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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  Nice Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Michael - May 8 - 3:20 pm

  Overall this is a nicely done car. Styling is much more distinctive than the Japanese, but the mechanicals are still not as refined. The engine could use a bit more torque, but horsepower is good once you get the revs up. Interior is very attractive with the piano black trim - although Im concerned about scratches. Overall I would recommend it, especially since its several $1000 less than a similarly optioned Accord.

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  Great Family Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert Emslie - May 8 - 1:20 pm

  Many reviews have dunned the 500 for the Euro-styling and adequate power. What few mention is the largest in U.S. trunk and excellent fuel economy. The 21 cubic foot trunk shames the Avalon with only 14 and the ability to get 25MPG real-world on regular grade gasoline keeps me glad I made the purchase. On the down side, I wish the nav system had been available in 05 and there is a bit of wind noise around the A-pillars.

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  Green SHO - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Green SHO - May 8 - 12:47 pm

  I have owned this car for 10 years and have nothing but praise for this vehicle. With a 5-speed and the Yamaha 3.2, there is nothing that I cant do if there is a need and still get 22 city/26 highway, in these days of $3 gas. New clutch assembly, new valve cover/manifold gaskets and new wires, but this is the only expenses Ive had besides maintenance - oil/filters, tires (3 sets), batteries and belts. I will have to sell soon though and will miss this car as soon as its gone.

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  Fun Work Truck - 1993 Ford F-150
  By Willy - May 8 - 12:13 pm

  Amazing work truck that can hold up to what ever a fast 17 year old can throw at it, work or play!

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  Mustang GT Performance Pack, is better than Camaro - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Nation - May 7 - 12:28 pm

  After coming from a basic, 2013 Camaro v6 manual. My Mustang is so much better in so many ways, I can actually see out of the Mustang! I have the base gt with performance pack, so comparing the performance of the two cars isnt really fair. Although comfort, interior quality, and technology is much better! I also find the 6 speed manual on the gt to be very smooth shifting. The only negatives I have found with the car, is that the exterior panel alignment could be better, gas mileage is sub par, but hey it is a v8! Also the back seat is not very comfortable to anyone over 51 due to the fastback design. I love what the base gt comes with although my word of advice if you are not going to upgrade the sound system, is to go ahead and step up the shaker system. The base 6 speaker audio is severely lacking. In fact it is dissapionting for a $32,000 car to have such a crappy system! There is no bass response and if you turn the radio up to 20 the music will sound like a muddy mess! Although I have never kept factory audio systems long, I find this one to be the worst system I have experienced, but I am currently in the process of upgrading it. Overall I love the car! Its is a beautiful body style, and drives amazing! It is very confident in corners, and the 6 speed manual is a thrill the throws are crisp. Clutch pedal travel is a little long, but it doesnt fatigue you in traffic. In my book this car gets a solid 4.5 stars!!

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  dusty - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Linda Kammeyer - May 7 - 7:48 am

  The only negative I have found with my 2016 Escape is the dust that collects around the inside of doors and the hatch. We travel some gravel roads and always have dust in door frames and hatch.

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  Satisfied with the hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By stormpeakco - May 7 - 7:36 am

  We purchased this vehicle primarily to become more carbon neutral. This vehicle has far exceeded our expectations for us and our two large dogs. We have achieved an average of 29.75 miles for the life of the car (22K) and that includes residing at 7000, winters in the snow country with soft snow tires and CO winter gasoline. A recent trip to the west coast yielded 31.5mpg. Sure it is gutless but it is supposed to be with only a four banger and runs on regular, not jet fuel. Thus far it is the ideal primary vehicle

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  transmission - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By diane - May 6 - 10:03 pm

  well, all i can say is i thought this was my car of choice.only owned for 2 yrs and transmission went out. dealer states "oh, you will love the 6 speed transmission".it does have 70,000 miles but i have never ever nor my husband had this happen with a vehicle before.we did call dealer and ford customer service but we got no where with them! we were going to buy a new taurus or fusion but you couldt GIVE me one now and that is what we told dealer and ford.very very ashamed of ford.we wlii buy a honda!!

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  Least expensive sports car you can buy - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Andrew Connelly - May 5 - 2:56 pm

  I just purchased my 2002 Mineral Gray Mustang GT two weeks ago. I was going to trade in my wifes car, give her my SUV (since she is stopping work), and buy a sports sedan for myself. I looked around and found that the sports sedans I liked, even used, were about $27k and up. I found this car with 17k miles for $15.8k. So I kept both cars and added this as a third. It already has the Magnaflow exhaust and cold air intake system. I highly recommend the Magnaflow exhaust for this particular year. It really sounds great. Not too loud, not as soft as the stock. I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old and they fit in the back no problem. Took 7 years of convincing my wife, but worth it.

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  Everything great so far except ... - 2006 Ford Focus
  By David Leyden - May 5 - 6:56 am

  Fuel Economy - PUTRID! Supposed to get 26 mpg city driving and so far only getting 18, if Im lucky. True, only have 800 miles on the car so far and the engine break in period is not over and I do have a heavy foot and it has been freezing here in New York but Im getting about 170-180 miles for 11.5-12 gallons (city driving). Dont think it should be that bad. Ill see how it is after 2000 miles.