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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  me - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By KevinWagner - September 28 - 10:00 am

  no problems, 14 mpg freeway, 9 mpg city with v-10

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  I Love My Escape! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sharon - September 28 - 3:53 am

  After buying 5-speed manual Honda cars for 30 years, I decided to look at an SUV with a 4 cyl. 5-speed manual. Honda offered automatics only in the 4 cyl., so I looked at several other makes, and the 2008 Escape was by far the best looking with many features that are standard. Cruise control and mag-type wheels were the only options I had to get. I love sitting up high and having all the cargo space. It is a dream to drive! Thanks Ford for offering the 5-speed manual transmission!

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  LOVE my car! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Vivian F. - September 27 - 8:24 pm

  I absolutely love this car. Its my 2nd car, first new vehicle and it is reliable & fun to drive. I wish the the cargo area was slightly bigger... I feel safe in this car. Great on gas too!

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  Fantastic Hybrid SUV - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By dillpickle - September 27 - 4:56 pm

  The Ford Escape Hybrid SUV is an excellent alternative to the large, offensive SUVs driven by urban soccer moms. The gas mileage is terrific and extends time between fill ups on the highway. The vehicle is extremely dependable and very low maintenance compared to any other SUV on the road. The 4 wheel drive is competent and provides excellent winter traction and stability. The CVT transmission is similar to a golf cart on steroids and provides a seamless, smooth acceleration and "shifting". The cabin and ride are comfortable for long trips and space is plentiful for luggage and accessories. The best vehicle we have ever purchased.

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  Love It! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By TinaJ - September 27 - 2:46 pm

  I love the choice that I made to purchase a Fusion. The ride is very smooth, it has plenty of storage, and everything is easy to operate. Most of all, it is very good on gas.

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  2017 SEL 3.5L V6 - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Jim R - September 27 - 10:06 am

  We were looking for a Mid-size SUV for my wife, so we drove anything and everything she thought she might like. When it was all said and done she chose the Ford Edge SEL. She was coming out of a V6 car with 275HP, so she wanted a vehicle that had the power she was used to. The 3.5L V6 offered 280 HP (Couldnt choose this engine in the drop-down list above, as it wasnt there?) We were looking at comfort and utility over gas mileage for this vehicle, but the Edge gives us both of those things and still gets close to 20 MPG around town. The roomy SUV rides like a car, and is just the right size for us. Its nimble enough to make city driving more than bearable, and roomy enough to make everyday chores and travel a breeze. Its the perfect vacation vehicle. easy and fun to drive, very roomy and comfortable over extended trips, and has plenty of power. The interior is very nicely appointed, and we love the technology. we have 4 Fords sitting in our driveway, and the 2017 Ford Edge is a great addition to our family.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - September 26 - 1:00 pm

  Have enjoyed two long trips in the car to New Orleans and the Catskills. Trunk is huge. Rear does not bottom with two men in back and full trunk of luggage and tools. Short trip town mileage is 20-21 mpg and highway is 26-27. The V6 moves the car easily and highway passing is great. Love the progressive pressure brakes. Car is exceptionally quiet. I love the fit and finish. Sound system is great with the 12 speaker Sony. My Sterling Gray Metallic is the most beautiful metallic Ive ever seen.

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  Love it, Love it, Love It! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By George Hargreaves - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car in June 07 with 24,000 km on it. Great in the winter since we added a set of Michelin X-Ice tires. We live on the Canadian prairies and this is the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. Good power, lots of head & leg room. Huge trunk. Just finished an 8,000 km drive to the Atlantic provinces and U.S. east coast and very enjoyable drive. Great gas mileage. Looking forward to more trips. Rear brakes replaced by Ford after 40,000 km. Car now has 75,000 km and runs fine. My wife loves the light green color so I hope Ford brings this color back in a few years.

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  Connect to Travel - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By moknows - September 26 - 12:43 am

  This wagon not only holds the grandkids, but all of the toys too. Built a box in the back to hold camping/travel gear. We can fold down rear seats and set up air mattress for unscheduled sleepovers.

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  California Special - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Jim - September 25 - 4:40 pm

  My Mustang GT California Special is more than I expected and has plenty of power and rides great. The 3 valve engine just keeps pulling and the suspension is smooth and tight. The California package is worth the price and I love the car.