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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  Greatest sedan ever!! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Lucas - June 9 - 4:11 pm

  I never thought I would appreciate this car as much as I do. Other cars have come and gone but my taurus keeps on keeping on. Never had to replace anything. I maintain it religiously and it treats me just as well. Pushing 150K miles and showing no signs of slowing down. Love the look of the new 2010s and hope to be able to get one.

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  Best car to learn how to drive on! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Nikki - June 9 - 1:54 pm

  My parents bought this car for me to learn how to drive on in 2005. 4 years later, weve put about 20K miles on it and it still runs great. It gets me back and forth between school and home whenever I need it to, and even survived large tree branches falling on it during an intense wind storm with just a few dents and a broken windshield. It has its quirks, but its an old car at this point and will. My parents bought my sister another escort after I got my license so I could drive this one, never had any problems!

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  New and much improved - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By TB - June 9 - 7:36 am

  We LOVE our new Explorer! Its solid, very quiet, and very versatile which is good when you have 2 small boys. Power from the V6 is good, not excellent, and we have no problems traversing the long steep hills of Western PA. Its no sports car but it does handle very well for its size and even seems to handle better than the Escape it replaced. The thing I cant get over is how quiet it is inside and what a great highway cruiser it is. Its almost limo-like! The DVD system has a few too many buttons but once you learn them you realize that they are there for added convenience. Overall the 06 Explorer isnt great at any one thing but it is very good at everything.

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  So Far.........So good! - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By Steve Tice - June 8 - 11:27 pm

  Perfect blend of Truck feel and comfort. Only have 634 miles so its early, but very happy with investment.

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  Fun Fun Fun! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Lauren - June 8 - 9:40 pm

  I bought my convertible GT in Febuary and fell in love. She had less than 25,000 miles on her when i bought it. Very reliable and very fun to drive. She really has some pick up and go! Not only is the convertible fun to drive, its fun to play with as well! I have flowmaster mufflers, a cold air intake, and various other modifications. The cool thing about mustangs is that its not just a car, it can be a hobby.

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  Great car - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By marklally - June 8 - 3:42 pm

  This is one of if not the best car I have ever owned. I and everyone I know think the cars looks are outstanding. My car has the appearance package with the five spoke wheels and the non low- rolling resistance tires, I expected to take a noticeable hit on the gas mileage because of this, but it just hasnt seemed to be the case. This cars handling and driving dynamics are just top notch, its unusually quite, the seats are very comfortable and the gas mileage in fantastic. Now for the bad part; My Ford Touch is horrible, its every bit as bad as the reviews say it is. its a huge black eye on a otherwise great car experience. I hope Ford cures this problem in haste.

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  From 1998 Windstar to 2005 Freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Brian - June 8 - 3:23 pm

  Since 2001, I had a 1998 Ford Windstar with 3.8Liter. after being fed up with 1998 Ford Windstar with blown head gasket which the coolant level keeps going down and I had transmission replaced prior in 2007 for 1998. Since January 2nd 2009, I had to trade in for a 2005 Ford Freestar which it was available at the dealer. The 2005 version is lot better and big improvements over the 1998 version. However, I noticed that the 2005 version is 1200 lbs heavier than the 1998. But it feels very stable ride, except the fuel mileage. I am getting around 19 - 20 mpg even though it stated for 24 mpg. I use the vehicle mainly for my work and carrying loads once in a while and also do some towing.

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  Unhappy customer - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Unhappy customer - June 8 - 9:43 am

  Certain parts of this vehicle I love but at 2300 miles I already have my second service engine light on so back to the shop I go. I also dont like the complete and outright lie on the 41mpg. Fill the tank up and the estimated miles to empty is 535 miles. It is a 17 gallon tank. Do the math, that is only 31.5 miles per gallon. I do however get more than 31.5 mpg but seems dumb to say you get 41 mpg and then show you will only get 31.5 mpg after filling the tank. Maybe I just got a lemon but not happy that I am going back to service AGAIN! EV mode can work up to 47mph but only at coasting speeds. Put one small hill in the way and it is gone.

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  Love my new Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Wendy CT - June 8 - 5:43 am

  My 2008 SES ford Focus is the best. The only thing I did not get was the leather seats. The car is great on gas. I am getting 27 mile a gallon around town and 32 highway cant complain about that with todays gas prices. I tested many other cars but keep coming back to the Focus. Its got the get up and go I was looking for. Would tell anyone looking to buy "its a great car". Thank you Ford.

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  167,000 miles and still going strong! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By EHWRYN - June 8 - 2:41 am

  I bought this car used with around 70k miles on it and so far in the past 5 years only have had 1 major break-down ( pullies for the serpentine belt broke)since this is a non-interference engine - no engine damage. Other than that I have had very little trouble (alternator went out and a PC valve - around 120k miles). It is very reliable and starts every time! For a 11 yr old car, it still has power and is fun to drive. The engine has never overheated, even when charging up a hill with the A/C on full blast while it is over 100 degrees outside. I never worry when I have to drive long distances - And a mechanic told me it was a "throw-away car not built to last".