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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  Should be a bestseller - 2017 Ford Fusion Energi
  By New Englander - March 14 - 5:40 am

  Two generations ago Ford Fusion was basically a modernized K Car. It was solid, but boring. Last gen featured the curvy new Aston Martin design. Big step up, comfortable, nice ride, Sync and Sync 2 was a disaster. With this latest refresh and Sync 3 they really nailed it. There are so many thoughtful touches like the door unlocks by touching the handle and there are lights underneath the side view mirrors so that you can see where you are stepping out. The ride is Lexus quiet, and I would argue the powertrain is smoother. With the Energi you guve up trunk space, so if this is your only car, it probably wont work for you. But as a second car or commuter car, its pretty perfect. You only get about 14-20 miles per charge but thats still good enough for around town driving before the engine kicks in. With holiday incentives and the fed credit it came out the same price as the standard hybrid model, so I went with this for the extra gas savings. Check it out, you wont be disappointed.

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  1998 Best by Far for Ford - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Ford Man - March 13 - 7:58 pm

  I have a 1998 Ford F-150 4.6L 2wd. This truck has been through thick and thin as a farm truck. I have pulled my round bailer with ease. I still have the truck and plan on giving it to my son soon. This truck still has some get up and go and can still jump when you press the pedal to the floor. I think I forgot to mention that it has 375,419 miles on it. I havent had to swap or do anything at all to the engine or the transmission, and it doesnt look like I will have to anytime soon either. I have had Chevys but they do not have near as much as my Ford right now. I will tell you right now that 1998 must have been a good year for Ford. The only thing I have had to change is the oil, & tires.

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  Loving the C/Max Energi - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By 1stpev - March 13 - 8:01 am

  Just purchased the new C/MAX Energi. I wanted the fuel economy, but was concerned whether it would provide the power I wanted. I wasnt disappointed. Nicely appointed, this car drives like a dream. But be careful, no road noise leads you to go a little faster than you think. Had it to 85 on the highway today, thinking I was doing about 60. Seats are extremely comfortable with great lumbar support. Smooth ride, excellent acceleration - but very little storage space for long trips. You can go about 100 miles for the same cost of a gallon of gas, depending on where you live. The only downside - they are hard to find! If are lucky to find one at your dealer, grab it before its gone.

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  Best in Class - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Eric - March 13 - 7:50 am

  The Ford Fusion has it all, well almost. The car has sleek lines and handles like it. The 6 speed automatic is flawless and never searches for gears. The car is very quiet on the open road, very little wind noise at all. Compare this car to the others in the mid-size segment and it is a winner! You cannot go wrong with this car. I love it as much now as the day I bought it. I chose options such as ABS, heated seats, traction assist, and leather interior. With X-plan pricing and a rebate to boot, I couldnt go wrong. Neither can you!

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  V6 Mustang Convertible with 6-speed Auto trans. - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Pete H. - March 13 - 7:33 am

  This is not a race car, nor is it a dragster. What it is is a relatively fast, nice-handling, sport-touring car. Good acceleration, good braking and gives you confidence in the twisties. The front seat is roomy and the cockpit is comfortable. My only real complaint is the OE sound system... Youd think they would put premium sound in such a nice car - I spent an additional $1000 to add a subwoofer and to upgrade the stock speakers and amplifier. The rear seat is a convenience that I like over the Miata - the only other rag-top tourer we were considering. All in all, we like the car a lot and look forward to the adventures that await!

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  Well made American Sedan! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dameon - March 13 - 1:43 am

  Worth the money. Its comparable to many of the more expensive euro sedans. Drives well and very comfortable. I like that it sits up high. When Im not driving, I spend most of my time thinking of places & reasons to drive. I wish Id got the Limited AWD now.

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  I love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By MeganNY - March 13 - 1:36 am

  I love my 2005 Ford Escape. I did a lot of reserch on compact SUVs and the Escape gives me the most bang for my buck. Its easy to drive, responsive and small enough to park anywhere (even in NYC)!

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  Excellent car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By 08TaurusMO - March 12 - 9:12 pm

  Bought as a replacement for my gas hog, it was like getting a raise! 24- 27 mixed driving. I am 6-2 280 and full size teen agers, all fit with room to spare, more than my Tahoe had! So far never back to dealer for anything. Has been an excellent car!

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  Review on Edmunds - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Family of Six - March 12 - 7:00 am

  I havent been on an extended trip yet, but have some limited time on highway. Horse power is adequate. Kids love the room, and the fact all seats are comfortable.

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  Raving Owner - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By tonyb - March 12 - 6:40 am

  This is my second Fusion in 4 months. The first Fusion I purchased was in an unfortunate accident which totaled the vehicle. The good thing was that I was safe with no damage done, with the exception of the car. I liked it so much that I went out and bought another one.