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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  Best truck I ever owned. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Pudley - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned several trucks and this is by far the best I have ever had. It is screwed together very well, comfortable, excellent vision to the sides and rear. The controls are large enough - no tiny buttons or knobs. Systems are intuitive and everything is within reach. Finally enough power in this truck and build quality rivals the best of the pack. Drives and handles very well even with the 18" tires. It was worth waiting for this one. Ford got it right!

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  great price, great car, very satisfied - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Moveforwarder - January 2 - 9:33 am

  i will feel guilty if i dont share my great experiences with you. Great price, great car and great dealer! Ford should tell the truth, instead of 23/31 MPG, i get 27/35 MPG for the first month and first 1000 miles. Yes, as the reviewers here said, I-4 is a little bit noisy when the engine speed is higher than 2000 rpm at local driving. However, when you drive it on highway, man, it is so quiet. I am a Ford lover. Compared to other Ford cars, you can see Ford pays a lot of attention on it and try to regain the No.1 position of family car! Taurus lost its No.1 in 1996. Fusion is very competitive from all aspects; compared to my Focus, it is worth to pay the extra money.

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  sharp looking - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Bob Scholl - January 1 - 11:47 pm

  Great for two on long trip back seats ok for kids not for adults. No storage to speak of . Have to put down rear seat to carry my wifes wheel chair

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  Love My Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Alex - January 1 - 9:46 pm

  I totaled my 2002 Chevy Blazer in December 2006 and that was the best acccident because I found my Explorer. This is car is the best and I couldnt ask for anything more. It is reliable, no major problems. Get the oil changed every 3 months and Im all set. I feel bad for everyone that had a bad experience because this is really an excellent machine.

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  So far, Going Great - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By JACK♠ - January 1 - 4:32 pm

  I have 19050 miles and been enjoying my FS. The cvt is a pleasure. The ride feels tight and secure, alot better than my 2001 Explorer or Windstar. I would recommend this CUV.

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  Escape fits budget and a niche - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Budgetminded - January 1 - 2:21 pm

  Ford Escape LTD is a great choice for several needs - 2 students to share, airport luggage, groceries, running quick errands, weekend trips plus toting the wet Labrador from the lake as well as all around town. Best feature is a percieved value for the low price range. Its our third Ford SUV since 1991, rounds out our family fleet as the low priced "basic transportation" complement to our Explorer Limited & Volvo V70 XC - Ford folks have managed to meet our total driving lifestyle needs for our family of four.

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  Keeps getting better! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By indydan - January 1 - 1:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Escape, after owning an 04 and an 06. This one has a much better ride with the Michelin tires, is roomy for a 65" guy like me, and handles really well. The V-6 is much peppier than my previous Escapes and the new 6 speed transmission is very responsive. Mine is the new Torch red color, and its turned many heads in the few weeks I have owned it. The sync system is really cool and works great with my cellphone. I feel very safe in the vehicle, and other than some engine noise on acceleration, it is reasonably quiet on the road.

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  Wouldnt Considered Ford Before - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Wilda - December 31 - 3:56 pm

  Im short and my husband is tall. Due to five back surgeries, it is difficult getting in and out all sedans, until the Ford 500. Needed to find something that would meet both our needs. Being only 5 foot, I have to sit close to the steering wheel, which always bothered me with todays air bags. If I was to be in a head on accident, I probably would be killed from the air bag. With the 500, I can move the foot pedal towards me and not have to sit so close. The rear sensors will be another big help. I have backed into poles and other things you cant see when backing up. Parking is a easy with this feature. This car is fully automatic and the cruise control maintains correct speed going up hills

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  Its a mini van - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Flo & Jayne - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I find its a perfect mini van for what I use it for, I am a disabled person in which I installed a lift back of the van I find the transit connect very comfortable in the front has all of space that I require for putting in my scooter with the lift that I had stalled in which Ford motor company helped paid part of the left . Most of my relatives and friends and family love the van. I did some minor improvements stall and fog lights and in an extra an amplifier and rear speakers and extra boost quality sound system is a perfect vehicle for my needs certainly gets great gas mileage wind I was breaking it in my girl friend and I were getting 24/33 MPG without air conditioner AC ON 23/26 Mpg

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  Stunning and Powerful - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By DK - December 31 - 6:13 am

  Ive had this car a month and it has been an absolute dream. I traded in a 2014 Focus which turned out to be one the worst cars I have had. I was worried that this car would feel too big or too boring coming from the Focus. That has turned out to not be the case. This car is very comfortable and the quality of materials is outstanding. Soft touch areas surround the cabin and there are lots of little details that make the interior feel luxurious. The exterior is very sporty, especially with the SE Appearance Package. My car is also equipped with the SE Technology Package which I have to say is a must have. The sound system is amazing and the entertainment system is easy to use and is intuitive. The touch sensitive screen can be a bit laggy but its nothing that bothers me too much. My car has the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. This car has a lot of power. I have noticed that the fuel economy is less than what the sticker states, which I knew about before choosing the Fusion. I am getting 22 mpg with mostly city driving, so its not too bad. I would definitely recommend the Fusion! I have been impressed thus far and do not regret my decision.