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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  Gas Mileage Surprise! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By UcoBronchoAdam - May 26 - 2:38 pm

  I knew I wanted a V6 for power and durability, but I thought that I would be compromising gas mileage to get it. I was wrong! The V6 is giving me close to 30 MPG on the highway and low 20s around town.

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  MPG Learning curve - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By khamiam - May 26 - 2:31 pm

  I have had my fusion hybrid for about a month --and MPG is a learned behavior. First about my driving --right now I am commuting out of state 250 miles from home and then 40 miles round trip from the hotel to work. I drive with the traffic in 55&65 zone. The first week I got 39-41 MPG --which is what I expected and was totally ok with. The second week, I got 43.5 and the third week 45.3 and the 4th 47.1 -- You have to change the way you drive. Easy on the accelerator, to keep it in EV mode.I wait to speed up when the gas engine kicks in. Yes, 47 MPG (for 500+ miles) is possible -- and if you are getting mid-thirties, your driving style doesnt fit ANY hybrid. Use eco-cruise for better mpg.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Florida - May 26 - 1:25 pm

  Wow! What a great car. At first, it took a while to get used to the looks, but now we love it. Were looking at Tahoes/Traverses/Acadias/and Suburbans. You get a lot more for your money with the flex. A fully loaded flex is about the cost of a stripped version of the above listed. Its amazing, the dealers that are strong, Ford, are willing to work harder for your business than those not doing so well?? Maybe thats why they are staying in business.

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  Someone Take Mine! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By M. Murphy - May 26 - 12:53 pm

  Year 1: gear shifter replaced. Dash electronics went nuts and computer needed to be reset. Year 2: rear shocks blew out (I have a 4 mile commute!) Exhaust hose blew and fuel filter resembled that of a car with 100k miles. Both replaced. Currently in the shop because the transmission feels like it is ready to drop. Car has 24k miles.

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  1ST full size truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By me - May 26 - 9:50 am

  This is my first full size truck and I love it. I drove all of the other tucks before I bought this awesome 150. This truck is super comfortable, drives like a dream, and looks great. This is the time to buy a truck, I got a great price(with some fighting) I highly recommend test driving this truck before you buy anything else.

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  500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By 500 - May 26 - 5:36 am

  Very pleased with performance on long and short distance driving. Most comfortable with plenty of room for passengers and luggage, etc.

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  Dont buy it - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Tara - May 26 - 3:32 am

  so my ‪#‎2013fordfiesta‬ has had 5 clutch replacements already (its an automatic) I have worked with regional manager Phedre Chevry twice now on this and have NOT been offered reasonable resolve; after all of the aggravation I have requested a full refund of purchase price and have been denied. The customer service has been beyond horrible including me having to hound down reps to contact me and working with incompetent advisors at local dealerships. My car is NOT safe to drive (the recall it self states No Start And/Or Transmission Engagement Or Loss Of Power) Imagine having to deal with that 5 times and yes less than 800 miles since my last clutch and its doing it again!!!!! I WANT MY MONEY BACK AND I NEVER WANT ANOTHER FORD AGAIN!

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  Bring it back - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Ford Fanatic - May 25 - 11:29 pm

  I bought our 1996 Bronco XLT in 2001 for $10000. It had 100000 miles on it. I thought was a little high for only 5 years old. But, boy was it worth it. We are now approaching 180000 with no repairs other than brakes, tires and other routine maint. It has been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. It has never failed me. Although I wanted the eddie baur at the time, I would never trade my XLT for one now.

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  Had to replace Pirelli tires - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Brittll - May 25 - 7:52 pm

  We bought this for our daughter when she graduated from high school. Its a great little car and gets excellent gas mileage. She drove to Florida last August to do a internship at Walt Disney World and just this month her father and I flew to Orlando to drive back home with her. Lots of room in the vehicle and my husband is over 6. My only complaint is that when we went to come home we had the oil changed and noticed the rear tires were completely bald, front tires still looked good so we had the front tires put on the back and new ones on the front. Drove 1500 miles and now the rear tires are bald. I will never own another set of Pirellis.

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  true beauty - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gator Bait - May 25 - 7:09 pm

  Triple black, color, interior, soft and hard tops. amazing car that handles very well and with plenty of power. Has 95K and started running rough but ford came thru and replaced 5 of the 8 coils under warranty (till 100K on coils)and now runs as new, oh did I say ford replaced plugs and did a tune up for just parts for the inconvenience. Im 65" and with the soft top on its tight but with hard top or top down its fine