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:

• 

  King of the pullers and hawlers - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Ken - October 2 - 5:00 pm

  We bought this vehicle (new) to replace a 91 Chevy Suburban (which started falling apart after 65K miles). Its primary mission was to pull a 4000# boat and haul kids and hockey gear. It has been a great vehicle. It has been an everyday driver for my wife and she likes the automatic all wheel and four wheel drive features in the winter. I love it when I have 2 adults, 5 big teenage boys on board, full fuel, bags and pulling a boat easily at 70mph. Of course I dont look at the fuel computer because it is really depressing. But it gets the job done easly.

• 

  Fun Car to Drive - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By MIke Hanlen - October 2 - 2:36 pm

  I like the way it handles and the engine power is adequate. The styling is good, but it needs some body side molding to protect the finish from careless people in other cars.

• 

  Shame on Ford! Faulty Throttle- Dangerous! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Alisa - October 2 - 1:29 pm

  I have a 2016 Explorer with about 15,000 miles on it. Last week when I was coming home from the beach driving over the Robert Moses bridge, the car lost power.The wrench light came on with a message to check the manual. Somehow I managed to cross lanes to get into the right lane. However, there was no safe lane to be in. Cars are driving at a speed between 65-75 mph. There was the railing and the ocean below!! I had my son and his two friends in the car. I was terrified we were going to get hit and go into the ocean! I had my hazard lights on but I think it was difficult for drivers to see in the daylight. Cars had to swerve to avoid hitting me or stop short when unable to get in the middle lane. Luckily no one was hurt, but this could have easily turned out differently. When I brought the car in to be serviced the sales department seemed to be aware of the problem. Turns out the throttle needed to be replaced. Ford needs to correct this problem before someone is seriously injured or killed! Now Im afraid it will happen again.

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By hypnoticjoker - October 2 - 1:04 pm

  Ive only had it for a few months now but I can honestly say its by far my favorite car. Its luxurious and sporty at the same time, while still living up to its muscle car reputation. Very comfortable seats and great overall design. I get compliments everywhere I go. With 260 horsepower and so many aftermarket options, this car is great for both everyday driving and taking to the track. This car is an American classic and once you drive one youll understand why. Its a must have! I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants the best of both worlds in an automobile.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2007 Ford Edge
  By richard - October 2 - 10:45 am

  I havnt had one issue with the edge in 18months of driving. I averaged 24.6 mpg according to the cars computer on 1500 mile trip with two people and at least 500 lbs of luggage etc. I have owned 16 new cars and the Edge is the best yet.

• 

  My 2004 Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tracie - October 2 - 9:04 am

  I have had virtually no problems with my Escape in the 4 years that I have owned it. It handles beautifully and has a powerful 4.0L V6 engine, just like new. Good brakes, fun to drive! My only complaint is the gas mileage I get 15 city 18 hwy, much less then what the sticker showed. My husbands 5.3L V8 gets 17 hwy, sad. The only problem I have had is that the airbag light came on just 3 days ago and it has been on since. If it doesnt go off soon I will take it in to the dealership to see whats going on. I love my Escape and plan to drive it for many years to come, might even buy another one some day. It has changed my outlook on Fords.

• 

  Very reliable - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Chris - October 2 - 7:53 am

  Overall the car has been very reliable. Its been 4 years now that Ive had the car and i only have a few complaints but none that are major. My few complaints are the cheap quality paint and the cheap interior. I take good care of my car and since the time Ive had it the paint has started to form rust bubbles and is chipping on the trunk. My windshield sprayer stopped working, passenger side dash is popping up along with the plastic piece on the windshield vent. However im very pleased with the powertrain. Its been very reliable and still runs like ot did the day i bought it. I got it with 65k miles on it and it now has 138k miles and is still running strong. I havent even had to have a tune up on it yet. The 3.0 V6 is a great engine with some good pep to it. The transmission has been very reliable too.

• 

  Money Pit - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Daniel - October 1 - 11:53 pm

  Well I bought the car and loved it untill the gas prices really started going up. The car acurally gets decent gas mileage if you baby it and drive it slow. However once we found out we had a child on the way I opted to trade it in on a 4 door until I realized how bad the trade in value was. For a car that cost $29,000 with only 16K miles and less than 2 years old I was offered 18K by the dealership. So Im stuck with a nice car that didnt hold up its value at all.

• 

  Extreme Disappointment - 2006 Ford F-150
  By cafenick - October 1 - 7:16 pm

  The Ford 5.4L is woefully underpowered. It is sluggish and is a total dog in the mountains as well as when towing. I do like the interior fit and finish as well as the functionality of the layout.

• 

  Nice looking ride - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Autumn - October 1 - 5:50 pm

  I bought this Escape and it currently has 170,000 miles. I bought it used. So far the only thing I have has to replace was spark plugs, but recently I have noticed that it has problems starting when it is cold? Also I have had troubles with the CD changer. And yes the back hatch only opens when it feels like it. Grr that is very frustrating! But I do love the looks, space, and the drive. I love it just want a brand new one. I think dependability all depends on how well they are maintained!