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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  Awsome truck, but bonkers naviga - 3.5 Eco Boost - 2015 Ford F-150
  By andrew davis - October 8 - 3:06 pm

  I bought the Platinum with 702a package, moon roof, FX4, tow and 3.5 Eco Boost engine (not offered as an option by the Edmunds interface when writing this review). When shopping for a car, I was quite flexible. I was primarily thinking about a Toyota Highlander, but was open to a larger SUV or truck. I test drove the Highlander, which was good, but I also test drove a Sequoia to see if it blew me away, and worth spending the extra, but I was actually quite disappointed with little space it had inside, for what it was, and very poor visibility. I then test drove the F150, and it really did blow me away! So much so that I bought it that day. It is so comfortable and effortless to drive, with a commanding driving position and lots of power that is smooth and tame in city driving, but transitions easily to beast mode when desired. It has a feature list that is only present in SUVs costing way more than this. I love the massaging seats, the 360 camera, powered running boards, huge moon roof, adaptive cruise control and too many other features to list here. Not everything is great. The navigation is completely insane, taking routes that make no sense whatsoever. An example of the wackiness is when I tested it on my usual route to work. Basically this is 20 miles on a straight freeway, then about a quarter mile trip on side streets to the office, but the navigation wanted me to come off the highway about 10 miles early, into what would definitely be a longer route, and into heavily congested side streets. I really am not looking forward to the first time I need to rely on it. Also, a little niggle is that when you are driving on a straight stretch of road, a warning comes up telling me to keep your hands on the steering wheel, even though my hands have never left go of it. Nevertheless, I love this truck.

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  Not worth buying - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Alyssa - October 8 - 2:02 pm

  You can get a lot better cars than this for the price. Ive had to put at least 3k in for repairs within the first month of buying it. Although I do feel really safe in it, I have to fill up my tank every week, and I dont drive a lot. I regret buying this car and its put me off of all fords.

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  Not worth buying - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Alyssa - October 8 - 2:02 pm

  You can get a lot better cars than this for the price. Ive had to put at least 3k in for repairs within the first month of buying it. Although I do feel really safe in it, I have to fill up my tank every week, and I dont drive a lot. I regret buying this car and its put me off of all fords.

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  Fun to drive, worth every penny - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Rob - October 7 - 3:26 pm

  I just bought this Escape Hybrid a couple weeks ago. Not only is it fun to drive, the mileage more than makes up for the slightly higher price. I get about 30 mpg, but mpg probably depends on how you drive. Faster acceleration means less battery use and lower mpg (my wife used it for a couple days and the onboard calculator showed 27.7 mpg). I have the FWD, so if you get 4WD, expect lower mileage. With the $2,600 tax credit, the hybrid only costs a little more than the 18 to 20 mpg regular Escape.

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  Taurus X - good car but - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By Rae - October 7 - 8:13 am

  Feels solid, comfortable, flexible, enough muscle for family care, very safe, fair mileage (18 mpg), nice ride, low wide stance very attractive. Found reliability problems with battery dying, trans computer malfunctioned disconnected trans while running, front end strut connectors poor quality. Been driving Fords since early 70s. Not as reliable now. Wish Ford focused on reliability longevity and had more comfortable steering wheel (bigger diameter please with thinner ring).

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  Have you driven a Focus lately - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mike kulich - October 5 - 10:06 pm

  Just retired and needed something good on gas. The Focus is as good as anything out there. The new Focus will really surprise you! Gas mileage about 31 mpg total driving. After owning trucks all my life this is like winning the lottery.

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  Ford Mom - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By julie - October 5 - 6:10 pm

  As a two time Taurus wagon owner, I can honestly say that I love my Freestyle. Thanks Ford for coming up with a great crossover vehicle. I just couldnt see myself in another wagon or minivan. The Freestyle was sporty enough to catch my eye. The only glitches that I have found are: gas cap keeps unthreading from holder, driver auto down window just stopped working and rear tire well is peeling inside. Wish I had gotten leather seats, tan interior is filthy from use. Overall, its a great car.

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  Not a huge fan of the hybrid - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By abestie - October 5 - 6:07 pm

  We purchased the hybrid an we are overall pleased with the ride styling and build quality.That being said we have never come close to the mpg stated on the windshield sticker. Our average mpg remains at 32. We have nearly 10,000 miles an this car and recently took it in to the dealer for its first oil change and also told them of our concerns with the fuel economy.I had hoped after the break in things would improve ,but so far they havent . I was told by the service manager that the systems all checked fine and there was nothing they could do. I called Fords consumer affairs department and was told not to run the heat if I wanted to get better fuel efficiency,the outside temp is 25 degrees

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  Kind of disappointed - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By sharon - October 5 - 2:33 pm

  I like most everything about the car except for the fuel mileage. I am only getting 16 mpg city driving. I have 1600 miles and my mpg is dropping not rising. I called Ford and they said they would look at it but since there is no engine light on there is probably nothing they could do. I love my dark blue color and the seating material. It is easy to clean. The inside seems built pretty tough. The car could be a little wider because it is very crowded in the back after a car seat is put in. I love driving the car and the feeling of power I get. I love that it holds 7 passengers although the very back seat is still best suited for children.

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  Solid quaility - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By STLBOY - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Good solid car. Impressed by the style. Feels like a more expensive luxury car.