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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  2005 Taurus Wagon - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By diane_s - March 20 - 3:31 pm

  Great value! Very useful for our needs.

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  Whats not to love!! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By clintntx - March 18 - 5:07 pm

  I researched Mazda 3, Chevy Cruze, Buick Verano, & Ford Focus, & contacted dealers online. Then I test-drove them in that order. When I got to the Ford, the car just felt right for me in a field of very good cars. Ended up buying a Titanium sedan at Cerritos Ford in September 2012. Great service from sales rep Kathy Bailey & service rep Sergio Ortiz. Drove the car across the desert southwest when it had less than 500 miles on it, was pleased at gas mileage of 37 & doubly pleased that the long drive was less tiring than in my 2008 Lincoln. The car is adequately powered, great handling, quiet, smooth, & best of all, fun to drive.

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  One of the best Ford products Ive owned - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By chilcutt - March 16 - 10:04 pm

  Been a ford man my whole life. Never owned a van till now. Bought a 2004 Freestar over a month ago. Got a good deal had 178,XXX miles on it yet drives like it has 10 miles on it. I did have to put new brakes and rotors on the front. And replace the drivers side CV axle. This is very minimal repair for a vehicle with that many miles on it. The trans runs very smooth and it is the original, I must have gotten lucky after reading the reviews and knowing very well about Fords trans problems. I love it. I havent even used all the features this van has yet. The previous owner had to keep it in a garage, its rust free and I live in MI. Good looking and a pleasure to drive.

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  Love it - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By kaisersoze69 - March 13 - 9:39 pm

  I wake up every day thinking about driving this car. The touch system is fantastic and understanding it should be fairly simple for anyone who has ever used a computer (or an ATM for that matter). It flawlessly syncs with my phone as soon as I fire it up. The interior is beautiful and well designed with a lot of forward thinking. My kids love the adjustable ambient lighting. I have the 2nd row captains chairs which makes getting to the 3rd row very easy. My only complaint is that the gas tank (and range) seems small (and short).

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  2010 Ford Flex - 2010 Ford Flex
  By razerbackrob - March 6 - 9:01 pm

  We have had our Flex for just over 3 years now. We use this vehicle for shuttling kids, work, and everyday errands. We have been very happy and still have original brakes pushing 78000 miles. I am 6"4" and am very comfortable driving this car. Feel like a little guy in a big car. Gas mileage averages almost 20 exactly between city and highway which would be expected for a vehicle of this size. We have towed the boat (not far) but it easily pulls a 20 in and out of the water with no problem. Two complaints. The tire where is excessive. The Good Year original tires were slicks at 42000 and Yokahama are not much better . Worst front wheel drive vehicle in the snow I have driven ever.

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  First Brand New Car - 2013 Ford Escape
  By romans116 - March 3 - 6:31 pm

  My wife and I purchased our Escape back in October 2012. We absolutely love it! We test drove the 2013 Kia Sorento SX (smooth but interior felt cheap), 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring (too slow for me), and the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0L Turbo. The Santa Fe was nice, but the deal breaker for me with the Santa Fe was you could not get roof racks with the panoramic sunroof, as you could with the Escape. It also did not have memory seats. If I am paying for a vehicle fully loaded, I want it fully loaded. MPGs around the city are 21-22, Highway are 29-30. The only thing we didnt get on the car was the hands-free tailgate feature. I swapped it for a tow hitch.

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  Love my Car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By bluebaby07 - February 28 - 9:37 pm

  Ive had this car for 6 years. I bought it with 2314 miles, now it has 66k and all ive had to do outside of normal preventative maintenece is change a battery. Its fun, its fast and it has the option to create whatever your heart desires, the perfect project car. Ive got Ford racing CAI, Bama tuned, 18"rims and tires, louvers, side scoops, rear spoiler, custom racing stripes,flowmaster 40 series exhaust, chrome details all over

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  The best car under $18,000 - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By brandonh3 - February 28 - 6:49 pm

  This is the most fun on 4 wheels Ive ever had. I let people drive my car and they compare it to a high performance mini-sports sedan. The thing corners like its on rails, gets over 40mpg regularly, has one of the BEST sounding stereo systems from the factory and has safety features out the wazoo. The up and coming 2014 Fiesta ST will be incredible. My car, with 120hp, accelerates fine. I cant imagine it with almost 200hp!!

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  Update - more comments - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bencheerios - February 28 - 6:37 pm

  Update from previous review. Still like it after driving a 2012 Mazda 3 SkyActiv for the last 2 weeks as a rental. The Mazda 3 SkyActiv seems to get slightly better gas mileage, but its not as easy to live with as the Focus.

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  Love my escape, hate the gas mileage - 2013 Ford Escape
  By cachten - February 28 - 5:42 pm

  I have 800 miles on my escape. Drive local, 5 miles to work, not much highway driving at all. Im getting 15.5 miles per gallon. Im quite upset over it since I gave up my Camry that I didnt have to fill up for 23 days At a time. Someone please tell me I will get better mileage after the break in period!