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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  Its about TIME! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Wartowne - April 12 - 6:13 am

  I have put nearly 700 miles on this car in one week. I love it. I am so happy Ford has finally gotten a clue and made a car worth its salt. The price is excellent and the quality is high. Its fun to drive, is no slouch on power and has a very refined feel. The engine sounds and feels great at all throttle settings. I love the steering and placement of switches. The radio is a little inconvenient to operate and sometimes the buttons for the AC have to be pushed a couple of times to activate or deactivate the functions. The sounds system is great and the ride is very quiet on asphalt. Concrete adds lots of noise to the cabin. Money well spent!

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  great car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By MH - April 11 - 7:51 am

  We love the hatchback, but theres more to love, too. Very zippy, even with the automatic, yet pretty good fuel economy. Good road feel and handling. Small footprint with plenty of interior space and decent backseat room. My husband is tall and Im not, but we both feel comfortable driving. Very reliable. Really like the keyless entry.

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  Value for money - 2016 Ford Focus
  By David Smith - April 10 - 11:13 pm

  The Focus model S gives you a completely acceptable car at a great price.

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  Ford Got This One Right! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By David Broadwater - April 10 - 6:40 pm

  I think Ford got it right on this one! I do not know what vehicle the review people drove, but I found more than enough power on the highway for passing, climbing hills or just taking off from the toll both. I do agree about the substandard cloth used on the seats. Other than that, the Freestyle has either lived up to or surpassed all expectations. The engine noise could be a little better, but its not nearly as noisy as my Windstar was. The handling is good and braking is good, and the most important things is that my wife likes it.

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  Fantastic Car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By BrooklynOH - April 10 - 6:36 pm

  Got it about a week ago as my first car. I love it, it is roomy and it runs very well for being 14 years old. Also I have not rust or any body problems. In my eyes it is a perfect first car. ONLY 37000 MILES!!!!

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  100+ Ford - 2007 Ford F-150
  By debug013 - April 10 - 12:38 pm

  This is my 6th F150 Supercrew. 5.4 v8, 3.73 limited slip rearend, chrome package, Dark shadow gray/silver on bottom, skid plates and few other goodies. Current mileage 17K. This is a great truck. Ive had an entire pallet of ceramic tile(3000LBS)in the bed of this truck and the only noticeable difference was the truck sat level instead of nose down. Average 12-13mpg city and 18.5-20mpg highway. Only one minor problem during a cold spell this winter the 4X4 acuator on the front axle wouldnt engage. Dealer found water in acuator and it had frozen. Dealer replaced it in a few hours I was back in the mud.

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  Put it on your short list. - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mike from N.E - April 10 - 5:50 am

  Needed something that could haul stuff and get me to work in New England winters, fit small family for road trips, and get reasonable fuel economy. The Ford Escape fit the bill. It is the first new domestic car my wife has owned! She drives it more then I do. We got the FWD modal. I am impressed with the traction on very icy and heavy snow covered roads. It is very quit on the highway. We have some good friends that almost bought a Honda CRV, (but decided on a GTI). They thought the Escape is a better buy. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Moms Edge - April 10 - 2:23 am

  I was skeptical at first. My husband actually picked out this vehicle. I thought it looked a little strange, but was willing to give it a try. I tried out 3 different types of vehicles and I was sold on the Edge. My teenagers love it and my 19 year old daughter bought one for her self. We now have 2 in the driveway. Every day someone says "What is that?" Sticker prices were a bit higher than expected, but we got an OK deal during year-end close-out specials. I was disappointed to find out that those "bling-bling" wheels were nothing more than plastic wheel covers.

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  very satisfied - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Bill from VA - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I think this is an excellent vehicle. The way it handles feels very much like a car, it has plenty of power and the fuel mileage is good I get about 17 miles to a gallon. There is plenty of room inside for passengers or with the back seat folded down plenty of room to move/haul something. The looks inside and out are very appealing.

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  Highly recommend Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bonkerslynne - April 10 - 2:00 am

  We recently bought a 2004 Ford Expedition. We LOVE IT! It is fun to drive, comfortable and has excellent room inside for kids and all their belongings! We made a small weekend trip the first weekend we had it and it was wonderful! Easy to get in and out of parking places, easy to drive in heavy traffic and fun while doing it! The stero system was awesome! All in all I highly recommend an Expedition for those considering a SUV!