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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  Crappy Sun Visor - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Wojo - August 26 - 12:37 pm

  Although almost everything on my Escape Hybrid is great I have had problems with the sun visors since I bought it. On the drivers side, where I need it the most, it has come loose and had to be replaced about once every two years! As it is no longer under warranty it is about $100 to do this, which is in itself outrageous. Although I like the vehicle, if Ford can not fix this I will be looking into a different vehicle. I refuse to pay this for a problem that has been identified by many and not fixed.

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  No complaints - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By NAD - August 26 - 2:58 am

  Bought new now has 126K miles. Original tran. replaced under warranty at 35k miles. Since then its been a pretty good vehicle. Very capable off-road vehicle. Still has original fact. wheel alignment! Does not come close to overheating in the most extreme conditions even when towing. Since resale value seems to be so low suspect Ill drive it till it drops

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  evons ride - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By evon - August 26 - 2:00 am

  overall the truck is great. i have had only one problem with the truck. it rides real smooth. the seats are comfortable (even on long rides). i would buy a ranger again....:)

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  Good solid little car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By car lover - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I like the car. It is a great deal of fun to drive. The interior is reasonably comfortable and the controls and displays are laid out quite well. It handles well except over bumps(the solid rear axel has to go. The engine performance is OK not great. A 3.8 liter v-6 engine should be providing at least 220 HP. The engine is also unrefined, could run a little smoother and less noisy.

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  I love this Ford! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By James G. King - August 26 - 2:00 am

  jUST AN AWESOME VEHICLE! a LOT OF THOUGHT WENT INTO DESIGNING THIS VEHICLE!

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  Eddie - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By azrunner - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Love it, big, fun, gas hog

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By DK - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had it 3 1/2 years and have 51,000 miles on it and have had ZERO problems.The vehicle averages about 16mpg in the city and 20mpg on the highway.It is the best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Ford Edge Limited - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Mike - August 25 - 11:24 pm

  Very practical. Lots of compliments on looks in and out. Ride is a bit stiff with the 20" whl option. Could handle a bit better if your giving up a plush ride. Plenty of go but TERRIBLE mileage for a V6. How others on here get 23+mpg is beyond me when mine doesnt even get 22mpg with cruise on at 60mph on the highway. I get 15city/20highway regularly. Car is too heavy at 4300lbs but strangely the doors are too light and slam shut too easily. Had a problem known to ford with drivers side heat not getting as hot as the passengers. heater core replaced. fixed. Others on here complain about warm A/C but strangely mine is mind numbing COLD! I have to turn it down in 95 degree weather often.

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  Love it! - 2013 Ford Fusion Energi
  By hdolan - August 25 - 11:21 pm

  I’ve now had my 2013 Ford Fusion Energi for one year and 10,000 miles. I would like to comment on my likes and dislikes.

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  Bargain Audi A4 - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By MB - August 25 - 10:16 pm

  I recently decided to trade in my Mustang GT for something more practical and better able to handle Midwestern winters. I looked at the Subarus but they seemed chintzy and kinda ugly (have you seen the new Legacy?), and Hondas (no AWD except for their SUVs). The Fusions AWD is a rarity in this class and along with the big V-6 and iPod integration I couldnt find anything better out there. I have been extremely pleased with the Fusion so far and it has handled Chicago snow without any problem. I hope it continues to impress!