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:

• 

  Best Sedan For The $$ - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By rockinroller - July 29 - 5:44 am

  Bought my 06 SEL FWD used for $5000 recently and can tell you its the absolute BEST BUY Ive ever made for a used vehicle. I had the 07 Limited AWD for a couple of years (also used) and in retrospect probably should not have sold it. It was great in the (Michigan) winters, got super mileage for a big car (26+ highway), seated 5 adults comfortably and the only issue I had was with the rear brakes wearing out after only 15K miles. This recent 2006 purchase reminds me of the great qualities that Ford built into these vehicles and had they been "faster" and perhaps a bit cheaper (than the $30K price tag for the Limited AWD), theyd probably still be around.

• 

  Road rattling roadster - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Dale Carraher - July 28 - 2:24 pm

  Just the bad stuff (because there is so much good to say about the complex sport also). At a cost just north of $51k, I am so disappointed in the dash board rattling, so irritating! The cheap sloppy feel of the door handles, and the front doors sound like they are about to fall off when closing. Everything else is great. The dash board noise may drive me to get rid of it early. SO IRRITATING and it PISSES ME OFF daily. Oh and on occasion the mirrors quiver like they are trying to during start until you turn adjustment toggle off & on. I am a Qualty professional and could not be more disappointed in Fords quality on a high cost vehicle. Yup, Im ashamed to mention the issues to my friends and colleagues because of what I paid.

• 

  Better than average - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Alan - July 28 - 2:11 pm

  I purchased my Ford Fusion at the end of August and have driven 9500 miles since. I drove a company provided VW Passat before making my purchase. I test drove the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, and my Fusion. I am in sales so each of my cars over the past 21 years have been fleet vehicles. Personally my wife drives a Toyota Highlander. During my test drives, the Ford Fusion had the most comfortable seat. I am very happy with the comfort of the seat, and power seats are standard on the SE. Each of the cars I drove in my test were 4 cylinders; my Passat was the diesel. From a acceleration point of view, the Fusion is as good as any I have driven. I need acceleration from 60 MPH to 80 MPH for passing cars and I am comfortable with the Fusions ability to get me around. The parts of the Fusion that are average in comparison of those that I have driven are the "Sync" feature for the hands free function, and noise that is created by the design on the side of the Fusions body. On my Toyota and VW, the connection when a call is coming in and the ability to end the call is instantaneous. The Fusion has a 3-5 second delay for each. And there has been times when the Sirius Radio gets stuck. It wont change the channel or allow me to change to standard radio. Regarding the noise created by the design, both sides of the Fusion have a groove the length of the car. It creates a sound that is similar to a ribbon being tied to an antenna that is flying tight and it creates a rippling effect. Similar to a kite flying in the wind, too. It is very annoying. If you chose to test drive one, turn the radio down and accelerate to a speed of 60 or more for period of time. I have sales colleagues who drive Fusions and love them. The overall features and handling of the Fusion are satisfactory for my long travels. I also own a 1999 Ford F150 that has been an extremely reliable second vehicle. The reliability of my F150, plus Zero % financing, influenced my decision to purchase the Fusion.

• 

  First New Car....GOOD CHOICE! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By ihorlacher - July 28 - 2:06 pm

  I wasnt even looking at the Ford Five Hundred when I was shopping for a new car. Roomy, stylish, good gas mileage, are all good things that I can think of at the moment! For my first new car, and a total GM owner, I was impressed. Test drove it and bought it the same day. Total ego boost as one other person put it. Everyone has been impressed with my choice.

• 

  Happy - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Trekker9044 - July 28 - 11:40 am

  I have had this vehicle a few weeks and so far I am very happy with what I got for the money spent. The items that are noted as cons in the Edmunds review do hold true, but are not that big of deal in looking at the vehicle overall. I think the Escape handles well for an SUV and I enjoy driving it. The interior is nice and the cab is fairly quiet except when the engine is excellerating. I have only filled the tank on this vehicle 3 times so far. The first time I got 26mpg and the last two times I got 30mpg. This is a combo of freeway and city driving. I even drove it up the steep hills of San Francisco with three adults in it and still got 30mpg with good power.

• 

  My 2 cents!!! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Dave K. - July 28 - 10:00 am

  The only real complaint I have about this truck is the comfort of the 40/60 bench seats. I have always gotten the bucket seats and thought I would try the bench, wish I hadnt. Also because of the 40/60 there is not as much storage for stuff in the center console/fold down apparatus. I would definitely recommend the truck, but with bucket seats! Reliability has been great as with all Ford trucks I have owned. Build quality is outstanding.

• 

  Great vechile - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By JB_ok - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable, currently has 82000 miles. Only problem is blend door had to be replaced at 70K.

• 

  Great Car - Great Value - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By awol - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I get the performance from the Taurus I expected. No, its not a Mustang. But for an excellent safety-rated 4-dr family car, it is worth the money. Have thought about buying another just like it. Bought it used with 11,000 miles on it. Do the math and enjoy!

• 

  great ride - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jeffrey.j.walters - July 28 - 10:00 am

  good truck, good power from 4.0

• 

  Reliable - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By reedo - July 27 - 3:33 pm

  We purchased the EB EXPY to access our mountain cabin via steep gravel roads, and tow our 5,000 lb boat. Both missions have been accomplished flawlessly. I have confidence in the Expedition to get us through just about any offroad situation. Absolutely no trouble with the vehicle thus far.