed a tick at idle and a clacking sound in the passenger side valvetrain. All of this and I have 2,200 miles on a brand new truck. Dealer today argued it all drives and sounds normal, of course. Run as fast as you can from the F-150. They are not what they used to be. In fact, this is my third new Ford since 2013 and theyve been nothing but headaches. 28 years of driving Fords since age 16. Today, done with Ford for good. Their cars are junk now.

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  Great car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jim - November 22 - 6:00 am

  I have driven about 1,800 miles so far. Love the car. Getting 38.4 mpg combo surburban and highway driving. Friends are in awe- no sense when you drive its a hybrid. Love the leaves to give you guidance how to improve milage. Simply great handling. First Ford I have owned and I am very impressed. Liked it a lot better for comfort than Prius I tried.

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  Good SUV. Great Hybrid. - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By CaesarTheDay - November 22 - 5:56 am

  Two days of driving - so this is a first impression. The car is well designed inside and out. Microsoft SYNC is very impressive and I find this feature the best of all in the car. Acceleration is sluggish - but the car does fine on the highway. Im still in the burn in stage - so the MPG is around 27 but Im hoping itll improve with time and driving. The car is surprisingly roomy for the over 6 driver and is accommodating for kids in the back including a car-seat. Rear cargo room is ample, but there is no cargo net, or tie-down hooks to install one.

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  Love this thing! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By nissianjeff - November 22 - 5:13 am

  I got the 5 speed model. Love it! So much fun to drive. Bit bumpy tho in town. Wish it had a bigger tank. gettin right at 15MPH. Good stereo and speakers, ice cold AC too! Power windows, locks, etc. Its black and I decked it out with a lot of crome options, step bars, mirrows, outside door handles, fuel door cover, etc. Looks great! Get lots of compliments on it all the time. Added the windows awnings, bug sheild too. Its quite a looker! I wouldnt have liked it near as much with the auto tranny tho, Im sure! Love the 5 speed!

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  Luv My Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By J. Murphy - November 22 - 12:53 am

  I have had the Edge for about a month, and I cannot find anything I do not like about it. Comfortable, responsive, smooth and very stylish. I work in the auto business, and sell the Land Rover product, but this is all of the Land Rover LR2, and more. Fuel economy is running at 18 MPG for local driving. I lease the Edge for 24 months, and the payment is excellent.