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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  My 2004 Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tracie - October 2 - 9:04 am

  I have had virtually no problems with my Escape in the 4 years that I have owned it. It handles beautifully and has a powerful 4.0L V6 engine, just like new. Good brakes, fun to drive! My only complaint is the gas mileage I get 15 city 18 hwy, much less then what the sticker showed. My husbands 5.3L V8 gets 17 hwy, sad. The only problem I have had is that the airbag light came on just 3 days ago and it has been on since. If it doesnt go off soon I will take it in to the dealership to see whats going on. I love my Escape and plan to drive it for many years to come, might even buy another one some day. It has changed my outlook on Fords.

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  Best Bang for you Buck! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Yeah I got a Ford - October 1 - 2:54 pm

  I was and still am a little skeptical about buying a Ford but for the price you cannot beat its features. I got the Blue Suede Package and its really sharp looking. I wish the car had a little more power but nothing an intake and exhaust cannot fix. Overall I love it so far. Its slick and the sports tuned suspension is slick when handling corners.

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  easy to find in any parking lot - 2014 Ford Focus
  By M. Rohde - October 1 - 5:07 am

  great value..reliable ...really good pick-up...love this car!

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  02 Ford Escape 4 cyl/standard - 2002 Ford Escape
  By smokey2 - September 30 - 8:38 pm

  I bought this vehicle about a year ago as my first car after much thought, and I must say I made the right choice. I chose it for gas mileage and looks, and was able to get a great deal off craigslist. The required maintenence was pricy ($1000 for a new timing belt), but expected. The vehicle is spacious inside, while being able to fit in almost any parking spot and turning around in places other cars cant. The standard transmission is the way to go given the 4 cyls engine power.

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  Fun Ride - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Robin - September 30 - 12:04 pm

  This small car has great get up and a very nice drive. It is comfortable on long trips.

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  Best Buy Ever - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By JeffJJackson - September 30 - 11:21 am

  I knew this was the car for me from the first time I sat in it..lol.. The test drive was my comfirmation. I got about 35 mpg on my trip and did have to refuel until I made it back home..awesome.. Driving this car is an experience.. just test drive one, youll understand..oh yeah..I have the 5 speed manuel..so much fun to drive..

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  Favorite car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By nwkent25 - September 30 - 10:56 am

  I have 50k on this car already-going back and forth from WA to TN and I could not ask for a better car. We did a trip across the country with 4 adults and we were all comfortable. We also spent only $380 in gas (Aug 08). I have the mileage up to 40 mpg. The only thing I have had to replace (besides maintence items) was a blinker bulb for $1.41. I have owned a lot of cars including a Volvo and a Lexus and several Hondas and this has been by far the best car I have owned. I will run this car until it has a million miles on it and go trade it in for another Focus. Get a 5 speed--it makes them way more fun to drive

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  Fun and Practical - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Tony W - September 30 - 6:33 am

  I was looking at the Altima because it was firmer than the base Fusion, but drove a "Sport Appearance Package" car with the tire and suspension upgrade. It has a much different feel. The manual transmission gives you control over the engine the automatic cant. It is a blast to drive and reminds me of a mid-80s Shelby Charger I used to have a long, long time ago, except this car has six airbags, room for 5, etc. Mileage is about 25 in mixed driving. My commutes to work and home are now much more fun.

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  Its a blast - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By shorty6 - September 29 - 9:37 pm

  I looked at Toys but design is quircky. Im 63"& easily fit behind wheel in Ranger. I run 30K/yr. When I need to haul heavy, this is the truck! Ride is very good with 100# or more in the bed, kinda choppy without a load but it is a truck. 4 cyl. is 143hp, yahooo! It gets on the hiway fast, stops on a dime, 27-29 mpg, blows away other trucks ie Nissan, Chevy Colorado, Toys in price!, in value!, in economy!, in performance!, in maintanence cost! My 98 Ranger gave me 218,000 miles. The difference in price to competition buys an awful lot of fuel and repairs if any. At 100K, I only have standard maintainence. Ford will lose me if Ranger gos away. I love its big hp in small package, blastoff!

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  It just keeps on going - 1995 Ford Contour
  By DSpike - September 29 - 7:07 pm

  Bought my 95 Contour LX with the 4-cyl 5-speed manual transmission. Ive been trying to convince myself to buy another car for 6 years now - I have failed over and over again. This car certainly isnt flashy or super powerful, but believe or now it is fun to drive. The two big complaints with this car are ridiculous cup holders and not enough leg room in the back for adults. Mechanically I had issues with the OEM rear struts had them replaced at 20K mi under warranty, then again at 35K mi. At 60K mi I had Midas install non-Ford struts. Am now pushing 215K mi with those same struts. Other than the usual maintenance, this car has been fantastic.