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:

• 

  Limited AWD Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Paul Zollinger - September 7 - 6:26 pm

  Our Escape is fun, nimble, roomy & cute. With the second row of seats folded down there is tremendous room to haul cargo, plus it has a 3,500lb towing capacity.

• 

  CROWN VIC - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By MAC - September 7 - 7:23 am

  This vehicle provides extreme comfort for all passengers as well as a sense of security. It rides like sitting on a cloud and handles like a sports car. Excellent braking. Many user comforts. I couldnt be more satisfied.

• 

  Fantastic Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Susan T. - September 6 - 11:00 pm

  This car is absolutely fantastic. I love the redesign from the 60s models. I go to cruise-ins and have won trophies. I get many many compliments. It is surprising how many people have not even seen an 05 Mustang GT. The power is great.

• 

  It actually gets the MPG advertised - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Peter - September 5 - 9:50 pm

  Having traded a Dodge Grand Caravan with Sto&Go seats, I was pleased that the fold down 3rd row and 2nd row seats gave just about the same room as the Sto&Go system. The MPG on my first 1500 mile trip was 26.5 with the air on and 27.5 with the air off. Drives great and front seats are very comfortable. Glad I made the switch!

• 

  Not safe… Electronic Throttle Body(ETB) issues - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By T-bone - September 5 - 3:20 pm

  My wife drove this 2016 Explorer for about 10 months and put only 5500 miles on it. A couple weeks ago, the vehicle lost power in the middle of a busy intersection. Luckily, my wife was able to pull to the side of the road without being clobbered by another car. The now infamous "wrench" light came on and the vehicle would only idle at about 2 mph. No response to the gas peddle. We had the vehicle towed to the Ford dealer. They told us it was a issue with the software that controls the electronic throttle. The dealer flashed some new control code and called it good. The vehicle has exhibited some strange quirks, like an erratic idle at stop lights, since getting the new software. Took it back to the dealer, but they insist it can take up to 500 miles before the computer learns our driving style again and that it will start acting normal sooner or later. My wife wont drive the vehicle anymore. I dont blame her. What if the vehicle loses power again turning left in front of a semi or trying to pass someone on a two lane road. Ive been a Ford man my whole life, but I think thats about to change. Thinking hard about trading in the 2016 Explorer on a Four Runner.

• 

  Hard To Beat - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By No More GM For Me - September 5 - 10:53 am

  This is one terrific car. It is easy and fun to drive, handles well, does well on gas, is very comfortable, and best of all IT DOES NOT HAVE ONSTAR. That alone is what steered me away from GM. Do yourself a favor and request the brochure from Ford online and youll get an extra $750 off. With rebates, incentives, etc. I got this pretty well loaded car for about $5,000 below sticker price. Great buy on great car. If GM finally gets around to introducing more new cars than new CEOs AND offer what people really want without useless nonsense like OnStar they might start to get it right.

• 

  A truck that still knows how to work - 2004 Ford F-150
  By compaqted - September 5 - 10:00 am

  The new F-150 is a fantastic vehicle. So was my 92 F-150, but this new model has a tremendous ride, smooth powerful powertrain, and very comfortable interior, even in the XL trim. But the best thing about it is that Ford didnt forget that a truck has to work. It is beefy in all the right areas, like the bed and the frame, and tows very well, especially with the limited slip rear axle option and the towing package option (highly recommended). Great job Ford!

• 

  Fuel 12 mpg/14 mpg realistic - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Rick Swartwood - September 5 - 10:00 am

  14 mpg/18 mpg is something that you will never see if you live in Minnestota. I have never been able to reach anything above 14.78 mpg. (Cruise control set on 65 mph. No wind that day. Flat ground with little hills.)

• 

  Its a car its a truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By 37Don - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my new truck for about 5000 mi and its better the more i drive it.Fuel millage is 16.9 mpg for 4600 mi.Drives like a car, ride is great,many compliments about style and color,wedgwood blue 2 tone.Ive had 2 good freinds buy supercabs since i got mine.Gas millage is the result of light foot,remember 300 horses eat a lot when moving a 5600lb truck.Will consider the extended warrenty only because looking under the hood one big computer, scarry!

• 

  2005 - A True Winner - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jensterd - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I am a life-long GM owner. I recently took a chance and bought the 2005 Ford Escape. It is by far the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever owned! The only drawback is the fuel economy - around 14/15 mph. The 2005 Ford Escape - a true Winner!!