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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  Best in Class - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Eric - March 13 - 7:50 am

  The Ford Fusion has it all, well almost. The car has sleek lines and handles like it. The 6 speed automatic is flawless and never searches for gears. The car is very quiet on the open road, very little wind noise at all. Compare this car to the others in the mid-size segment and it is a winner! You cannot go wrong with this car. I love it as much now as the day I bought it. I chose options such as ABS, heated seats, traction assist, and leather interior. With X-plan pricing and a rebate to boot, I couldnt go wrong. Neither can you!

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  V6 Mustang Convertible with 6-speed Auto trans. - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Pete H. - March 13 - 7:33 am

  This is not a race car, nor is it a dragster. What it is is a relatively fast, nice-handling, sport-touring car. Good acceleration, good braking and gives you confidence in the twisties. The front seat is roomy and the cockpit is comfortable. My only real complaint is the OE sound system... Youd think they would put premium sound in such a nice car - I spent an additional $1000 to add a subwoofer and to upgrade the stock speakers and amplifier. The rear seat is a convenience that I like over the Miata - the only other rag-top tourer we were considering. All in all, we like the car a lot and look forward to the adventures that await!

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  Not what I expected - 2008 Ford Escape
  By HelpMeEscapeIt - March 13 - 3:56 am

  08 Escape XLS AWD is part of company car plan, best option of the 3 choices offered. Have had vehicle for 6 weeks, and just hit 5000 miles. Overall rate vehicle as fair. Unimpressed with engine power, cabin noise and vibration. Drivers seat is horrible, will fatigue you on short trips. Mileage is good (24 mpg on average mainly hwy). Little features missing like auto headlight shutoff, daylight running lights and seatback pockets. Had issue with vehicle starting after sitting for 2 days during first 1500 miles (imagine what might be in store after it gets 50k or more on it). I keep hoping for the best... but this isnt even close.

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  Well made American Sedan! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dameon - March 13 - 1:43 am

  Worth the money. Its comparable to many of the more expensive euro sedans. Drives well and very comfortable. I like that it sits up high. When Im not driving, I spend most of my time thinking of places & reasons to drive. I wish Id got the Limited AWD now.

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  I love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By MeganNY - March 13 - 1:36 am

  I love my 2005 Ford Escape. I did a lot of reserch on compact SUVs and the Escape gives me the most bang for my buck. Its easy to drive, responsive and small enough to park anywhere (even in NYC)!

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  Excellent car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By 08TaurusMO - March 12 - 9:12 pm

  Bought as a replacement for my gas hog, it was like getting a raise! 24- 27 mixed driving. I am 6-2 280 and full size teen agers, all fit with room to spare, more than my Tahoe had! So far never back to dealer for anything. Has been an excellent car!

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  darn, darn, darn - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Alilly - March 12 - 8:50 pm

  okay..so i purchased this car (which was my first one) last june with 80,000 miles on it...im not sure how many was on there when the whole car went up on me but it jusat did in febuary...7 months and each month after i brought it, it gave me problems from the cadilldic converter to the strut peices..u name it, it had a problem! the inside of the car is great i loved the cloth seats, it was very roomy and the design was cool but the car itself stinks really bad...ford...every ford stands up to its name FIX OR REPAIR DAILY i will never EVER purchase a ford again...such a headache...glad its gone!

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  Indestructible - 2006 Ford Escape
  By April - March 12 - 7:54 pm

  I love this SUV. I put high miles on every year, drive 6 miles of dirt roads every day, and I have never had to have this SUV back to the dealer for any major warrenty work. This thing runs like a bear through snow, and is so comfortable to drive. I will be buying another one in a few years, and will be givig this one to my nephew for great college vehicle.

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  Economical car, but not a "cheap" car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By CellBlock - March 12 - 12:41 pm

  My Focus was the first car Id ever purchased, and while I wanted an affordable car, I didnt want to settle for the typical stripped down, no-frills, econobox. It has a lot of power and speed for a compact press the accelerator and it gets moving. It also has some "luxury" features, like cruise control, Sync, a 6-disc CD changer, and satellite radio, that you cant normally get in a car that costs less than $20k. The gas mileage is also phenomenal for a non-hybrid car. While using it just for my incredibly short commute that consists of more parking lots and sitting at red lights than actual driving, it gets about 18 MPG. Get it out on the highway and 40 MPG isnt out of the question.

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  Review on Edmunds - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Family of Six - March 12 - 7:00 am

  I havent been on an extended trip yet, but have some limited time on highway. Horse power is adequate. Kids love the room, and the fact all seats are comfortable.