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:

• 

  All American Swagger - Get Some - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Brad - September 23 - 2:10 pm

  Comparing this car to fancy exotic sports cars misses the point All have their merits but they are completely different. If this were people it is like comparing John Wayne to Elton John. The Shelby is tough gritty all American fun with a retro swagger and not fancy flashy with funky glasses or even carbon fiber for that matter It is all about the engine with enough suspension raw power torgue and oversteer to put a chill down your spine and your heart in your mouth when you stomp on it. And If you do have time to look at all that shinny plastic while going 0-60 in 4.5+ you will see a smile on your face. Cant do that with those walnut and leather, int. All American swagger. Get some

• 

  Practical Car - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Adam Grey - September 23 - 11:10 am

  Even though I would have liked to get something a little sexier, this car is as practical of car you can get. Having it be a stick shift helped make the car fun to drive and also allowed for better acceleration than most standard V6 cars. Never did I have one mechanical issue in the 68,000 miles that I drove it and it really does excellent on gas being it is a 4 banger. I think if you buy this car you will get a bargain as if this had a Toyota symbol on it it would be $5,000 more! I believe this car is a smart buy for those who are concerned about fuel economy, cargo space, and price.

• 

  2006 Ford Fusion SE 4 cyl - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Austin Davis - September 21 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased this car for the sole purpose of saving gas. I drive it 40 miles/day round trip to work. I have tested the highway mpg to be around 28. I put amsoil in it when I got it so I wont be worrying about changing the oil for the next 25,000 miles. I put a K&N filter in it to further cut the long term costs. I put a nose cover on it because there is a lot of construction around here and the rocks and sand will tear the front end up. Plus it looks cool. At times I wish I had the v6 version, but overall it functions exactly as it should.

• 

  A Reliable Brute - 1991 Ford F-350
  By Jackpot Jerry - September 21 - 2:37 pm

  Best full sized truck I have ever owned. Reliable, powerful and carries or tows a big load. I use it mostly as an RV. 90% of its mileage is at or near GVWR or GCWR, but I never had a mechanical problem. I do not use it as a daily driver because it is long, wide (DRW) and mileage isnt a strong point. However, as a working truck it is super. The lariat interior (captains chairs) is surprisingly comfortable even though it is just plastic with cloth upolstery. Lots of room up front but the folding rear seat is a bit low and narrow for adults.

• 

  Explorers allow you truly explore - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cdf1223 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the first American made car that Ive ever owned, and the first automatic that Ive ever driven. I love this SUV!! Mine has the towing package, and it turns on a dime. The handling is superb, and I love the way it drives. My job requires me to be on the road somewhere new every 3 months, which means Im usually driving for 10- 15 hours at a time. The Explorer is very comfortable, and the interior is well designed. I also love the space and the extra versatility the third row seat gives me. I would definitely purhase this SUV again. Great work!! Gives me faith in American automoblies again!!

• 

  A terrific hybrid entry - 2005 Ford Escape
  By gomermaid - September 21 - 9:43 am

  Excellent performance with good, not great mileage (about 27 mpg), but much better that comparable SUVs. Fun to drive and handles exceptionally well. Cannot think of a major drawback. A little sluggish on pick up, but once at highway speed its all there. Windshield wipers not balanced and leave major areas uncleaned. Might be just a dealer adjustment.

• 

  Good mileage, handles well - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mike Bretz - September 21 - 12:47 am

  No problems with vehicle. Good MPG in city/highway driving, very good MPG highway driving. Comfortable, and decent acceleration. ABS and 15" alloy wheels a must.

• 

  Detailed Video Review of this great SUV by owner - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Foxx Automotive - September 20 - 3:11 pm

  Overall, this is an amazing SUV that offers great value and a compelling set of features. The interior is finished well and is much more refined than my previous 2015 Ford Explorer sport. The ecoboost engine offers plenty of performance and adequate MPGs. To learn more about the Ford Explorer, I encourage you to check out my detailed video review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Hb318m89g Im sure youll love it!

• 

  Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By J. Jolly - September 20 - 2:56 pm

  I purchased my Escape used in June 2007 with just over 44 K miles on it. I have put 20,000 problem free miles on it since then. It has just required regular maintance. Im impressed with the overall quailty and versatility of this SUV. Powerful engine, carlike handling and brakes are selling points. Handles great in bad weather (snow, ice,and rain). I feel safe in this automobile. Mine is equipped with side airbags. I would highly recommend the Escape to anyone looking for a small SUV.

• 

  Okay - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By mtee - September 19 - 6:28 pm

  Very fun to drive and love the look of this body style. Be careful when you get in the higher mileage. After 120,000 just about everything that can go wrong on a car went wrong on this. In the last year: transmission, clutch, mass airflow sensor, a/c clutch, alternator and hoses. And after all this I still dont trust the car, but thats what I expect from a Ford.