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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  Makes my work "fun" - 2014 Ford Taurus
  By 9c1chevyguy - February 7 - 10:33 am

  This is one great cop car .we have Chargers and a new Chevrolet "Caprice" well I always grab the "police Interceptor " keys first (ford does NOT like when you call it a "Taurus" .. Of course we do not have all the "bells & whistles " not even a "aux input jack " or even remote lock/unlock (like the Charger and Chevy ) ..but this car just flies ,and I beat on it every day ..50K so far and NO problems ..It does have the 3.5 Twin Turbo EcoBoost ..

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  Be Careful Before Buying the Sport - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By mjctx79 - February 4 - 1:40 pm

  We love our new Explorer Sport 2015. However, our sales person did not have the full understanding of the model differences between the Sport and the Limited. The Sport was suppose to be the Limited Plus and its not. Its missing additional features like a digital speedometer and heated rear seats. Not HUGE deals but frustrating when you think you are getting everything that comes with the Limited Plus some.

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  its still early but loving it - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By jaheem - January 27 - 3:30 am

  about 3 days ago i traded in my crap 2008 chrysler 300 w/ 110k miles for this beauty! & i must say i am very impress so far! at 71k miles, better gas mileage, higher ground clearance, quieter cabin, etc. w/ the 300 i was at the pump filling up about every 2-3 days. but w/ this gem, carmax filled it for me friday, drove to college station from houston & back on saturday, then drove to galveston and back on sunday & im just above half of a tank! avg 27.9 mpgs so far! im 65 & i fit perfectly in it. i got mines is electric blue! & im not missing the 300 one bit, this one grabs peoples attention already! a later review in a few months to update when i pack on more miles on it!

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  Love my Explorer! - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By katandomapa - January 26 - 8:50 pm

  Own a 2015 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD. It has the leather/heated seats, fog lights, roof rack, trailer package, touch screen, voice command, climate control, rearview camera, etc. Wow I love driving this car, you are nice and high up and it feels very sturdy. I have 3 young children so we leave the 2 seats in the 3rd row up all the time. Our 2 older kids sit in the 3rd row and the baby sits in the second row. I love that both back rows have air vents and lights. The third row seats each have their own cup holders and trays. We leave the third row up and there is still plenty of room in the back for groceries or a stroller etc. So happy with the Explorer and love the look of it!

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  2014 fiesta - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By littlemower - January 25 - 1:25 pm

  Love the car does great on gas handles great and looks great.

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  All I can say is WOW! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By mikoj - January 25 - 10:33 am

  I researched for months trying to find the right car for me. I ran across the 2015 Mustang and thought Id give the old pony a try. I had the car built this past fall. When it arrived, I wasnt prepared for the end result. It was AMAZING! Pictures, videos, do no justice! My only complaint is that the back seat is pretty pointless. Even kids have trouble getting back there. It is a major headturner. Everywhere I go, people are complimenting me on this car. If you are a looking for a nice sports car, look no further. I am a 110% happy with my car!

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  I love my ford - 2007 Ford Escape
  By skl333 - January 25 - 4:24 am

  I have a used escape with 3 previous owners I have had it for over a year and a half . The gas mile is as good as my Camry had I average around 24 mpg .I have yet to have any big problems with this vehicle I had a window regulator go out and some mild problems with the cd player when the vehicle has been sitting for a few hours in cold conditions. Its sturdy and easy to navigate while being large enough that the big trucks on the road wont block your visions when trying to make turns or backing out of a parking space. its currently at 117,000 miles and running strong.

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  Buy it - 2014 Ford Escape
  By sal96 - January 23 - 9:08 pm

  Amazing! Totally redesigned, the new escape is powerful, sporty, elegant and comfortable. The titanium package is totally worth the extra money. The SONY touch screen gps interface has a lot of good features. The escape accelerates well on the highway, plenty of power when you put your foot down. The panorama roof is very nice. New electric steering is a BIG improvement and you can feel the difference. Above all you can tell Ford did their homework on this one, the escape has a very nice sleek design inside and out, much better than the asian makes. In Southern california, small suvs were for a long time dominated by RAV4s and CRVs. Now I see more of these escapes than the new RAV4.

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  Ford does it again! - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By herman15fusion - January 23 - 5:43 pm

  I recently traded a 2012 Ford Focus SE for a 2015 Ford Fusion SE with 1.5L Ecoboost engine. Man, what an upgrade from the Focus to the Fusion! There is a major difference in acceleration and engine performance. The transmission shifted smoothly, unlike the shake and shudder of the Focus. I currently have only 2,300 miles in the Fusion, but have never owned a better vehicle (Ive owned Ford, Honda, Chrysler, and Chevrolet). Im averaging 26mpg in city driving, and am usually an aggressive driver. The interior is roomy, quiet, and inviting. Even with a rear-facing carseat behind me, I have plenty of room in the drivers seat. I highly recommend this car! Way to go, Ford!

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  I adore this car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By tamedcowboy - January 23 - 1:14 pm

  106,000 miles on my GT California Special and stone dead reliable. Smooth, muscular V8 sound. Awesome acceleration. Super comfortable seats and touchpoints. I took it on a 7,600 mile trip last summer, averaged exactly 25 mpg and never got backache. Love, love love the comfort. This is the first car Ive ever owned that I enjoy just to take for a drive. Says it all. I hope I own it the rest of my life.