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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  Not as happy as I thought Id be... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Laura Kerr - June 4 - 9:00 am

  When I first saw this car - I fell in love with it and bought it immediately. I wish Id done a bit much research and shopping. Overall, its ok - but I think it lacks some of the performance and interior finish found in the Explorer. I think it needs more options, especially a bigger engine, and I wish I had passed on the CVT - it is not smooth. The handling is also a bit "squirrelly" at higher speeds. Also, the turn signals are much louder than they need to be. The quality of the interior is not up to par for the price - same with the sound system. It was between this and the Lexus RX330 - now I wish Id gone with the Lexus, even though it cost a bit more.

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  Great Vehicle at a Great Price! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Tom Rooks - June 3 - 8:26 pm

  To date I have 1200 miles on the Escape and have not had, as excepted, a single problem. I use the car primarily as a means to get to work and for the usual weekend project stuff. Overall I am very impressed with the car and am averaging 23.0 mpg (big Texas city driving: 40% highway, 60% city). I also really like the Sirius radio, but was disappointed to learn that there are still the occasional commercials. Also when you go under an over-pass, or in a tunnel, you loose the satellite signal due to a line-of slight limitation. One thing I will pass on is that you need to be careful when folding down the rear sets if you have the leather interiors as the seat belt receptacle tends to

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  Got what I wanted but??? - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By BLURAY KING - June 3 - 6:31 pm

  I was glad a first (2,000 miles) but now I do not know. Car buzzes behind drivers seat, clutch clicks every time I engage it, drivers outside mirror (inside) is smaller than passengers mirror and passengers seat (Recaro) rubs against center console (like it is not centered where it seats) squeaks. I have called 5 Ford dealerships to come in and get it repaired under warranty but most want to keep car for 2 days to fix (without loaner car). What kind service can we expect when they refuse to give me a loaner when I have NO other car?? All this is fit and finish problems. I will update once somebody fixes my car under warranty.

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  Great car - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Jose Salcido - June 3 - 5:06 am

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  Gecks 02 Mustang GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Geckozoid - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Where else could I go for a sporty car with a V8, manual transmission and rear wheel drive, all for under $25K? The engine performance is great, needs better suspension. $6 grand for a Griggs suspension looks like the most effective fix available. The seats leave much room for improvement. Uncomfortable on long trips, virtually zero side support, and being leather occupants slide around when cornering. Im 6 tall and have to drive with the seat all the way back, and the back of the seat to its furthest back position. Power seat is not very adjustable, seatback position is manual.

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  2000 Ford Mustang GT Coupe - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By sssannndmannn - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Maintenance/repair list to date: ---IAC replaced @ 23,000 miles (car would not idle) ---parking brake recall done @ 35,000 miles ---parking brake cable housing removed @ 35,000 miles (to fix hollow whistling sound over harsh bumps) ---new MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor @ 35,000 miles (for car dying on right- hand turns) ---Bridgestone Potenza RE-730s @ 38,000 miles ---rear brakes @ 47,000 miles ---front brakes @ 55,000 miles

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  The best car for under $20,000 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By peoples1234 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the absolute best car car you can actually buy for under $20,000. Great breaks, handling, good acceleration, and overall comfort is great. I give it a ten.

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  Pleased, for the most part - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Detroit Scott - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Focus for about 6 weeks and am disappointed about only one thing: The fuel economy is much worse than I thought it would be. I traded in a 1997 Escort that still got about 375-400 miles out of a tank of gas. Im lucky to get 325 out of the Focus, and thats with a lot of highway driving. On the positive side, the sound system and creature comforts a nice. Its a fun ride.

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  first ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By kbzon - June 3 - 2:00 am

  this is my first ford. i was looking to get another chevy but dealer was not helpfull. test drove the chevy trailblazer and the tahoe. for the price the explorer is better. nice quality and fit & finish.

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  Should have waited for the Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jeanette - June 2 - 1:26 am

  I bought the 05 XLS mainly because Im a tall woman with back problems (thanks to Army). I wanted something that wouldnt eat that much gas and safer than my 97 Saturn was for my children. I love driving it, I can jump curves and Im able to drive it almost like a Humvee. I should have shelled out the extra money though for a V6, so that I wouldnt have to floor it when Im passing someone. Overall I like but I should have waited until the Hybrid came out so that I could save more money on gas.