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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  Trouble from the start DEALER ONLY - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Dwayne - January 16 - 3:46 am

  This is my 6th Ford truck and like all the rest, I really enjoy this one. Nice to have a vehicle with leg room for a large person of 65" FINALLY. We Americans are large people why are you taking away the leg room? Sorry! This vehicle is a good buy. When I purchased it, the check engine light was on and the dealer let me leave with it that way. Telling me to give it a few days to see if it clears. Yes, thats what they told me. As might guess, it never cleared. Back to the dealer twice in 3 weeks to resolve the matter, they still have it. I found the tail pipe was bent and kinked. No one there listens but the exhaust is not able to escape properly.

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  AWESOME for Families - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By abswheeler - January 15 - 9:43 pm

  My husband used the Freestyle, instead of a truck, to pick up the boards to build our fence. We both love the versatility and great gas mileage. The ride is also smooth and quiet. Easy access to children and cargo.

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  Great Cruiser - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Mark Bu - January 15 - 4:02 pm

  The Taurus line is know to be reliable and safe. I purchased this 2008 Ford Taurus (SEL) 3.5 Lt to offer long term reliability while getting a low purchase price. Car at 67,000 miles (less than 1 month of purchase) does NOT have a working A/C system. Currently at dealer I purchased hoping they can find the source of leak. I purchased lower profile and wider tires as it felt boaty and a slight rock back and forth. Changing the tires to top of the line - Continental Grand Touring Pure-Contact tires made a hugh difference in feeling solid and no sway feel. After driving it around for one month, I would have to say this would be a great cruising car on the highways. It is very solid, sound proof and is so comfortable inside. However, to be used around town or to zip in and out of traffic, this car is NOT. Mileage is not very good in my book but for a 2008 it actually is good if that makes sense. If used on the highway, I am sure is would get 25-26 miles per gallon. True round the town is probably in the 20 mpg range. One thing I did notice about this car was the extensive rusting of the cars frame. I believe I read about this before buying this car. I placed it on the dealers lift before buying and would have to say it is the worst rusting of any under belly of any car I have ever seen. Car was a one owner in the hills of PA. I will purchase spray cans of a very expensive product sold buy Eastwood to slow or stop the rusting process. Again, I would purchase this car if you dont have to drive much and if you did, it should be a highway vehicle to get the most out of your money.

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  Not bad - 2005 Ford Escape
  By drlee - January 15 - 1:13 pm

  Not bad for an American car. I really bought it because my son works for Ford so I got a great discount plus the fact that my 94 Ford Ranger got me $2,000 more for a trade-in than Honda or Toyota would have given me. Sits high, fun to drive, great in snow! Overall Im very pleased, but wish it would get better mileage.

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  2008 Escape - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By drdan3 - January 15 - 7:53 am

  I have had the 08 Escape for over two weeks now. Cons: *Body style very trucky - personal opinion but trying to emulate Explorers isnt a selling point for me. The windshield (and entire front end) could be swept back - perhaps improving the aerodynamics and MPG. *Interior - climate control buttons are confusing. Recirculate gets disconnected when using footwarming vents; seems to have a mind of its own. Also the buttons are very small, should have stuck with rotary dial * No grab handles - curtain airbags seems to have made them disappear - no where to hang my dry cleaning * No Bluetooth available - I bought a TomTom 910 for both Bluetooth & GPS.

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  Great Commuter Car - 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By knahs39 - January 14 - 5:31 pm

  I LOVE my C-Max. Ive had it since the end of July and have 3,700 miles on it. Ive averaged 44 mpg on my daily commute over several hills. The colder weather has now dropped it down to 39 mpg but that is still excellent. The ride is quiet, the seats are comfortable, and the Ford MyTouch/Sync system was very easy to figure out and is very easy to use.

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  Base mustang - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Eric Glaza - January 13 - 2:03 pm

  We love the race red paint and the stick shift trans.

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  Ford Focus SE 2013 - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Steve England - January 12 - 11:03 am

  Good performance, good driving reliability, low cost maintenance. 2013 transmission had a slip, needed an overhaul.

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  Love My Weird Looking Car - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By clovjul - January 11 - 6:16 am

  I had the 2013 Fusion and hated it. They put me in this, even though I was resistent. It is funny-looking (better than the ugly Prius, but that isnt saying much). And now I freaking love my weird looking car. It is fun to drive, feels spacious inside but is easy to zip around. The MPG is about 35 right now and I think I can get it higher. Not 47, but maybe 40. The seats could be a bit more comfortable, but I really love driving my car and am loving owning a hybrid. No way would I consider the Prius now.

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  Guaranteed to throw your money in the trash - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By BooFord - January 10 - 6:59 pm

  This is by far the worst car I have ever purchased. Its a beautiful car and the interior is very nice but the performance is junk. Without an extended warranty I would have paid around 5 to $10,000 worth of repairs. The acceleration is very poor and caused me to have 2 near accidents because it would not accelerate. It has a rough idle. I have had the entire gas tank replaced because it rattled and was misfiring. Engine has had work and numerous recalls. Do yourself a favor...dont buy this car. You are guaranteed to throw your money in the trash. My warranty is up in 5000 miles and Im stuck with a junker that I cant rely on and I will spend tons of money to repair down the road. I still have a note on the his car as well so I am really in a bad position.