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:

• 

  AWD Hybrid Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By NYdriver - April 25 - 10:33 am

  We now have close to 2000 miles and the gas mileage is 31.5 mpg. We like the SUV a lot. There is no other 4WD SUV that comes close to the gas mileage and living in the north east where the winters are brutal, 4WD is very important.

• 

  No problems after 5 years - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Dave - April 25 - 2:41 am

  I have had this truck now for five years with zero problems. The V-6 is fabulous for a 2001. The only other V-6 that equals this is the Tacomas, but was a lot more to purchase. I really have loved the truck, and other than a few recalls when I first bought it, Ive never have taken it in for any reason. I wish gas mileage was better, but its just as good as any other truck engine that size.

• 

  All I expected and more - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Paul - April 24 - 3:03 pm

  So far I am totally satisfied with mileage, comfort and performance. It is not a race car but definitely has enough power to satisfy anyone other than speed buffs. More room inside than most larger cars. Best purchase I have had in a very long time. Cant wait to see how it will be in snow with AWD.

• 

  Great car, even for first model year! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By tim.m - April 23 - 4:44 pm

  Beautiful car, fun to ride in and even better to drive. Black paint with chrome makes me feel like im driving something fancier than a Ford. When parked next to a Cadillac CTS, the only difference is the grill, lights, and emblem. Why pay the difference in price?

• 

  Sure Winner! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Born Free - April 22 - 8:06 pm

  It does not make sense to me why people have to buy a more expensive SUV like a Benz when they can get a Ford Freestyle. My 2006 Freestyle SEL has got everything I need to drive in comfort, safety and economy. This CUV is recommended by the Consumers Reports magazine and its reliability rating is way better than a those CUV with double the price. It has a very pleasing exterior design. Not too aggressive like a Murano, and not too dull like a Honda Pilot. It drives like a small car and the view is like a penthouse on the road. People complain about the dashboard reflection issue but not really a problem. A bit noisy like a tiger when climbing up the hill but I like it like it is.

• 

  Great truck, will buy an F-150 again - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Carl Comstock - April 22 - 8:14 am

  This truck has been great to own. Low cost of repairs and still at 122,000 miles runs and looks great. I live in the northeast and the truck has seen a lot of winter driving and has very little rust. 4x4 works great and have not had a single major promlem. After 5 years and 60,000 miles I paid out only $368 in repair cost.

• 

  Good family car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By starrdriver - April 21 - 4:36 am

  This is a pleasant family sedan. Even with the 4-cylinder, it cruises smoothly and quietly at highway speeds. Im getting over 28 mpg (manual trans). Clutch engagement is easy and smooth. After driving more powerful cars, the biggest adjustment is I need to downshift to safely pass on two-lane roads. At 80-mph the engine is turning about 3500 RPM and sounds a little busy.

• 

  One of the best midsize family sedans - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ace8726872 - April 20 - 4:38 pm

  2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is one of the best cars in the midsize family sedan segment in the $35,000 price range. With its head turning gorgeous design, Fusion Hybrid delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, often beating EPA estimates of 47/47/47. Cabin is filled with all the hgh-tech gadgets that are usually reserved for cars that cost much more. There are other hybrids that deliver better MPG numbers but no other car can deliver such roomy, whisper-quiet and exceptionally comfortable cabin and composed driving dynamics while delivering class-leading fuel economy. I would highly recommend 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Just go in foR a test drive. You will be surprised how good the car is!

• 

  King of Trucks - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Ivan Gutierrez - April 19 - 11:08 pm

  This is a real mans truck. It will take whatever you throw at it and more. The towing and payload is remarkable. Combine that with a powerful triton V-8 and you have a truck that wont hold back. The build is solid and the fuel economy is not so bad.

• 

  Let the fun times roll! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jdsh2 - April 19 - 5:50 pm

  I love my Escape. I have a black XLT Sport package. It has great pickup, its roomy, and its sporty and stylish. I agonized over buying this vehicle and I am so incredibly happy I did. I looked at the Mazda Tribute and even though they are made on similar lines, the Escape is peppier, has better dash setup, etc. I could go on and on. I have 5 friends that have them and they all love them too! That speaks volumes to me.