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 a keeper - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Paul K. - July 22 - 1:59 pm

  I was attracted to this car by its sharp looks and great performance, and after four years, I still love it. It may not be the fastest car on the road, but its the biggest bang for the buck, and will surely blow off most of the boy racers. The horsepower and torque figures are claimed to be 305 and 320 respectively, but the dyno has shown substantially higher numbers. This is my fourth Mustang, the last one being a 98 Cobra, very similar to this, but I like the Mach better. Gas mileage is really very good for a performance car at 23 - 28 mpg. If you can find a clean example at a decent price, go for it. Ill be keeping mine for a long while. Its sure to be a collector.

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  Excellent car for the buck - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Dee - July 22 - 10:31 am

  Great car for the money. Fuel economy, roomy inside as well as the trunk. Cant complain other than the road noise is a bit loud, but the radio works well!

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  Nice value. - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By dambina - July 21 - 3:02 pm

  Honestly, we bought our Fusion because it was priced significantly lower than the Camary and Accord. With just over 4K miles, it has exceded all of our expectations. Weve averaged over 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, which is a bit better than EPA estimates. It drives quite well and handles very well in traffic and on turns. Our family of four just returned from a week long vacation and we were able to fit comfortably inside with all of our stuff! Weve had no problems so far, although SYNC has had bad voice recognition.

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  MyEscape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By stam2828 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  own v4 5spd xls for exactly one year with 15000 miles. cannot conclude reliability due to shortness of ownership, but no problems so far. impress with price to value and mpg. very roomy inside, great headroom and good trunk space for mini-sub. ideal for small family that requires childseats. shifts smoothly, however engine has "stalling" feeling when coming to a stop. ride is a bit bumpy but expected for a suv. engine noise also a bit loud but ok with me to drown out crying kids!

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  Freestyle is the best! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Clifford McKinstry - July 21 - 8:30 am

  After 5 Windstars since 1995, the Freestyle meets all of my needs, and is a delight to drive both locally and on trips. Very comfortable and has all the power I need. The CVT is a delight.

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  Larrys Fourth Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Larry - July 20 - 10:33 pm

  Sounds great for a six cylinder. Great pick-up/power for a six cylinder - plenty of power. Not too pricey for a sporty car like this - reasonably priced. Good buy for the money. Shaker 500 sound system sounds great. Gas mileage - about 20 mpg around town - is satisfactory. Ive had Camaros, Trans-Ams, a Corvette, and Mustangs, and this is my favorite so far.

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  Rangers lead the way - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By easyv - July 20 - 11:20 am

  My third Ford Ranger, a 2008 XLT, upholds the proud tradition of its ancestors. Great mileage 28 MPG. Unbelievably affordable. Unmatched reliability single key turn start in sub zero weather, and I dont have the engine block warmer. Safe in a collision. Low maintenance. Great resale value-try to buy a used Ranger, you might as well just spend the extra $1000-2000 and get a new one. If you need an affordable, low-maintenance, reliable commuter vehicle, the Ranger is it

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  Good Truck/Car - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By William - July 20 - 12:00 am

  Actually went into the Ford dealership to look at the new Mustang and drove home a Sport Trac. Handles very good, rides comfortably, good sound system and functions well in 4 wheel drive. The truck bed is just big enough to handle daily needs and with the cover offers a secure "large trunk". So far I have enjoyed this vehicle a lot.

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  Still going - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By GREAT CAR - July 19 - 3:05 pm

  I bought my Ford used in 2000, It has never broken down on me never had a major problem. Has been to California at least 10 times, I live in Albuquerque,NM. Besides minor maintance like oil and breaks this car has definitely paid for itself. It still drives daily, has no leaks and power still there like the day I drove it for the first time. 225,000 and counting

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  2014 Energi, What a Techno Marvel: Welcome to 2020 - 2014 Ford C-Max Energi
  By miboje - July 18 - 7:55 pm

  This is our first hybrid car. I wish we hadnt waited so long. The car just makes perfect sense, and what a way to say "screw Big Oil!" Weve only had the car about two weeks, and we are already very impressed. Ford did a great job with it. My fiancee drives it to work everyday, about 42 miles round trip. Our terrain is rural back roads, open highway and a bit hilly--great for mild hypermiling. He gets to work in all EV mode and regens a couple miles, and a few miles back toward home before entering hybrid mode. If he could plug in at work, we would rarely ever have to get gas. As it is, I expect we will need to get gas once a month. Wow.. This seems crazy! Very happy overall!