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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  My last Ford - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Brad Seaman - November 18 - 1:28 am

  Factory rear rotors need replacing at 20kmiles, valve cover leak at 30kmiles, O2 sensor at 35kmiles, another O2 sensor and throttle position sensor at 40kmiles. Any time it rains or snows its a crap shoot whats going to fail next. Factory tires were junk at 25kmiles. Stealing requires constant input to keep the car straight. Gas mileage not great, averaging around 32mpg, all high way. My car is a manual so I dont have the trans issues every one else has. My previous 2 fords were nothing but problems, thought this one would be different. I was sadly mistaken.

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  Happy Ford Escape Hybrid Owner - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BSbenne48 - November 17 - 2:16 pm

  My wife and I recently purchased a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid, and we are very pleased with the performance, the ride, and especially the fuel mileage. With the prospect of $3.00 a gallon gas for years to come I think this is an excellent vehicle to consider especially with the tax credits that are available in 2006.

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  Sweet Ride - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Neil - November 16 - 7:03 pm

  Ive had my silver drop top Stang for just over a week now and I have to say its an awesome ride. The retro look combined with the updated features make this car an amazing ride. I chose the red leather interior with the chrome accents and it looks incredible. I get stopped every day by people who are taken with the looks of my Stang. I personally love the rims that came with the car. I think they are just flashy enough yet tasteful. All in all I am really happy with this car so far.

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  Excellent Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Jerry - November 16 - 4:56 pm

  I bought this truck after my son started driving my Ranger; overall it is a great truck. I compared F150 with the Ram and Silverado and this one came out top. Very comfortable on trips. The engine is very loud and can get annoying.

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  Love my Maxie! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By bevt - November 16 - 11:47 am

  I have had my car for 2 1/2 months, have about 2500 miles, live in hilly urban area (Bay Area east of the big hills), and so far (and its not hit its maximum efficiency yet) my Lifetime average is 43.4 mpg. Yesterday, I drove about 10 miles along the hilly streets and got 53 mpg average on that trip. Ive driven along the coast for 4 hours and got 55 mpg. Sometimes I got up to 60. Nice, nice! But it all depends on how you drive it. I have a lead foot, so Ive had to retrain myself to drive more peacefully. Once you get the hang of how to drive it, the C-Max does beautifully, switching to gas mode when the battery is low or if you are going up hills, going back to EV mode seamlessly.

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  Nothing but trouble - 2000 Ford Focus
  By drtygrrl - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2000 Focus brand new, only 6 miles on it. Since then I have put 46000 on it. The brakes have been replaced, the last time it was in the shop I was told it needed $1200 in repairs, including a new axle. It is currently in the shop again for a fuel pump, which they are charging about $700 for! I have completely wasted my money on this pile of bolts, this is the last Ford Ill ever buy!

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  Bad Brakes - Ford Wont Fix Rear Pads - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By jim - November 16 - 8:33 am

  We drove our new Ford 500 home; after driving 400 miles the brakes were pulsing and making a loud grinding noise. We took it in to the dealer and it needed new rotors and pads. Now we cant go 1000 miles before our wheels are totally black with brake dust in the rear only. I am told that Ford is going to develop new pads this quarter to fix the problem. This is a nice car but we have had all these brake problems and we canÂ’t get an answer if our car is even safe to drive. 400 miles for a set of rotors and is not normal and I dont think its too safe either.

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  Never Again a Ford - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Leo - November 16 - 7:50 am

  Stay Away! It broke down completely, no lights, no engine no nothing with a grand total of less than 15oo miles on it. The first payment isnt even due and I have to get it towed to the dealer. Ford Road side Assistance-- Ive been waiting for them for almost three hours.

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  Practical Ford! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By new to ford! - November 15 - 6:10 pm

  I got my dark ink blue 09 Ford Flex SEL AWD with every option except navagation ( not available on the SEL) for $29500. I love the interior room and luxury features of this vehicle. My kids love the rear refrigerator console in the back to keep their snacks and drinks from going bad. I really like the blue and camel interior that go well together. Has a good stereo system especially with cds but bass punch is lacking. The 265 hp 3.5l V6 and six speed automatic deliver decent power and pulls from a stop. accelerator response is good and can keep your foot slightly on the pedal. The six speed shifts smoothly but when the car is floored, there is a loud roar. Overall very good vehicle

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  My kids call it a firetruck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By WalyWrld1 - November 14 - 11:56 am

  My experience over the last two years with the xpy has been great. I have had no problems with it. It is a well built, very comfortable highway cruiser. Average 16.5 mpg. I have the 4.6 L V8 and it has adequate power for my use. Super truck and would buy another without hesitation.