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:

• 

  2013 Fusion Hybrid--Efficient, gorgeous & fun - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By hatnbak - May 31 - 11:03 am

  Have had my car for 4 weeks, 1400 miles. So far Ive averaged around 44 mpg overall, but have hit 52 on certain drives. I love all the tech features in the car (I got a number of the options), including adaptive cruise control, lane control, cross-traffic alert, blind spot warning, voice control for climate/entertainment, etc. Quality of everything feels very good & very European; if it didnt have Ford badges, could easily (from inside or out) be mistaken for a Volvo/Audi type of car (I traded from an Audi). Integrates well with my Droid RAZR and external music device (MOTOACTV)

• 

  No wonder Ford leads the Big 3 - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By detroit ex-pat - May 31 - 5:20 am

  I had been looking at the FEH for a while and happened to find the one I wanted a dealer nearby, so I went to check it out. Anyway two hours later I had traded in my 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx for my new FEH. So far I have put about 8600 miles on it in the 4 months I have had the car and I love driving it. Ive got a 35 mile commute from the north side of Chicago to the western suburbs (a mix of city, freeway and horrendous traffic), and I feel as though the FEH must have been designed to drive my commute. Long haul trips are a breeze as well with the sync system to entertain (or distract) during long hours behind the wheel.

• 

  Mid-life fantasy - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Dave - May 30 - 12:12 pm

  I bought a convertible before I got too old to appreciate it, and Im glad I did. My grandkids complain Im too old to be driving such a hot car. Car is an absolute blast to drive, head and shoulders better than my 2000 GT coupe. Car looks super with top down, and I frequently get compliments. Power top has been trouble-free, no leaks to date. Biggest issue I have is interior squeaks/rattles I never had with my 2000 GT, which are annoying when top is up. Shaker 500 stereo is nice but Im not sure speakers are suited to it. Rear defrost switch is in awkward position, hard to operate/see when in 5th gear. Using cupholders can make shifting awkward. Still, a tremendous value, super to drive.

• 

  I Love it! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Loved It - May 29 - 8:23 pm

  I bought this car, kinda unexpected. I was walking around the cars while having my 06 Focus worked on. And I ran across the car. I test drove it.. and have been in love since! We have the leather interior.. I have never had that in any car.. and love it. The car rides perfectly! I am avg about 34mpg in the city.. and Dont do a lot of hwy driving, but when I went one state up, it was roughly 26mpg. Hybrids arent made for hwy driving! I dont have a lot of the extras, But I love it just the way it is! I was always a Mustang person, But now I will never not own a Escape!

• 

  Love My Ironman - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Ironman - May 29 - 5:50 pm

  I love this 2007 Ford Ironman Explorer. It has just enough room yet not to big. The mileage could be better, but Ill live with it. Its fun to drive and I feel safe. I have 3 grandchildren and needed room for them. The 3rd row gives me that.

• 

  Nice Mode of Transportation - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By 2001 4x4 - May 29 - 3:20 am

  Bought the Ford out of need since my last car was a lemon. So far, the Explorer Sport has been very good to me. Ga mileage is not good but then again, I knew this would be the case because of the type of vehicle. No major repairs only routine maintenance which includes: engine, axle, and transmission oil changes. Radiator flushing, tire rotation, and brake service. All this is done at a Ford dealership as for these types of cars, its important to follow the manufacturer maintenance which is available from Ford or on your owners manual. And NEVER take a turn while driving fast. There are several warning decals on the Explorer Sports.

• 

  nice car - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Mimi Doan - May 28 - 8:29 pm

  comfortable, great ride, lovely to look at and delightful to own.

• 

  I really like it! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Mary - May 28 - 7:10 pm

  I like this truck. I need something nimble and reliable and so far this one is great. Very stylish too! Only thing that needs improvement is the mileage.

• 

  Adventure machine - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By zealman - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle ROCKS! Ive taken it all over Southern California - through the mountains, to the beaches, nice enough for downtown adventures too. the best all-around SUV available, and with plenty of power too. Average 20MPG.

• 

  Our Toy - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By NicBuc - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Our "toy" was bought on a whim. I, the wife, saw it out in front of the Ford Dealers lot and fell in love with the beautiful car. I called my husband and told him about it and asked that he call and ask what the price was. When I got home from work, I asked him if he had called. He told me that he had not but that we would go look at it. When he saw it, he bagan to bargain with the dealer and we eventually took it home with us. I was so nervous that I came up with every excuse I could think of to disuade him from his decision to buy it. All of this was to no avail. We now get many, many envious looks from people. Oh, what fun it has been!