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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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Tom Z - November 6 - 10:13 pm

  I have been test driving vehicles for over a year now. I have been waiting for a car to wow me at a price that was equally as impressive. This vehicle did it for me. The only vehicle that drove better during my testing was the lexus GS 350 AWD which was $26000 more expensive. I purchased this vehicle with an x-plan including moon/tune pack and navigation for only 28300. It is an amazing car for the money. The car has tremendous quality inside and out. The tech features on the car are amazing, for example Sync will read a text message aloud in the vehicle and is very easy to use. The MPG could be better but wanted to have some power which the car definitely has.

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  I love it! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By gersfeld - November 6 - 12:49 pm

  We recently bought a 2001 7.3 Ltr Diesel 4x4 and I love it! It is in terrific shape for being a used vehicle and being a diesel it already gets superior gas mileage compared to my Ford Aerostar. It drives like a luxury car but has the strength and performance of a truck. It feels solid and reliable when I drive it. I hope I have it for a long time to come because I love it!

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  Louisiana Highway 1 rating - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Penney McCabe - November 6 - 10:53 am

  The Ford Five Hundred drives and feels like a European car. We bought it because the frame is higher than most American cars, making it easier for my disabled husband to get in and out. The gas mileage is sufficient to keep me satisfied. Since most of my driving is around town, trips of one mile or less, the mileage has never reached the advertised mark, but I understand why this is and am not dissatisfied with it. Having owned the car one year, I can state that we havent found the first thing wrong with it. This is the first auto we have ever been able to make this statement about.

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  V10, RWD, Gas, all good - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Emi L. - November 6 - 4:05 am

  I absolutely love this truck. I opted for gas over diesel and after driving it the V-8 seemed nothing short of gutless and wasnt even an option. I cant say I pay a lot of attention to the gas mileage but it seems to be decent for the vehicle size and the power ... yeowww, finally a beast of a vehicle that can get out of its own way. I love it. Maneuvers great, smooth ride & all in all I think a great riding vehicle. I definitely prefer driving it over my 350z. Not very difficult to find parking, can get it in any spot I can fit my Chevy truck into.

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  Great Truck - 1991 Ford F-150
  By Carlos Venegas - November 6 - 2:20 am

  Great ride. Mine is going towards the 300k mile mark and the engine still has had no need for rebuilding. I will pretty soon because I plan on making drastic changes. Inline 6 engine is very good. Best Ford engine ever. Its a great truck. Treat your truck right, it will treat you right.

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  Shes good - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Lovemycar - November 5 - 11:59 am

  My first car, has held up very well. Bought her with 39,000 on it, so far am at 52,000 in a little over a year. Very few maintenance problems, and any problems were minor, like windshield wipers. Excellent for all of the driving that I do between school, work and home (over 60 miles daily M-F) and I only fill up about once a week. Shes always been there for me.

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  Been Good to me - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Sean - November 4 - 3:36 pm

  I must admit, this truck has been nothing short of bulletproof. Ive got 96,000 on it, and its been to the dealer once for a broken mounting stud on the rear cab glass. I attribute this to my maintenance and the fact I got a good one this time. You must change the tranny fluid on these trucks, its a must. Ive also found the Triton V8s like full synthetic oil. I also recommend getting one with the factory tow package, you get an auxiliary trans and oil cooler. All in all, a great truck with a good ride. Ive also made some aftermarket improvements- 4" lift kit, shift kit, and new intake.

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  I LOVE my new Ford CMax Energi! - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By Annie - November 4 - 2:15 am

  This car gets amazing gas mileage, much better than advertised and much better than my Prius. It is very fun to drive, with much more peppiness and acceleration than other hybrids. Comes well equipped for the price compared to other hybrids in its class.

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  Love the Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By GAP - November 2 - 11:06 pm

  The ride is very composed in all situations. The winter driving has been very stable with good tire grip. The acceleration is not sports car quick, but the vehicle does hold its own in traffic. The MPG over the past year has been consistently 16-17 city and 25-26 highway which matches the EPA estimates quite nicely. The vehicle was purchased for the advertised versatility and it has been a real pleasure. The various seating and cargo positions are just marvelous and better than the previous minivan. The seats are comfortable and the steering is very precise and gives a good feel of the road conditions. The whole ownership experience has been better than expected.

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  2016 ESCAPE TITANIUM - 2016 Ford Escape
  By JOANNE WEYLAND - November 2 - 2:55 pm

  LOVE THIS SUV, STYLE AND DESIGN. HEARD IT WAS GREAT IN THE WINTER, ALSO.