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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  EXCELLENT CAR - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Cherish - November 18 - 12:34 am

  This car is the best car Ive ever had! They should make this car still. I will always try to have a Ford Probe. My old car was a 1993 Ford Probe SE with almost 300,000 miles and it was still running when I sold it. These cars are so reliable. Ive never been disappointed in this car.

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  Great 7 year old SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By rbush - November 17 - 9:31 pm

  I bought this SUV new in 1999 and now have 95,000 miles on it. It has performed extremely well over the years and has been very reliable and easy to drive. It is great for towing boats and Waverunners as well as U-Hauls to take kids to college. The throttle valve assembly was replaced at 86K miles but otherwise no major repairs other than routine maintenance. I would definitely buy another if I needed a large SUV.

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  Happy mother of 4 - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Laurie - November 17 - 8:13 am

  I feel like Im riding a luxury car with all the features a Limited offers. The heated leather seats, sun roof, 6 CD changer, back up sensor and much more, all items I would have wanted in a passenger sedan but found in this 6 seater. I was tired of feeling like a soccer mom in her taxi and was ready for a change. This gives me the capacity I still needed but the feel I was looking for. Loaded with options but a price I could afford. Im very happy to have taken advantage of the family plan. Great interior layout!

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  CMax lives up to the hype - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By blynne - November 16 - 6:26 am

  Unlike some reviewers, I have found that my city driving is over 50mpg. Our town has lots of hills so I thinkit is a good measure. I love the responsiveness and the ease of driving. After playing with the INSYC system, I like it. The navigation system is easy to use and love how the map rotates to keep the direction of travel up on the map. Im looking forward to a road trip soon.

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  My Sporty Forty - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Pams sporty forty - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Its the pony with the 40th Anniv. package. 6cyl moves like an 8cyl nice car,nice color,nice ride. Its a sports car. The only Ford I would ever buy and Chevy had only the corvette. The Sebrings I test drove you could feel the engine struggle it was sad. Dont need the power or special needs of an 8cyl. That happens to be the only kinds of cars I would up with. Now I use Reg unleaded and I cruise.

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  Fun and Handles Great - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Kat - November 15 - 6:50 am

  I just picked up the 2008 Ford Escape 4WD with the V6. I love this SUV. The handling and comfort is great with the leather interior. I wish it had more HP, but with all the interior cargo space and room in that little truck, I cant complain. Great value for the money. Fun to drive and I can really zip around, turns on a dime. Cant wait until winter.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Mopar08 - November 14 - 8:25 pm

  Hello. I am a junior in high school and needed a car by the time school came around for various activities. I have a white deluxe edition ZX2. I love it. I live 18 miles from school and this car is awesome on fuel mileage. I was getting about 30-33 mpg when I first got the car in August. However, after replacing the oil with Mobil 1 I now get 31-37 mpg. It has 96,700 miles and the only work done was replacing a wire. The only complaint I have is rough shifting when it is cold outside.

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  Escort ZX2 S/R - a great ride - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Racerkat - November 12 - 11:53 pm

  My "new" (2000 model year) Escort ZX2 with the S/R package is a fun, comfortable car with plenty of interior space for groceries, etc. The steering is a little heavy (61/39 weight distribution contributes to this). The radio, a/c, rear defroster controls are in the center of the console, a big reach for a short person. The 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS stop the car quickly, even from high speed, with no swerving or sliding. The infinite seat back rake adjustment makes it easy to find your personal "fit". The S/R package adds horsepower, front and rear swaybars and a performance clutch and pressure plate however, the base ZX2 design, fit and finish, ergonomics and handling are very good.

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  Nearly 130,000 miles with no problems - 2002 Ford Escape
  By shihchi - November 12 - 9:48 pm

  Have 128,000 miles in 4+ years. No problems. Never back to dealer for any repairs or problems. Avg. 21-24 mpg. Still solid. Spent 4 years on construction sites with no ill effects. Used as primary family vehicle. Daughter hit a deer on spring break with it vehicle was A-OK, but deer wasnt. Still handles well and is quick. No complaints about CDs sticking or gear shift lever blocking access to anything. Large number cubbyholes are useful. Compared it to RAV4, CR-V and VUE. Escape was by far the best value and fun/comfortable drive. Wife, daughter and son all like it.

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  I love Mustangs - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Matthew - November 12 - 10:30 am

  I love the new design. I like how Ford included features from the 60s into the 2005 new design. My favorite car of the year. Thank you for making such a wonderful ride!