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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  Good deal - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Oldfellow - August 16 - 8:12 pm

  Purchased with the clunker program. Good deal - outdoor total was less than $22k. Still in break-in, fuel economy is about 20mpg, not bad. Build quality is excellent so far, but the Hankook tires seem not in the top quality

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  Mustang Ecoboost - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Jay - August 16 - 7:24 pm

  This is the first vehicle that I personally owned, I wanted something strong, yet fuel efficient. This Ecoboost is a dream. Pick up is amazing, smooth changing of the gears. I was worried due to the fact that I had back issues, but once getting in and out was not an issue, and it was comfortable. I bought the vehicle for me to drive just myself and maybe friend around, so the back seat (or lack of) does not concern me to much. My only true nit pick is the lack of an Auxiliary port. A lot of these new vehicles want strictly Blue Tooth for hands off, but i prefer to have more of an option for it.

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  Fusion frenzy - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By hammer - August 16 - 4:19 pm

  Had my SEL for 3 weeks now. Its a a great car. I have the Blue Suede and moon and tune pkgs. The blue suede seats really dress up the interior of the car. The 18 inch aluminum rims gives the car a sporty exterior appearance too. Overall a solid car

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  Some disappointment - 2009 Ford Escape
  By GVLIVING - August 16 - 2:22 pm

  Thought Id wait a few months before reviewing. I do like the Escape but it does have flaws. Tan interior dash looks great but causes so much glare your eyes get tired on a lengthy trip. Should have black upper part like most autos. Also glare on tach/speedometer plastic at certain times of day. Seats are fairly comfortable even though there is no lumbar support offered. Surprised about that. Transmission gives off a hoot or whoot everytime you start off. Common problem on forums. There is a vibration somewhere in the dash directly in front of the driver. It cannot be located and on many occasions drives me nuts. Wish I had done more research on the Ford Escape forums before buying.

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  Long time Honda buyer goes with a GT - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Jim B - August 16 - 1:01 pm

  This is the first Ford product I have owned in 20 years and I have to say that Ford has made serious progress. I have casually considered GT Mustangs for the past 10 years - I wanted that V- 8 engine - but was put off by many things. Among other things, the poor quality and ergonomics of the interior, the cheap black side mirrors, and rather bland handling. But I guess Ford finally listened to Consumer Reports. The interior is 200% improved over previous models and they finally put body-colored side mirrors on the car. The handling, however, is what really shocked me. It is on par with my Acura TL. The engine, of course, is what this car is about. It will not disappoint.

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  Work Truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Me - August 16 - 10:55 am

  This is a great truck for the money and its easy to work on but be ready to work on it because nothing lasts. Make sure to do all preventative maintenance.

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  love the safety and room but the engine. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By gerri - August 16 - 10:48 am

  Purchased my ford explorer xlt brand new. I love the safety of it. The comfort is great but the engine yuk. Ive replaced the transmission once already. Slowly parts start to go. Fords attitude was your warranty is up nothing we can do!! I would buy it again only if the quality of the engine and trani were better. And use better parts all around!! I love to buy american but lets see the quality and customer service get alot better!

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  6 to one, half dozen to the other - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By bigfly - August 16 - 8:53 am

  We had the car for a month or so until we noticed the ground effects in the front were warped. We were told by Ford that we could either leave it alone or have them replace it.I elected to leave it alone. Overall, we were impressed with the acceleration and amenities of the car, along with the build quality of the somewhat dated interior. We were happy with the looks of the car and the Mach 460 sound system whether the top was up or down!

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  Comfy SUV! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Elias diaz - August 16 - 5:54 am

  Great fun SUV Enjoy cruising my explorer, north to south , South to north. Explorer all the way. The classic the better. May get an other baby explorer: 2001.

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  Ford Freestyle Review - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Ronald Franz - August 16 - 3:23 am

  The vehicle has exceptional handling and acceleration. The continuous variable transmission (CVT) gives excellent acceleration especially on hills in ski country. The handing with AWD has also been excellent in driving in snow covered roads. The look of the vehicle is comparable to much more expensive competitors. The storage space and flexibility of the interior is outstanding.