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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  Ive Had a Better Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rainy - November 21 - 12:13 am

  I had a 1996 GT that could run circles around this one but some jerk totaled my parked car that only had 68k miles on it. So I bought the 04 V6. Wow, does it handle differently! The power is definitely less, and the GT cornered like it was on rails. The GT also had a rear stablizing bar and wider tires for much better traction in the rain and snow. The 04 gets excellent gas mileage (from Philadelphia to Connecticut on 3/4 a tank) and is very reliable (except the CD player).

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  Good car more or less - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By JScharlie - November 20 - 9:42 pm

  Planned on a Altima. The selling price gave me more car for my money. Overall quality is very good with the exception of noticable gaps along the door at the main pillar. The traction control has too much lag. It can be kind of irritating when getting started at a green light. The climate controls are set too low so I have to take my eyes off the raod to adjust. The four cylindar cruises very well on the highway. Road noise is very good for a car in this class. Rear visibility is not the best. The car handles very well. Taking a 270 degree off ramp at 50 mph is kind of fun. Overall, I would recommend this car.

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  Not what I signed up for - 2001 Ford Escape
  By SMIverson - November 20 - 8:31 pm

  I bought this car recently because it looked good - inside and out - and thought it would make for a reliable second car. Not hardly, and I only have myself to blame, because I didnt have it inspected before handing over my money. The vehicle leaks oil and the transmission is definitely on its way out. The fog lights didnt work when I took delivery and all four tires leak like its the middle of January! Truth be told, I probably just got a bad one because I did read good things about this vehicle prior to my purchase decision. It doesnt ease my trepidation, but suffice it to say I wont be keeping this car long someone else can foot the bill to keep it running.

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  Lovin it! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bill OConnell - November 20 - 7:30 pm

  It is a pleasure to drive. Right after I bought it, I drove it across country and really enjoyed the ride. It handles well and is full of power when you need it. I would like to see a few interior changes. It seems to be a solid and well built, but I would like a few more creature comforts inside. My vehicle before this was a Chrysler Town & Country. Ford should study that interior and copy a few things. I miss not having the temperature and direction display (plus average miles displayed digitally). I wish the rear seats would lift out. I get about 31.8 MPG average. All in all I love it. I plan to buy a second one soon. I rave about to all my friends.

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  Great vehicle - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Katrina woiten - November 20 - 6:47 pm

  Bought this used with 27k on it in 1995, AC compressor died at 60k, no issues with gauges and the radio still worked when I sold it this summer with 106k on it, now with the economy the way it is I wish I had kept it! You cant go wrong finding a used older Explorer. New ones are too big! Lost their nimble driving charecteristics.

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  Average American Vehicle - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By James - November 20 - 5:02 pm

  Gas mileage should be better. I had to pay for jack bolts to be installed so the front end could be aligned. These items used to be installed at the factory. Neither Ford or the dealer would assist with the expense. the front end could not be aligned without this $200 expense at 8000 miles. I will consider a Toyota or Honda for my next truck.

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  If you are a doubter then read this - 2009 Ford F-150
  By doug - November 20 - 4:41 pm

  Second F150, first was a 5.4 that I put 170000.00 on. Well now they made it even better! A little more juice from the 5.4 and the 6 speed is a doll and you feel like the truck knows you, and the seats are more comfortable, they werent bad before! Yea others may have more power but they dont have the low end grunt, this beast is a pleasure to drive.

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  Stay away - 2014 Ford Focus
  By d g - November 20 - 3:36 pm

  Bought the car in 2014, already on my second clutch replacement. Ford knows about the issue but chooses to sell these vehicles away. The car shudders going into 2nd gear and when sometimes the acceleration is just not there. These cars should be recalled

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  Tons of fun in the sun - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Dan - November 20 - 3:27 pm

  I have had many convertibles and sports cars and my GT is right up there with the best ever for all around fun and value. I also have not had many vehicles that get so many people coming over to check it out--a real eye pleaser.

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  Its a Ford! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Glueman - November 20 - 2:47 pm

  Bought dealer loaner car used with low miles and certified for 6 years. Have driven as a rental. This is the best car we have ever own in 30 years. Looked at all cars that compete with Fusion. This car compares well and is priced lower than anything else except Hyundai on price. Reliability is rated very high and no major recalls. Go easy on gas petal and the Fusion does amazingly well on gas, up to 35mpg on freeway! 4 cyl. more than enough to get this midsized car going. Love it! When its time to replace my 01 VW Golf Ill be looking at the Fusion hybrid in the future.