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:

• 

  Mine was built on Friday - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Justanotherfordguy - April 26 - 3:53 am

  The vehicle is fun to drive, sure footed in snow, and a great family vehicle. But the build quality is questionable and I couldnt see this vehicle lasting more than 60k miles without a lot of repairs. My Escape has has multiple issues due to a water leak under or near the firewall. This has caused multiple electical issues from random power accessories failing, radio turning on when key is removed and turned off, wet floors, and the nice smell of mildew. Multiple trips to the dealer has yet to bring my truck back to new - so its going to be traded in on something else - possibly an Escape. Mine was just built on Friday. :(

• 

  Excellent - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By TeresaWhitton - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I will be back within the next 6mths, to buy my husband a truck , Great people. Great service, great deals. Thanks Cronin Ford ! Sincerely, Newly Life long dedication.

• 

  Should of Kept the JEEP - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By raven - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Ford 2002 eddie bauer 4x4 v-8 . Wont go into park with ease. Jumps out of park. Rattles in the driver door. Sounds like valve is sticking. 2 dealerships have done nothing to fix the problems. NEVER AGAIN will I Buy A FORD.

• 

  OLD STYLE VS. NEW - 2004 Ford F-150
  By gfodor - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck after much thought in giving up my Heritage sytle Lariat. Im still wondering if I made the right choice. New Lariat looks like a Dodge RAM in some respects. Some materials, both in and out, are chinsey/cheap. The beltline/bed is too high. Doors sound tinny and hollow when opening/ closing due to sheet metal wobble. No door mouldings to protect side. No Lariat pinstrip. Carpet and floor mats are thin. No Lariat logos on leather seats or mats. No silver metallic 2- tone paint/gray interior available for Lariat. Smaller front floorpans. Captain seats design/placement of seat belt tensioner is awful. Outside mirrors too big & not painted.

• 

  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By nanny kay - April 24 - 8:06 pm

  Highway gasoline mileage has exceeded 31 miles to gallon. What I like best is the ease of entry and exit. I do not have to have a handle to help me to get out. I AM 70 YEARS OLD AND THE EASE OF ENTRY AND EXIT IS MOST IMPORTANT!. Have had more compliments on this car than any I have ever owned since 1959 Galaxy .

• 

  Great Truck - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Paul Espy - April 24 - 7:27 pm

  shop around for deals

• 

  Love my AWD SUV hybrid - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By alicep - April 23 - 4:03 pm

  I traded in my 4.0 liter 2002 4X4 Ford Ranger for this SUV. I had stopped driving my truck because the gas mileage was 14mpg. I only drove it to the mountains and then three people didnt fit comfortably. I cant wait to take this in the snow. Ive had this vehicle 4 months and love it. Its so smooth and its fun trying to keep it on electric. But I miss peeling out like I did in my truck and no more doughnuts in the snow! The power took a little getting used to. It doesnt throw you back in the seat when you step on it, but it gets up and goes so smoothly you dont even notice the acceleration.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bill - April 23 - 9:13 am

  Freestyle has a lot room, quiet and smooth ride. Gas mileage has been reasonable for a large car. Acceleration is very good for a large car that gets decent gas mileage.

• 

  Fusion is a solid car aside from F&F - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By DualFordOwner - April 22 - 7:36 pm

  Just got my 07 SEL V6 leather Fusion and like it a lot. Sharpest car on the road and the Redfire paint and spoiler are awesome. Extremely smooth transmission and the V6 is as powerful as Id ever want/need. Love the lines on this car but not quite sure about the rear tail lights yet, but theyre growing on me.No interior rattles and am amazed at how well this car corners with no roll. Only issues I have so far are with the fit and finish in some areas. You get a lot of car for the money so maybe I shouldnt be complaining about the fit and finish?

• 

  No resale value - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Ralph Conrad - April 22 - 6:09 pm

  I love the fusion but after 1 year of ownership and only 7k mile on the odo, the car I paid 32k for is only worth 16k. Truly, fords dont hold their value