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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  awesome - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By damore - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, it is awesome. Its roomy enough for my whole family but, much better looking than a caravan.

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  Best SUV on the Market - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Mark - March 9 - 6:23 pm

  I have owned this truck for 4 years now, buying it with 72000 miles and currently 120,000, absolutely no problem! I drive it 50 miles a day and its been ol reliable. I know that when I look at a new one in a few years they will be just as good.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Robsxlt - March 9 - 7:46 am

  For years I leased Honda Accords. I loved the cars but outside noise was a problem. After suffering through buying several used cars I landed with my Red 2010 Fusion Sport. This by far is the best car I have ever owned. And Ive had 15 cars and trucks since my first one and Im 42 now. The comfort and sportability of this car is awesome. I nick named my car the "Red Rocket". It has bells and whistles that you wouldnt expect on a Ford or for a mid-sized car. It is extremely comfortable on long drives and gets halfway decent gas mileage on the highway. I would recommend this car to anyone, but get the Sport, you wont regret it.

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  LOVING the Explorer Sport - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Ryan - March 8 - 2:41 pm

  We had a 2011 Explorer, and Im very pleased to say that every little thing that annoyed me in the 2011 model has been totally addressed in the 2016. Real buttons for climate controls, remote start works from more than 10 feet away, and automatic climate control works much better, for example. Im a "driver" and I enjoy a vehicle that can handle itself properly and isnt "lazy". The Sport checks all the boxes. Im very pleased with the throttle response, which is typically terrible in an automatic transmission vehicle, but it is very good in the Sport, making the explorer feel very eager. The ecoboost engine really pulls nicely, especially from 40-80+ mph. Steering response is great, and the explorer stays nice and flat in the turns. Good solid road manners over uneven surfaces. The interior is very comfortable. I love the red stitching on the black leather, looks very sporty. Fit and finish is very good. I purposely bought our Explorer without the adaptive cruise control and collision warning system, because I hated those with a passion in the 2011 we owned. Literally HATED them. Ford has nailed it with the 2016 Explorer Sport. I only have one complaint. The drivers footrest is a little cramped. Thats it. That is the ONLY thing I can think of to complain about. Its a really great vehicle.

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  Freestyle - right for my family - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By gayla k - March 8 - 1:01 am

  I have 2 children, and I also drive long distances for work. The Freestyle gets great gas mileage compared to other SUVs, and with the folding 3rd row seat, I have room for friends and additional family. Its a roomy, comfortable ride. The only uncertainty I still have is the new CVT. Its not a typical shift, so I thought something was wrong with the transmission. I took it in to be checked, and was told thats the way this new transmission is supposed to work.

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  Windveil Blue Stanger - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By David Ford - March 7 - 10:46 pm

  Car handles well and corners great. The smooth shifting of the transmission makes for quick response. Had trouble finding O/D off-on switch at first. Radio (Shaker 500) puts out great sound especially with the CD player. Spinners on wheels were a nice touch. Really was surprised to find traction type bars underneath as well as the aluminum hog head cover. Sounds like a V8 even though only single exhaust. Retro features and clean lines both outside and interior make for a great looking car. Inside storage not very good, door storage could be made somewhat larger; other than that though, a great car. Well worth the money. Have had nothing but compliments from all who have looked at it. Thanks.

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  My New Focus SEL - 2012 Ford Focus
  By l_wnc - March 7 - 11:57 am

  Car is getting excellent gas mpg, better than anticipated--between 35 and 40+ mph on a regular basis. This is why I bought the car! Began to achieve this mileage when I learned to let the transmission do its job and not push the gear shifting or having a lead foot when starting from a full stop. My Sync: it took a little while & reading manual several times to figure out button pushing sequence. Car has great luxurious features and solid feel. Only two complaints: (1) Cant place headrest down flush to seat top or tilt it back; (2) Sometimes feel a small vibration from underneath in 2nd gear--need to get that checked out.

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  Great Ford SUV - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Tom - March 6 - 7:13 pm

  Leather Interior needs to be more comfortable, but overall this is a great vehicle and will buy another one. Very reliable and gas mileage is great even with my lead foot. Finally the US automakers have something to be really proud of. Over 21,000 miles of hard driving and no problems! Highly recommended!

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  Ford Focus met our needs - 2006 Ford Focus
  By J.L.Thomas Jr. - March 6 - 6:56 pm

  The Ford Focus wagon is a comfortable as well as economical car to drive. We have 3 dogs that we like to travel with and this wagon handled all the dogs as well as a luggage rack on its roof. This allowed for the family to travel safely as well as comfortably. We werent certain at first if this 4 cylinder engine would have the power to haul all of us everywhere but it sure has we are pleased. We werent happy with the limited choices of paint colors offered. The rear floor of the cargo area should have been a little more than a thin sheet of plywood with a layer of carpet. Over all we are pleased with our purchase and the reasonable price we paid. Wed purchase this car again in a heartbeat.

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  2010 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Penny - March 6 - 6:20 pm

  I have only had my Ford Escape Hybrid for two weeks but so far I absolutely love it. Incredibly fun to drive; excellent mileage; very good-looking SUV; not too big; Options are just great. I got Limited version with all upgrades. First SUV, first Ford, first Hybrid and I am very happy so far. Proud to own an American car that was clearly designed to provide great quality across the board.