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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  Cruising in the suburbs - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Steven Salloway - November 7 - 4:30 pm

  This is a nice car. I test drove many cars in its class. This one beat them all and for less money! The gas mileage is great. The car has scored very high in safety features. The back seat is the largest you will find anywhere. It has a timeless understated look to it that everyone seems to like. For such a large car the fuel economy is going over its sticker. It has raised seating that allows for better visibility

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  Freestyle is fun, utility, and economy - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim Kinney - November 7 - 1:19 pm

  This has been a surprising vehicle. I wanted a simple, run-around truck to use mostly in town. I found myself looking for reasons to drive it on long trips. The mileage easily averages 27.5 mpg at turnpike speeds. The power is adequate, and the hauling capacity is amazing. The 6-7 seats are handy, too. Its been to North Carolina, St Louis, central Texas and Colorado. I live in northern Oklahoma.

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  You bought a Hybrid? and a Ford? - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By wamba2000 - November 7 - 9:52 am

  I have bought close to 20 new vehicles while I have been driving, american cars, european, asian, etc. The C-Max is the first Ford product since the late 1980s. The reaction from my friends is really interesting, cant believe I got a Hybrid, and if I wanted Hybrid, why not a Prius. The CMax was the first Hybrid that appealed to me, Main reasons: - wanted a hatchback capable of moving a larger item than would fit in a trunk. - wanted all the toys that are available in higher end vehicles - wanted gas mileage in commuting that would hit at least the mid-30s - had to have enough power to get out of its own way. It delivers on all of these. Had the car 2.5 weeks, it is put together!

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  Great Car - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By Matt - November 7 - 9:48 am

  This is the first new car my wife and I have ever purchased, had always purchased year old cars before this one. The Taurus is very smooth and comfortable car... and big, which I like because it will probably be big enough to keep us from purchasing a minivan (ugh) in the future. Just took the first long trip and got 33 mpg with a little tailwind and 27 going back into the same wind. For a 4000 pound car, I think thats more than acceptable. My wife drives it to work and gets about 20-21 around town. One thing I like about this car is the interior room. Im 64" and my wife is 6 and we both appreciate that Ford recognizes that there are people in the world taller than 58"!

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  UGH! Consider something else - 2013 Ford Edge
  By ajanderson10 - November 7 - 6:43 am

  It appears that I may have gotten the DUD of the Edges. I purchased mine new in 2013 after having an accident with a teenager who totaled my previous car. I selected the Edge because it was nice to look at, and it was a fantastic buy. I regret that impulsive purchase now. Since I purchased this car it has been in the shop 7 times, 4 of those in the first 6 months with A/C unit now working properly, and the other 3 times Ive had to have my door latch changed and a sensor in my dashboard fixed. My car is low mileage. Right now its sitting at 31, 200. In addition to these issues, Ive had three dead batteries due to corrosion at the battery leads. Its not an easy fix, and theres really no reason to have to replace batteries so many times. I really want to love my car, but I cant overlook these issues :( UPDATED 09/13/17 at 40,600 miles. Still getting those new batteries....But its still handling well as it should for having so few miles on it. The front Ford Emblem is now silver--but looking around at many new fords 2012/13/14 that seems to be an issue. Youd think they would want to have their emblem be identifiable...or not.

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  Ford tough for me - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By derekt98xl - November 7 - 3:55 am

  I was always a Honda Toyota guy. Then I bought the explorer and has been very reliable. Just maintanence, and I believe that is the key with any car. Some people get angry if their ball joints or suspension parts fail but you have to consider they are a part of regular maintanence. In the past I bought a couple Hondas that had everything wrong with them a week after the purchase simply because of lack of maintanence. So from now on I only buy cars with maintanence reports. Which makes sense if someone goes to the trouble of keeping all those records they must have taken good care of the vehicle. Most of the time those are the vehicles with Nice and clean interiors.

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  fun to drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By joe collazo - November 7 - 3:26 am

  A fun to drive econobox. A sporty suspension, an engine with some spunk and all the amenities that make it as enjoyable to drive as my Miata.

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  Best Yet - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ed Wood - November 7 - 2:43 am

  I am a life long Crown Vic owner. I rented a 500 for a trip up the west coast. I was hooked and bought one the next week. I drive this car over 1000 miles a week and I have had no issues with it. I feel very safe when driving. I like the visibility and high seating (63") - As a replacement for all you Crown Vic owners - Give it a test drive. Im glad I did.

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  A great car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Brian - November 7 - 1:33 am

  We bought the Focus after driving the Escape, RAV4, Corolla, and Civic. We bought the car in DC and live in St. Louis; on the trip back we got almost 34 mpg. Since then we have put almost 1000 miles city and highway at almost 31 mpg. Great to drive on the highway, super quiet. Sound system is quiet, opted for the 6 disk package. We got a SES with the safety package for the same price as a SE w/ safety package, convenience group, and the sport group. Out the door price $14,088. Easy on the wallet for gas, insurance and payments, plus a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty and you have 36,000 bumper to bumper. Great deal, fun to drive.

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  Solid vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Paul - November 6 - 6:48 pm

  I been putting plenty of miles on this vehicle and she holds up strong. Am currently pushing 170,000 miles and have not had to put any major cash into maintenance. Would highly recommend this suv to anyone out there looking.