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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  wifes new suv - 2003 Ford Escape
  By vmc - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Great over all SUV, this is my wifes and she has nothing but good things to say about it. The only things that she and I do not like are that the leather seats are too firm and it has no outside temp or compass feature.

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  Let It Snow! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Luv It - July 27 - 2:00 am

  After driving a rented Escape for a week in Colorado I was hooked! It was comfortable (which for me is very important, I am short and this is the first vehicle that I can drive and not feel like the steering wheel and dash are in my chest),peppy, and quiet. My driveway is 200 feet long, uphill to get out in the morning and with even an inch of snow I was never able to get out with my minivan. Now, even with 8" the Escape doesnt even struggle, it just plows right through to the top! All though I did tons of research prior to buying, I went with the Escape and Im so glad I did!

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  This is a Ford?? - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By scape2 - July 26 - 10:52 pm

  After 17,000 miles no problems, 24.7MPG average. No squeaks, rattles. Rides and handles like its on rails. Quiet. Solid build, great fit/finish/quality

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  Its a head turner - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By onkar velankiwar - July 26 - 9:06 pm

  Proud to own it... i see every head turning to hav alook at the race red pony... revs great... makes other cars look like moving in slow mo... great mileage.... just a little stiff in terms of shock absorbers but its a sports car not a family comfort car....

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  Austin Bluesman - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Bill Henricks - July 26 - 3:50 am

  Love my Mustang Ecoboost Convertible! Power and acceleration is probably good for most people. But I wanted a bit more power for hills I drive. I was able to make some easy modifications to improve power. Next step is upgraded turbo. Looks great, good visibility for a sports car and I find the convertible very enjoyable. Car drivers car.

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  Long distance trip review - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By jjones - July 25 - 12:45 pm

  I just got back from a LONG trip through many states, including going through the Appalacian mountains. The trip with my family totaled over 2,200 miles. The Freestyle was a great vehicle, offering plenty of room for a family of four with lots of luggage. My experience was that it had PLENTY of passing power. The CVT would ramp up to 5.8K RPM and the car would FLY by anything on the road. Of course, it sounded like the world was coming to an end. Overall, there was not much to complain about. The computer said I averaged ~23 MPG over each tank, which is not bad for a car full of people and luggage.

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  08 Ford Taurus Limited - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Dale Hurren - July 24 - 9:24 pm

  We purchased this car about two weeks ago and already have 1750 miles on it. It is a real nice car to drive and comfortable ride. It also has a lot of power, lot more then the 500 that I drove. I live in Middle Tn. in a rural area which is all hills and curves and we are able to get 22.5 to 23.4 mpg. We went to Kentucky and set the cruise at 65 and got 32.8 to 33.1 mpg.

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  my blue Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Joe Gaver Jr - July 24 - 4:10 pm

  Surprised how gutsy and nimble this thing is despite having 4 fewer cylinders than my 1990 Mustang GT had!

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  Excellent SUV for the bucks - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By 3 time Bronco man - July 23 - 9:30 pm

  Bought this at 10,000 miles. Now have 135,000 and still running strong. Pulls my 21 ft boat easily. Excellent mileage if you are not a lead foot. Best was 23 MPG but avg is about 19. Owned a Bronco II, then an Eddie Bauer Explorer. Very happy with this XLT as well. Problem is the newer ones do nothing for me plus a drop in gas mileage. Unfortunately cannot pull the boat forever with that many miles. Beside brakes only needed front wheel bearings. Spent so much time driving that I need a comfortable ride which this gives. This will be very hard to eventually give up.

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  nice family truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By daarka - July 23 - 3:10 pm

  I replaced my 1977 F150 with this new F150. Other than the name, there is no comparison. This is a luxury SUT in all ways. I cant think of another option I would add. On the road it gets 18 mpg (in Colorado mountains - that is saying a lot). In town I get 12-14 mpg. I have used it to haul supplies to work site, but it is mostly a commuter and grocery getter. It is comfortable and easy to drive. I like the high driving position to see ahead and all around me. It is a bit long to parallel park. I will keep this truck for a while (maybe as long as my 1977 - 28 years!).