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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  2015 SE 1.5L ecoboost - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By AaronG - May 4 - 12:20 pm

  The good: I purchased this Fusion new for $17,990. After 26,000 miles, I have had zero mechanical issues. Combined gas mileage is 28.3mpg over those 26k miles. 60/40 highway/city. The highway mileage is really impressive after the engine is broken in, averaging just under 41mpg. The seats are very comfortable, and the ride is very quite and smooth. The 1.5L turbo is impressive and really does a good job. The bad: My local ford dealer has a horrible maintenance department. The cost to do a standard oil change and tire rotation is 3x what Honda charges for my Accord. Also, the 30k mile service costs around $800. In the car, the screen is small for the backup camera. Overall, its a nice car.

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  Great Car - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Cameron Cassar - May 4 - 10:57 am

  This car was great we got it in about 2002. The car just died on us in 2016 due to a transmission problem. We were able to put about 286,000 miles on this car. This is amazing for an American made car. It had its issues due to it getting old but it worked perfectly for about 10-12 years.

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  Another Domestic that cant compete - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By richard - May 4 - 10:51 am

  We love the features that the Eddie Bauer has: heated/cooled seats, etc. but so many problems: the back-up sensors failed, the paint has peeled in many places, the release cable for back lid failed, and many more. The mileage is terrible.

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  Update- read before you buy! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By dvick - May 4 - 10:36 am

  Previously wrote a review. HEres the bottom line. Love most things about the truck, but heres my beefs after 1,000 miles (Platinum Version)- I have a very bad back and initially thought the seats would be comfortable, but between the fact that the steering wheel is such a long reach once seat and pedals adjusted all the way to the floor, and because the top of the seat tilts forward, it is not comfortable at all for more than 5 minutes- to 99% of people, this would be no problem. Also, the steering wheel has two problems- if youre tall like me (61"), your knees will hit the back of the steering wheel, kind of aggravating. This thing desperately needs telescopic wheel. Mileage in town 14

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  cool car very bad quality - 2000 Ford Focus
  By zajka - May 4 - 10:00 am

  it could have been really cool car - fun to drive and roomy, but the quality is so bad. I had 10 recalls done, fuel pump, a/c, brakes, noises...you name it...cant wait to get rid of it.

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  Queen of the cute utes - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JimNYC - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I looked at several compact suvs and the escape was by far the best mix of affordability, suv toughness, sedan like ride and great options. The new limited style is the way to go. The limited looks very stylish with monochromatic bumper, alloy rims, decent sound system and leather interior. My all in price after taxes, warranty, manic grill guards, running boards, and sunroof, was the base msrp of a lexus. Finally if you look at the Rav-4, Liberty, or crv, the escape is the only one that does not look like a scrunched up accordian. I am very happy, FORD has come a long way in the past few years

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  Nice edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By fernando - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I dont have 4x4 but I have cross a river and had a lot of fun in the mud. Te ranger edge is a nice truck i would recomended to any one.

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  Nice edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Fernando - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I dont have 4x4 but I have cross a river and had a lot of fun in the mud. Te ranger edge is a nice truck i would recomended to any one.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By TroyD75826 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new loaded EB. No initial manufacturing flaws. Dealer was a great experience. This SUV is exactly what I expected. This vehicle is clearly in a class above Tahoes, Yukons, Sequoias and even Escalades. This SUV has many small but useful details that the others just dont have.

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  Love my FLEX - 2009 Ford Flex
  By island girl - May 4 - 8:25 am

  My Suburban died and I needed a car so I saw the Flex and loved it but bought an Explorer. Gave the Explorer to my teens and got myself the Flex! I love the car. I was not ready to give up the space of a Suburban so the Flex fits that need but I feel like I am driving a luxury sedan! The extra features of the LTD make it a great transistion car from the mom carpool to the adults have fun car! It handles island driving around all the curves and pot holes just great! A 6"3" friend of my son told him it was the most comfortable back seat he had ever been in! My teenage son loves the sound system and sits in the driveway playing around with the bass and tremble! The Flex is MY car!