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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  Fun Fun Fun - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Chris - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Have had only a few problems with the cover though they replaced the weatherstripping for free since its under warranty. Other than that there have been no problems this is a great fun car.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By chris - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Have had only a few problems with the cover though they replaced the weatherstripping for free since its under warranty. Other than that there have been no problems this is a great fun car.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By coloradodano - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a very fun car. Jet black w/black interior looks sharp! Handles great, love the way it corners. The V6 is pretty good, and given the cost of insurance for the V8, its very acceptable. The MACH sound system is fantastic!

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  very pleased - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By mommasimpson - May 28 - 7:16 am

  We bought this van when we were expecting our fourth child and weve really enjoyed it. We have four captain chairs and we love the way we can herd all the kids in and shut the doors before we get everybody in their seats. For a big family I think this car is a better buy and more comfortable than any SUV weve had. My husband wants to trade mine and get a newer model but at 106,000 miles it still runs great. If I ever get another, Ill spring for a high top with leather seats.

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  Suprise! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Charlie Ca$h - May 28 - 6:20 am

  I really enjoy my hybrid. I got it for my wife to go to work and to run my kid around Atlanta. We have saved a great deal of money on gas. Now we challenge each other on who can get the best gas mileage. The tax credit is also great! Plus we got the zero percent interest rate from Ford.

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  Very Happy Owner - 2009 Ford Flex
  By TJHahn - May 28 - 2:20 am

  We were not completely sold on the Flex because of the boxy design. The test drive sold us within the first minute! This car is incredibly comfortable, offers outstanding build and material quality and even with AWD, still delivers a combined mpg of 19. Ford has proven that they can still build a great American car with attributes beyond the foreign offerings. At only 5 days old, someone hit our Flex while my wife was driving, she didnt even feel the impact. She only knew that someone hit her because she saw the other car (a Camry) literally bounce off the Flex. Wed drive through a hurricane in this thing!

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  Worst mistake weve ever made - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Courtney - May 28 - 1:11 am

  Buying this car was the biggest mistake we ever made. Its given us nothing but problem after problem after problem. Bought it at 36k miles, its now at 80k. Most days my husband takes my 2001 Chevy Lumina to work to avoid driving this plague of a vehicle. It is quite literally a hazard on the road. It shifts terribly, and at lights, you have to accelerate cautiously because theres no way of knowing if the car is suddenly going to upshift 2 gears from a dead stop and rear end the car in front of you. People think I dont know how to drive when they see me trying to drive out of a parking lot at low speed, which this car is not capable of doing, because its constantly trying to upshift or downshift and causing you to rocket forward and then you have to brake to slow down. And the brakes are extremely touchy on this car, far too much so. Ford has sent bulletin after bulletin asking car owners to bring their Focuses in for repairs on the clutch and transmission. The last time we did that, the very next day, the car got stuck in 2nd gear on the highway which prevented it from going over 25mph and my husband almost got into a wreck. We had to have our insurance tow the car to the dealership because Ford refused to come out. Then they kept our car for 11 days!!! They said it would be a one day repair but I got excuse after excuse when I called asking where my car was. They did NOT offer us a loaner during those 11 days. We finally gave up and although our Ford drives like its on its last legs (which it probably is), we arent letting Ford touch it again. The next time we bring it to a dealership, were coming home with a replacement car. We paid $16,000 for this car less than 2 years ago and its worth less than $10,000. STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR.

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  2009 SEL V-6 - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Bob - May 27 - 4:58 pm

  I was advised to buy the V-6 vs the V-4 for more power. This vehicle gets up to speed very quickly. Steering and handling is very good. Other reviews disliked the turn indicator position (high on column) and height of seat head rests. I do not find this a negative. A great car and my wife loves it.

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  Sadly my 2011 Outshines my 2017 - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Ross - May 27 - 12:53 pm

  I loved my 2011 so much when my son took it off to college I bought myself a 2017. Sadly the 2017 seems like a step backwards. The gas mileage is worse, the plastic exterior parts are cheap and fragile (simple freeway stone blew a hole in the front, another piece was broke by a simple shopping cart bump), the interior has terrible design errors (i.e. the seat bracing connecting back to bottom grinds into you when you exit the car (broke the cell phone in my back pocket), the plastic and cloth features scuff at every light touch, and they glued felt on the seat belt buckle to solve a clacking noise where it banged against the center console. I would have easily given my 2011 5-stars... I struggle to give the 2017 more than 3 but it does have great engine power, looks amazing, and will hopefully be as reliable in the end as my 2011. Ford, see what you can do about actually improving the model (features/performance) from year to year.

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  Transmission is out! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Tammy - May 27 - 9:57 am

  I bought this car to get away from the high gas prices of my Ford Explorer. The car has great room. It seats 7. Comfort level is ok. I do not think of this car as stylish. However, it does fine on gas for the size. I WONT buy this car again because my TRANSMISSION is now having to be replaced. Absolutely ridiculous for a 3 yr old car with 57k miles. Since Ford had the 3yr/36,000 warranty, I am having to pay for the repairs myself. I will not buy another Ford car again.