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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  Worth the Wait - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By phil1487 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my F-150 extended cab for a used Sport Trac, and dont regret it at all. While physically smaller, the useable space in the cab is much greater. Bed space is less, but sufficient to move plenty of stuff. With lockable tonneau, it is effectively a huge trunk. Only had it for a month, so have not noticed any issues with accelerate brake wear (yet). Mileage varies from 16 / 21, just like Ford said it would. Only fault I have with it is that you can not get cruise/tilt steering with the five speed stick. Not sure why, but it is annoying.

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  Fusion SEL AWD - More car for your $ - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By D. Amsler - April 16 - 6:23 pm

  Bought an 08 Fusion SEL AWD recently to replace an 05 Focus that met its maker as a result of a red light runner. Though I walked away with only a few bumps & bruises, after seeing the aftermath in the light of day, I decided then and there that I wanted a larger car for my next one. Wanted to stay with Ford as the Fords Ive owned in the past have never given me issues so the Fusion was the logical choice as a "step up" Went with the AWD model because the weather up here in Canada tends to vary widely and in Canada only the SEL trim has the AWD option.

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  Dangerous Transmission Stay Away - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Lee - April 15 - 9:23 pm

  Ford should not allowed to sell cars with this auto-manual transmission. It is dangerous. Ive almost had 4 accidents from it. Twice it jumped in front of cars when i did not want to go and twice when I was turning in front of someone it did not go when I needed it to. Then it is jerky the rest of the time at low speeds like stop and go traffic. Ive had it in to the dealer 4 times so far. They have replaced and reset the control modules but it has not helped. Ford has extended the transmission warranty but if theyre not going to fix it what good is an extension. If I had known the problems I never would have purchased it.

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  Different - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jonkit99 - April 15 - 8:50 am

  Turned in 05 Focus 4dr hatch w/12000 miles. Would have gotten another but Ford discontinued hatch. Need a vehicle to lug around all sorts of stuff (Home Depot) etc. The Escape XLT 4cyl auto. was all that was left for my budget. Stayed with Ford for great discount. Car is different. The 4cyl auto is not as snappy as the Focus but adequate. Like the driving height but miss the telescoping wheel. Electric power steering is great as is the handling. It has a very solid feel when driving. Seats a bit hard but may improve with use. 4 speed auto should be 5 and is not as smooth shifting as the Focus. Cruise control fine. Interior satisfactory.

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  Ford Rocks - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Joe Mckoy - April 13 - 11:03 pm

  I get mad looks when I am driving around town -- everyone likes to stop and talk about this car. I just got back from Iraq and I put a lot of highway miles on this baby. Passing those big rigs was/is fun and easy with this V8.

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  Lemon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Kaitlyn Marie - April 13 - 3:27 am

  I paid $3500 for my 2001 Ford Focus with 60K on it. 2 years later, Ive put $2900 into repaires alone @ 93K. My car might have very well just been a lemon, but I wouldnt ever buy a used ford again. Get a Honda or a Toyota. Do NOT waste your money! I love the look of my car. If I didnt have to constantly repair this car it would be great.

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  Great until....... - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Dan Gianni - April 13 - 12:44 am

  I took delivery 1-3-17. I drive under 6000 miles /yr on average. As of today the car has only 350 miles on it. This car is loaded with all the bells and whistles and is the "top of the line" Fusion model. Last week the cars electronics had a total meltdown in my driveway and had to be towed to the dealer for warranty repair. Until I called Ford Customer service to complain the dealer was content to add the car to their repair queue, saying it would probably be two weeks until they got to the repair.......... adding that they had NO idea what was wrong with it. FORD stepped up and told the dealer to get it done and authorized them to do what was necessary to FIX the car and at least get me into a rental. When the dealer was forced to respond, they found out the audio system had a "draw" on the electronics and was never turning off, draining the battery. So, I still do not have the car back because they donthe have a fix for it at this at this point. Maybe I will get the car back before the 2018 models hit the dealers..........

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  Simply Amazing - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Dave - April 12 - 9:53 am

  Im very fussy and hard to please technically (and not often given to spending the time to write these things). But after 800 miles I am very impressed with this vehicle. The technology in the 2010 Fusion Hybrid is simply amazing and Im happy with my decision. (Did I mention I was impressed?) Ford build quality has significantly improved since my last Ford. I heartily recommend this vehicle. (If youre near Columbus OH, go see Mathews Ford in Newark - they were very accommodating.)

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  Poor Mans Cadillac. - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By CrownVicsPIsRule - April 11 - 3:26 pm

  I bought a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor In April of 2008 that had about 57,000 miles on it. It was in great condition and was only $4000. Its great for family trips and real fun to drive. It has plenty of passing power and is fast off the line. The engine is very quiet and the transmission shifts quiet softly. Mine is Performance White and looks like an unmarked police car. Cars tend to move aside for me on the highways and people aways drive carefully when Im around.

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  Escape Fits Our Needs - 2003 Ford Escape
  By John E. Baker - April 11 - 10:00 am

  We looked at a number of "mini-SUVs." The Ford Escape fit our needs best. Its the right size (not too big and not too small), were confident that it will be safe and reliable, and its fun to drive.