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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  AWESOME RIDE - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By usfed - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a new 2003 Turbo Beetle for this vehicle. I do not regret doing so! Nice interior and I love the basket leather and styling. It is a rocket! The blue color attracts much attention. I constantly have people approach asking about this car. It is cool too that it only will take the good stuff for gas. It would get it anyway! 25 miles per gallon on the freeway is not bad for a muscle car like this. The shaker hood is too cool and makes the car. I was considering the cobra but the Mach 1 looks better and is fast enough for the street. Especially with this color. Ford, keep this blue color exclusive to the Mach 1!!

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  good - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By tony15 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  it was the best

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  Freestyle SEL - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By RMG - January 10 - 1:16 am

  Terminated our lease on an 03 Explorer to get into the Freestyle. Went to the dealer expecting to purchase the SE model but with the Family and Friends program pricing got an SEL well within our budget. The styling upgrades and standard features on the SEL are well worth the extra expense.

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  The Near-perfect Family Cruising Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Charles from Canada - January 9 - 10:26 pm

  I tested them all. Replaces LR3 and before that Honda Pilot. Blows both those cars out of the water in almost every way. Space, space, space, comfort, drivability, features, practicality, fit and finish, design are all superb. Never seen a Ford like this before. Did a couple road trips with the wife and 2 kids and it was amazing for everyone. Separate seats and huge storage bin in the back for kids. Bought with separate screens in headrests so each kid could watch a movie of choice or my daughter could plug in laptap in 110V plug or son could plug in Game cube to screen. Comfortable seats, smooth drive, feeling of safety, great nav/sat radio for the adults. Outstanding vehicle!

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  MPG update - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By cllgmom - January 9 - 8:16 pm

  Mileage has risen from 13 to 16 for primarily city driving with 1100 mi. on odometer. Im hopeful that when we drive 400+miles roundtrip on highway soon it will rise further. No negative issues have cropped up, but I have now noticed some rather cheap finishing on exterior trim. Other than those two things, Im still very happy with it.

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  Ford Escape Hybrid Engineers made America proud - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By nemakv - January 9 - 2:53 pm

  Too bad Ford engineers made America proud with the only utility plus fuel economy SUV that Toyota was not able to match by calibrating the hybrid engine to work only on electrical power in certain circumstances, while Ford managers discontinued this unique and most reliable Ford vehicle for 2013 model year. Ask New York police and city taxi, also San Francisco taxi service, which retired Escape hybrid SUV only after 300,000 miles without any major problem. Thats why its very difficult to find used 2009-2012 Escape Hybrid with lower miles for sale, owner keep this Escape model longer vs. unreliable non-hybrid Escape. Now Toyota released 2016 RAV4 hybrid and will be the only one non-luxury winning combination utility and fuel economy vehicle on todays market that the public most prefer, since Ford Escape hybrid is discontinued and its hard to find on used car market.

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  Perfect vehicle for me - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Roberta LaBarbera - January 9 - 9:53 am

  Very easy to drive. No blind spots. Handles very well. Looks awesome. Would definitely recommend the Edge Titanium to anyone. Only wish it had a better sound system in it. Im used to the quality of Bose, and the Sony is noticeably lacking.

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  Good little truck - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By timo74 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 02 Ford Explorer Sport used with 86K on it. Ive had it for two or three years now and Im very happy with it. It now has 110K on it and has been very reliable so far. Some features have stopped working (CC, outside temp, a couple buttons on the radio, the 4WD Low setting) but it still gets me around just fine. The only parts Ive had to replace so far are the wheel bearings and the fan belt. Still, I wont complain. Its a good little truck! Im thinking my next vehicle will most likely be another Ford Explorer or Escape.

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  Perfect Work Vehicle - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jwappraisal - January 8 - 9:03 am

  After gas prices went over $3.00 a gallon, it was time to trade in the 2006 F150 V8 (16-18mpg) for something with better mpg. I use my vehicle for work and travel quite a bit so gas prices are very important. My 2008 Escape is getting 23-26 mpg and is saving me a bundle on gas.

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  Whats up with the brakes?? - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Christopher Lake - January 8 - 7:46 am

  I have had my EDGE about 10 days. When applying the brakes, it sounds like metal-on-metal, just like I have gone too long without changing pads, and am now riding on bare metal shoes. The dashboard lights are very dim, no matter how far I turn the dial up. Im a big guy and that isnt the Edges fault , but short trips are better on my left knee that is jammed against the side door. Right knee is okay. I drive alone, so there are no passenger complaints. Gas mileage averages about 27MPG so far which is better than I thought. Will have to readjust headlight beam throw as the length of lighting comes up short, high beams superb!