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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  Like a Rock - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Ace 75 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Very solid, very confident driving. Wouldnt mind a few extra horses, but pulls boats/trailers with ease.

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  Early Report - 500 miles -So Far So Good - 2012 Ford Focus
  By novavroom - June 22 - 12:20 pm

  I was looking for a safe, fun and economical replacement for our BMW 328i. Bought an SEL Hatchback with leather, rain sensor, back-up warning, 17"wheels, cold weather package,automatic, Sterling Grey Metallic. The test drive impressed my wife and me - I am 63" tall and find the front power seat very comfortable. The car seems to be built to high quality standards. Paint and overall fit and finish are top notch. The car performs quite well - it is quiet, well balanced and just seems to be well built. The BMW is a great car but I do not feel I have given up much with this Focus. It may be a compact but it is a very nice car! If you find one you like - buy it - seems like a hot seller!

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  Avoid Ford -- especially this one - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By fixed_or_repaired - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Were 3 months from end of 3 year lease and want to return it now; 38000 mi, leased at 15000/year. Broke again last week. $2 spark plug, $167 fix; took vehicle into leasing dealership every scheduled maintainence. Ford replaced entire transmission; leaving a parking lot, transmission died. mechanics found lots of "ground up metal"; theyve replaced steering column twice, most of the front suspension twice, plus an innumerable HOST of "minor" problems (rear heater control died, mechanic said "due to some bare wires"). The rear window has a low frequency rattle; the steering now has a dead spot after they "fixed" it twice. After 35 years, Ive bought my last Ford.

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  dskajkl - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By dude483 - June 21 - 10:00 am

  great car so amazing i cant wait to see the new 2004 mustang

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  Incredible - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Pickle - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Love the exhaust sound, and there is nothing like the wind blowing through your hair in a convertible. It turns alot of heads and I get a lot of positive comments from people. Gas mileage is excellent, near 28 mpg on the highway. Small issue with drivers side window that I need to get fixed but otherwise a very fun car.

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  Best of its kind - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Richi - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Gets you anywhere.Im not talking about offroad competition driving. Who wants all those overrated lower gear ratio downhill automatic power drive, and God knows what other names are around. The Escape is more than satisfactory for any kind of road situation.

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  Better but not great - 2007 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By kim - June 21 - 6:23 am

  The brakes seem better in this model than in the older ones. The engine revs high from day one. They did away with the console in betwen the driver and passenger seat now anything on the floor ends up under the gas pedal. Really needs a little bump on the floor to prevent this.

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  Very impressed! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Carl - June 21 - 12:23 am

  As a previous owner of a 02 Escape, I cant believe how far Ford has come with this vehicle. The interior of this vehicle has a nice lay out. Ride is firm but at the same time absorbs the road like a luxury car. Sync system works well. Easy to set up. Very nice feel with the controls. Ford took every effort to make this vehicle quiet,with insulation under the hood,fire wall and wheel well. As for gas mileage, Am getting 23mph over all.The 6 speed transmission is smooth. Ford also put on radial tires with less off road tread for better gas mileage. Outstanding value for the money.

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  A classy car without bankrupcy - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Paul Anghinetti - June 20 - 10:55 pm

  For 25 years I drove Jaguars and Nissan Maximas, both fine cars (with the exception of Jaguars Lukas electronic which kept me visiting my mechanic). My mechanic suggested I purchase a Ford Fusion Titanium for its fine ecoboost 2 liter engine and European sports car feel, one he said was comparable to the Maxima and Jaguars I had owned, but at a sticker price that would not be in the 40 thousand dollar and up stratosphere. I took his advice, realizing I was buying a brand that lacked the cachet of my previous cars. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that my Fusion matched every standard of style, roadability, cornering, and comfort offered by more expensive vehicles. If the Maxima had a reputation for being a poor mans BMW, the Ford Fusion surely can be labeled a smart mans bargain. I reasoned I saved an additional 5 to 20 thousand dollars by not buying a snob brand. Thats sufficient to quiet my fears I may be looked down upon when I pass all those expensive European darlings so many people buy. The ecoboost is not a threat to win the Daytona 500, but it certainly has enough gumption to please eager speedsters looking for a red-light race. I now have almost ten thousand miles on my Fusion Titanium and nothing has happened to alter my high praise for my car. It handles like my old Jaguars and Maximas, hugging the road around corners with the ease of driving on superhighways, and the four cylinder eco boost turbo provides quick and seamless acceleration. The road noise is muffled, allowing a quiet and comfortable cabin to enjoy favorite symphony or concerto on the Sony sound system. I will buy another Fusion, though I might be tempted to opt for the new V-6 option.

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  Excellent - 2008 Ford Focus
  By when d - June 20 - 5:13 am

  Better than expected. the 5 speed is a delight to drive, clean shifting, >30 mpg already (<1000mi) on ~75% highway/25%city driving. I find the exterior fresh - it makes me smile to see it in the parking lot. The interior is pleasant & modern. Quiet drive (unlike 07). SES comes with electrochromic mirror and trip calculator (mpg, mi to mt, fuel effeciency...). Brand new so reliability rating hopeful (good warranty). Definitely worth checking out!