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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  Love it but room for a few improvements! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mary B. - August 10 - 1:57 pm

  Fun to drive! My first SUV purchase after doing a lot of searching. Ive not had a chance to try it out in snow yet, but like the AWD feature, one of the selling points. I prefer the exterior lines of the Limited as opposed to the XLT or XLS. I dont care for that black/grey molding around those models. I think it detracts from the overall look of the Escape.

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  My favorite car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By S. Mailman - August 10 - 8:20 am

  I studied this car for 8 months. The style caught my eye, its sleek and much larger inside than it appears to be outside. I had an Explorer and was tired of the low gas mileage and slowing down through curves on the expressway. Yes, I know it was a truck and thats how I drove it. I love the CVT transmission,so smooth! I am getting about 4-5 more mpg than with my other car. The seating is extremely comfortable, there are almost no blind spots, the windshield is big. Touring in this car is wonderful. The ride is smooth and as you increase the speed its amazing to me that all of a sudden youre cruising at 70mph. I have received many compliments. Folks need to know about this!

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  Upgrade from a Prius C to a Ford Focus Hatchback - 2016 Ford Focus
  By SHERRY SMITH - August 10 - 7:15 am

  I traded in a 2013 Prius C for a 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback. I am very happy with the Focus. The Focus is slightly longer and wider than the Prius C. The materials used in the Focus interior are a higher quality than the materials used in the Prius C. The Focus is more comfortable, quieter and has more pep than the Prius C. The Prius C had quite a bit of road noise while driving, making it hard, at times, to listen to music or be on the phone. There are two things I miss about the Prius C: 1) the wonderful gas mileage (52 mpg) and 2) the hands-free entry (I never had to pull my key out, the door unlocked automatically when I approached the car). I am still getting used to having to unlock the Focus with the key fob. (Such a minor inconvenience, however I REALLY liked the push-button start in the Prius and the auto-unlock, making getting in and out of the car hands-free.) Another Focus plus: the seat warmer in the Focus has 3 temperatures where the Prius C only had 1 (and the heat seemed to toggle on and off). Also, the Focus has a heated steering wheel, which comes with the All-Weather package. Again, something I never thought I wanted! Now that I have it, I love it. Perfect for Michigan winters. All in all, the Focus is a superior car to the Prius C, with high quality materials and a solid, stable, peppy feel behind the wheel. It is excellent quality for the price. I highly recommend the 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback.

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  Growing out of my truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By M. Thoma - August 9 - 6:56 am

  My family is growing so unfortunately my truck has to as well. I have said many times that if I did not HAVE to get a new truck I would keep this until it falls apart. And at the rate things are going that could be a long time. I will go through 3 feet of snow while every other full size SUV is spinning their wheels. I have taken it through ditches, over curbs, across the country twice (both times fully loaded) with no problems. It is a truck and the best I have ever driven. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a serious, no frills, no luxury vehicle that will get the job done every time. P.S. Im 64" and it fits me fine.

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  Steves Review - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Steve - August 9 - 5:50 am

  I have owned a Mercedes and two Lexus vehicles. This car rides just as good. The comfort of the leather seats are far better than the Mercedes and slightly better than the Lexus.

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  Fun to Drive - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jeff Freadich - August 8 - 7:56 pm

  Nice driving car with many options if that is the way you go. Handles great at any speed, will get off the line quickly, then let off and you will be electric if youre under 47 MPH. If you drive in City traffic or drive to work under 50 MPH this is the car. Went on a 3300 mile vacation average 37.5 mostly interstate speed 80+ with some site seeing driving.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Sean - August 8 - 10:34 am

  We have had this car about a month and have had nothing but praise for it. It handles well and drives like a dream. I drive a lot for work and with the fuel economy I actually make some money on my mileage reimbursements! Perfect size and very well built.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Deidre - August 8 - 10:19 am

  I purchased a Taurus in the in mid-2005 and couldnt be happier. It has nice torque for its class and has great styling. Decent, not great fuel economy. Overall great value!

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  Excellent truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - August 8 - 10:04 am

  I bought this truck to haul motorcycles and go camping in the deep woods. This truck is a little monster and is capable of outperforming some of the larger full-size pickups when it comes to off-roading due to its smaller size and lighter weight. The larger wheels, Torsen rear-end, 4 wheel drive, and Bilstein shocks make this truck fun to drive. It performs well in the city as well. It can get between 250 and 400 miles on city or highway roads. It drives really smooth on the highway. The interior and exterior styling is excellent and I would recommend getting the Pioneer sound system as the stock radio and speakers are a little weak. Overall, an excellent truck for the adventurer.

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  Excellent car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Michael - August 8 - 9:38 am

  I previously owned a minivan and was not expecting much when I bought into the crossover market. However, this car is incredibly fun to drive, and comfortable for everyone. After everything I read about the CVT transmission and the horsepower, I was initially worried it would not have sufficient power well the critics are wrong, this car has more than ample power. The CVT transmission allows a continuous acceleration until your cruising speed is met. I would recommend this car to anyone needing storage or with a family.