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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  Ford Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Cathy Bell - January 20 - 8:20 pm

  Our Ford Focus meets our familys need for both cargo space and fuel economy. The easy steering makes it a pleasure to drive on busy city streets while driving our kids to their many activities. The interior would be improved with more drink holders, storage, and rear seat head rests. But overall, we continue to be happy with our purchase.

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  Really! - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Ed Everstine - January 20 - 3:00 pm

  The F-Series has been the number one truck for 40 years, the number one selling vehicle (car,truck,SUV) for 30 years. IHS number one truck for overall safety the other brands failed miserably. And you rate it 6th overall. What is wrong with this picture. Number one, why bother with the rest. My 2017 is the second new body style F-150 I have leased. I had a 2015, that also was a great truck.

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  After 6 Months - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tony cayless - January 20 - 8:33 am

  Traded in a Marquis on impulse one winter day when wheel spin would not let me out of the driveway. The Ford 500 seemed to offer a solution and after a test drive out of a frozen lot decided this was my car. Four wheel drive, constant velocity transmission, interior comfort a dream! Took it out on the highway after a heavy snow fall and below zero. This car went where I pointed it over icy conditions and was forgiving. Five months later I still love it. A bonus: I am spending much less on gas and to date have averaged 23 mpg. A good, solid, safe vehicle.

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  Super Duper Thrilled! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Pleased21 - January 19 - 5:30 pm

  All in all I think that Ford did a great job with the Edge. With modern styling and a practical design, this car really is the perfect mix between a car and an SUV. I had a 2003 Ford Explorer and it drives just like it. The best part is that I didnt have to give up a lot of space. Its a great family car and the safety features that come standard are above and beyond what youll find in most vehicles in its class. I am really pleased with my purchase and am so glad that Ford came out with a youthful version of a practical family sadan/sport utility vehicle mix. I can tote my kids around and not be embarrassed to drive it when going out with my friends. Its the best of both worlds!

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  Great Alternative to Traditional SUV - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Todd Rauppius - January 18 - 10:40 pm

  This is proving to be a very nice vehicle. The performance is good to very good; 19-20 mpg compared with 13- 14 mpg in my old mini-van, strong firm brakes, good acceleration (especially at speed for passing). Steering feel is very good, and the vehicle corners flat with a ride quality that is better than an SUV yet not quite as good as a car/wagon. Very good build quality, eveything fits and is aligned.

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  Lost transmission at 72,000 miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By dspindler - January 18 - 7:24 pm

  Nuff said about that. I did research AFTER I bought the car. Had I realized the transmission failures were so common on the 05 I never would have bought it. I didnt realize this was the first year for the CVT. I believe that is why the 500 was moved to the Taraus nameplate. Ford told me to pound sand. Paid $4200 for new transmission. At least I got a 3 year, 100,000 mile warranty with it. Last Ford for me.

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  i look good in this car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By mfetter - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Taut, well put together, quiet, big back seat, zoomy, 23 mpg combined city / highway, great sound system, smooth-shifting SIX speed automatic transmission, six air bags, etc. whats not to like?

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  Pleased with 2008 Escape Hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By George S - January 17 - 11:03 am

  I bought this for the boss to replace a mini-van we outgrew. We wanted to downsize but not give up comfort and the ability to haul stuff from time to time. Oh yes, we wanted to use less gas as well. The Escape Hybrid did all these things for us. It gets a consistent 30MPG which certainly meets our expectations. We have not had any trouble with it whatsoever. Frankly, I didnt expect it to be this good but Ford, so far, has exceeded my expectations with regard to reliability. As an engineer, I appreciate and respect this as a technological achievement. The shop manuals for it have been enlightening and entertaining. To the boss its "push this to go; this to stop". It works for both of us.

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  sounds like a can of loose rocks - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By wild Bill - January 17 - 8:50 am

  I bought my 2006 mistake this month (04 - 2006), and really thought I was getting a good car, but every time I shift, it shudders and clunks as if the drivetrain is going to fall off the car. I took it in on 04-26-06 to have it checked out. They came back and said they called Fords hot line and Ford told them to drive another Mustang with a 5 speed and see if it does the same thing Well it did, so Ford said that it is normal then, that they wont fix it because all the other v6 5 speeds make the same clunks on them, and if they get a lot of complaints on that, then they will research on that problem! Stay away from the V-6 5 speed.

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  Explorer Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By mm - January 16 - 6:40 pm

  Bought it used from a dealer who used it in the winter. Great vehicle for New England snow storms. Built well, low maintenance costs. MPG is not great, it has a smaller tank so it sometimes seems worse than it is. Towed approx. 1500 lbs. easily, sometimes felt like I wasnt towing anything. Rides real rough, had to replace rear shocks at 22,000 and front at about 45,000. Overall not a bad car.