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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  False mileage claims by Ford - 2018 Ford F-150
  By Dennis - June 18 - 11:33 am

  We purchased this F150 with the 2.7 EcoBoost engine in Kent Washington this afternoon, 2-3-18. We drove it 175 miles down I-5 south into Oregon at the speed limit. Ford claims in their F 150 booklet that this truck will get 20 MPG in the City, 26 MPG on the highway and 22 MPG combined MPG. This is completely untrue. We never exceeded the speed limit, traffic was very light and all the driving was on I-5 with no city driving. The roads were dry, yet we obtained 16 MPG for this very first trip. If I could take the truck back right now I would. Ford is lying about fuel economy. I could get 16 in my 1996 Chevrolet Suburban 22 years ago when I purchased it new. I am so angry about this truck because of the lies from Ford.

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  Fairly Good Full Size Sedan - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Freeagent35 - June 18 - 5:00 am

  This is a company issued automobile for me. The basic load out is decent (CD, power equipment). The vehicle is reasonably attractive and the seats are comfortable. Controls seem to be well designed. Good amount of interior storage (center console, door pockets; especially like the dash storage bay). Engine runs a little rough at times, but ok. The CVT transmission is a little odd and it feels like a car with a slipping clutch. But, CVT seems to increase gas mileage about 10% or more. Irritating engine noises, especially when cold. Fit and finish spotty (hood shakes at 70 mph and must be slammed to shut). Overall, not a bad auto. I may buy it when company sells it IF the price is low.

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  Taurus 02 - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By cathe - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very comfortable car to drive. It feels very stable in all driving conditions. It also has been trouble free.

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  Windstar been good to me... - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By tom patrick - June 18 - 2:00 am

  heard some horror stories but the 1999 Ford Windstar LX has been good to me... Just make sure to keep it well tuned and oil changed

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  04 escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By mrak - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy the interior space and comfort. Have not owned it long enough to judge overall reliability. My favorite part is that it is nice to ride up higher than in a car.

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  92 Ford Escort LX - 1992 Ford Escort
  By Valliere - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car 2 years ago with 37K in 2 years put 55K. Cars runs like a champ. NO problems, grt gas miliage. Very dependable

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  So far, so good! - 2017 Ford Transit Connect
  By Mike - June 16 - 11:21 pm

  Cabin is comfortable, fairly roomy for a smaller vehicle, but not much in the way of storage compartments. Handling is nimble, very compliant. This vehicle is "peppy" enough around town and actually fun to drive - but not a lot of "giddy up" when merging onto the highway. Ford annoyingly chose to leave out a way to switch off interior cargo LEDs.

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  Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jknaul - June 16 - 10:53 pm

  Combined city/highway driving, I am averaging 32 miles/gallon. In city I have averaged about 35 miles to the gallon. This is more than I expected, even with its rating of 36 city, 31 Highway.

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  Well pleased with car - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By MrSoundman - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from a friend in 1998.It has the 4 cylinder engine. It had 140,000+ miles on it at the time I bought it.I have driven for six years and 50,000 miles with only minor problems (mostly normal wear items).I did have some problems with the power door locks not working properly. The original transmission finally failed at 194,000 miles but the original engine still runs great and all the accessories still work including the AC.I cant decide whether to fix it or look for another Tempo.I have been well pleased with the car.

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  Good car! - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Nick645 - June 15 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is a good car....yet it only looks good in Black with black out windows and a spoiler because every other way they look plain i sugest that color and other than that its a good car with a suprizing amount of power.