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 overall - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By travis - December 14 - 4:55 pm

  Im in the army so I drive long distances a lot along with living in a heavy snow state and pull several trailers. OK so it doesnt get the best gas mileage but how many of the people giving theirs a bad rating bought it for the mileage over the power and comfort you get out of it. I agree that the 3rd seat is bulky but its great to have and its easy enough to take out. I have the 5.4 triton and Ive owned 2 GMC Jimmys, a Chevy 1500 350s, and a Dodge Ram and it outdoes them all by far. It has far more torque, towing power and I drive through fields a lot where I work pulling over twice its own weight and never been stuck yet. I would say its the best vehicle in its class with out a doubt. Great!

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Rick P - December 14 - 2:26 am

  I just bought this car and it is great. Mileage and comfort were my two main driving factors for a new car. This car gives a great value proposition. I test drove the Malibu, Impala, 300 and Charger and still chose the Fusion. The Charger/300 was a close second but was $4,000 more for basically the same features. The pop up storage on the dash is cool. I didnt need the sunroof but basically got it throw in after I completed the deal with the dealership.

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  But I still love this truck - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By ariba98 - December 14 - 12:14 am

  This is my 2nd Ford Bronco. I find that it has cost me a lot of money keeping it up. The 4X4 had to have work, new brake lines, new oil pan seal. God this list goes on. I really can not complain. The motor seems very strong, but I have put so much into everything else. The only thing that I hate to say is that I have repaired the thermostat and that stupid aluminim piece 6 times on the top of my motor. But I still wish Ford would bring this rig back. I will not sell this big bad girl, Ill keep restoring her.

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  Bullitt Brings Back Muscle Car Basics - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Craig Brown - December 13 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned a few Mustangs and typically leave the exterior plain and spend the time and effort on modifying the engine and suspension. My wife and I both saw a 2008 Bullitt in the Highland Green and were immediately drawn to the cars understated simplicity of styling that made the cars we loved as teenagers such classics. Then I drove one! The changes are subtle from the 2006 GT I have been driving for 3 years, but the suspension is firmer and the shifter is more precise. The power difference negligible over the GT, but the car just looks and sounds right. If you grew up driving V-8 muscle cars in the 60s and 70s (or wanted to and couldnt afford to), this is your car!

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  Not a bad little car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By larrh7 - December 13 - 11:27 am

  This isnt a bad little car. It isnt a 10 or even a 9. Now think of it. Bo was a 10. Like everyone else it should have a trunk release. How stupid can you be Ford. The seating is great for my short wife. She can see out rather well. I fit in just fine to and Im 6 235. The milage isnt what it should be. My wife just drives at around 60 and she hasnt gotten 30MPG yet like people on here are claiming. They should be able to get better than this with the poochy 4 cylinder. I have an old 95 Corrola that has 150000 on it and it get 37 MPG. Like I said this isnt a bad little car for the money but it isnt a 10.

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  Inexpensive & reliable - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Jay Tode - December 13 - 9:13 am

  Purchased in 2005 as a second vehicle with 78,000 miles. Had several Thunderbirds in the past with no problems. This vehicle has done better than expected. Other than tires, brakes and a battery, I had no maintenance issues until I hit 128000. then I needed to replace the brake master cylinder and developed a leak in the radiator. V8 is responsive and I can get 20 on the highway if I keep it at 70 mph. Just sold it to my brother and I bought an 03 Explorer XLT with 60k miles. Hope it does as well. When reading other reviews, it seems people have no problems or the car is a nightmare.

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  Very Nice - 2017 Ford Escape
  By J McLeod - December 13 - 8:40 am

  I have owned a 2017 AWD Escape SE 2.0L Turbo since July 2016 - ordered from the factory with a tow hitch and Sync 3. Overall I have really enjoyed driving it, although having owned Toyoto vehicles most of my life there were a few things I have had to get used to. I found the front drivers seat immediately problematic, but after analyzing the situation (my back problems paired with a seat with too many possible adjustments), I eventually resolved it with some supplemental seat cushions and a more comfortable driving position. Once this was resolved, I began to more appreciate the many positive aspects of the SUV. Excellent fit and finish, great acceleration (with the the 2.0), rear seats that fold nearly flat, good ground clearance, a stable, comfortable ride, and a useful and intuitive Sync 3 audio interface. Urban mileage is 20-21, but highway MPG varies a lot depending on speed. On a long interstate highway trip at 75 MPH, I averaged about 23 MPG but at 70 it increased to 27 MPG. If you could tolerate highway driving at 60, I am sure your mileage would be even better. I noticed no difference in mileage using premium fuel. A few design changes that I would make: 1) swap the interior fan buttons (left switch decreases rather than increases fan speed); 2) redesign the steering column so that it does not extend into the drivers legroom; 3) redesign the swoopy dash to allow the driver more legroom; 4) make push-button start standard (a conventional key ring full of keys touches the drivers leg in its current position) 5) lose the cheesy front-side chromed ornaments

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  Lookin Good - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Granny - December 12 - 9:28 pm

  We joined the "buy American" movement and purchased an Edge just after a good working over by the local Toyota dealer. Wow, I am impressed with the ease of maneuverability, the sound system, the sun roofs, and the seats base-length- finally a seat that extends out far enough and doesnt cut off the circulation in ones legs. The second row seating is also unusually comfortable for this type car. Only had it a week, but so far, its outstanding.

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  Great looking and fun to drive - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mark - December 12 - 6:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle for my wife and she loves it. The new chrome wheels, step bars and roof rack really set it a part from the others. Gets lots of looks, and has the upgraded stereo that sounds great. Best sounding radio I have ever heard in a factory Ford. Had my doubts about the V-6 but it has plenty of power, although if I was going to do much pulling I would go with the V-8, but only 20 or so horse power difference. All the power the wife need to carry the baby and groceries.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By freestylephil - December 12 - 5:47 pm

  Bought it used with 23k on it. My wife & I have put a little over 1000 on it and we are very pleased! The mileage is unbelievable for a vehicle this size. Averages about 21.5mpg around town and on a recent trip got 30.8mpg running 55- 75 with mostly 65mph ranging from 5,000ft - 6,5000ft elevation. Rides very nice and everyone likes the layout and comfort. Visibility is good and I like the 6CD player.For the $15,000 we paid I would feel guilty expecting. anything more from it.