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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  An Excellent Value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jeff - April 29 - 10:30 am

  I drive a lot and love this car. It is extremely comfortable. I moved to this car from an Expedition that never gave us a single problem. However, gas mileage inspired the move. The great visibililty, huge trunk, nice handling and what more could you want? Great safety ratings. I got every option available on this car and it is fun.

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  Focus 2008 SES - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mike - April 28 - 6:40 pm

  Drives wonderfully. Handling is a bit touchy. Interior is great - love the leather and adjustable height on the drivers seat. Back seat offers little leg room, but that is typical of a compact. I like this better than my old Civic.

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  Poor design and reliability - 2012 Ford Transit Connect
  By twigfield - April 28 - 2:10 pm

  As a business owner I bought this to replace my 1996 ford explorer with over 300,000 miles. I was suppose to get 21 to 26 mpg. I get 19.5, only 3 mpg better than my v-8 explorer. Same roads, driver and payload. This is most likely due to the extremely underpowered engine which has to work hard to pull hills in western MD. Needs to drop 2 gears to travel up hills on interstate. 6200 RPM right below redline to travel 70 mph on these hills. Forget acceleration-it doesnt exist. Good vehicle for around town but not made to drive on highways. Salesman told me power wuld not be a problem. Yeah, read any article.

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  Love the Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Ken - April 27 - 11:16 pm

  We havent had the car long, but it looks great and runs like the stallion that it is. The interior is much quieter than I expected based on reviews (unless you are in the throttle). I am fitting two kids in the back seat ... tight fit but they love cruising with the top down.

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  Id Buy it Again - 2005 Ford Escape
  By cekestner - April 27 - 4:20 pm

  My wife had an 02 Escape XLT but she wanted a Honda Element, so we traded in the Escape. When I got in the position of being able to purchase one myself, I bought this one. Its red all over with a black interior. (1st choice was Chromecoat Yellow, but stupid Ford killed THAT colour a couple years ago.) It doesnt seem to corner quite as quickly as the 02 did (maybe they softened up the ride?), but it rides a bit softer. It also doesnt seem to stop quite as quickly as the 02. Then again, it doesnt soil up the front wheels with LOTS of brake dust like the 02 did. I hate that they moved the spare under the car, because the in-car tire well gave added storage in the 02.

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  super reliable and zippy - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Robert - April 27 - 3:19 pm

  Ive got the 2014 econoboost / turbo and its been super reliable. Ive only changed oil and tires (once) with 70k. No hiccups. Zippy with the turbo, sporty looking and fun to drive. If you like a super plush ride, this is not your car. If you like a sportier ride, this is it.

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  Worst car Ive drove - 2017 Ford Fiesta
  By Ilqar Ilyasov - April 27 - 7:43 am

  If you decide to buy one you should buy a pack of earbuds :)) After hurricane hurvey insurance company offered us a fiesta from hertz. Im glad that Im not the owner. On the highway the noise really hurts your ears. Its unendurable. This is one of those cars that I would refuse even if it was given to me for free. I can think of only one thing about this car that didnt suck that is the mpg :) 35,6

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  Not Impressed - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By lily3p - April 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Ford last year, so far we are not too impressed. Yes the car is attractive, comfortable and has great pick up. However, I find that this SUV is unsafe and handles terrible in bad weather and hauling heavy loads. Weve already had to send back to the dealer to replace a $400 faulty part. Both my husband and I agree that this will be our last Ford Explorer.

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  Great truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By John C - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I leased a 2001 Ranger Edge 4x4 for three years. Problems I have had seem to be common according to the other reviews. The gas guage is inaccurate, the mileage could be better, the power windows have been worked on for the skipping and jumping problem while going down, and the drive shaft had to be replaced.It also had to have a sensor that runs the egr valve replaced. I still love the truck though. It does turn alot of heads. I have had it off-road twice and it performed flawlessly even when I thought I was pushing it over a little, and our northeast Ohio snow has proven to be no match for this truck.

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  Yippy - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Dadam Avis - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Within the first year, its been in for 3 recalls, 2 check engine lights and I had to have the left front half shaft replaced and the front brake discs turned. I hate the 5 speed auto trans, it doesnt seem to know what to do with itself. This is my 3rd Ranger and although I prefer the TTB suspension,and even with the problems, this is still a good truck.