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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  Better than the Titan - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Foozeball67 - September 20 - 9:40 pm

  Drives easy and smooth. Simple and easy to use controls. Just 1 rattle so far. I have owned both a Dodge and a Nissan Titan and this truck beats them both.

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  Great car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Ella - September 20 - 3:18 pm

  I was used to driving a Subaru. I was a bit shy of buying this vehicle at first. After 4 months, I am glad I choose this car. It handles well and gas mileage is good 24-27 with local travel. I have been to the beach and back about 600 miles one way. It performed great and lots of positve comments. So all you Subaru lovers try the Fusion AWD.

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  Detailed Video Review of this great SUV by owner - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Foxx Automotive - September 20 - 3:11 pm

  Overall, this is an amazing SUV that offers great value and a compelling set of features. The interior is finished well and is much more refined than my previous 2015 Ford Explorer sport. The ecoboost engine offers plenty of performance and adequate MPGs. To learn more about the Ford Explorer, I encourage you to check out my detailed video review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Hb318m89g Im sure youll love it!

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  Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By J. Jolly - September 20 - 2:56 pm

  I purchased my Escape used in June 2007 with just over 44 K miles on it. I have put 20,000 problem free miles on it since then. It has just required regular maintance. Im impressed with the overall quailty and versatility of this SUV. Powerful engine, carlike handling and brakes are selling points. Handles great in bad weather (snow, ice,and rain). I feel safe in this automobile. Mine is equipped with side airbags. I would highly recommend the Escape to anyone looking for a small SUV.

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  You get what you pay for - 2016 Ford Focus
  By J. Griffith - September 20 - 12:38 pm

  Cons: Bought a 2016 Focus S Sedan less than 3 weeks ago. Within the first 400 miles of driving it the passenger side rear wheel cap fell off. This wasnt covered by the warranty. Luckily the parts are so cheaply made that it only costs $36 to replace, although this should not be occurring with a brand new vehicle. Vibrations are also noted in the front seat roof storage panel, possibly from a loose part. Being an S model, the panel is merely for show and has no direct access without taking the entire panel off. An unnecessary feature in my opinion. Acceleration is minimal at best and the rear seats offer little leg room if you are a taller driver. On the manual transmission model the pedals have a cramped feel; the clutch could be offset to the left by 3-4 inches. Pros: Basic model (S trim) still offers Ford Sync and a rear backup system with monitor. Instrument panel is well laid out. Spacious seating in the front if you dont mind compromising for rear seat leg room. Smooth shifting with a manual 5-speed transmission. Fuel efficient for both city and highway driving.

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  Great Mustang! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Nick - September 20 - 12:51 am

  Ive had my 06 Mustang GT for two and a half years. Overall, I love this car! The modern-retro look, the powerful v-8, the American-muscle rumble, its got it all. I always love driving it, even in my routine communites. In the world full of soccer mom mini-vans, clunky pick-up trucks, and ho-hum sedans, it feels good driving a car that stands out and demands attention. This just doesnt become a "daily driver car" like your grand am, accord, or malibu. This car becomes a part of you. Youll eventually end up giving this car a name like Shelby, Sally, or Eleanor. This is the type of car that you pass down to your children. So, buy one, throw in your fav AC/DC album, and drive and live!

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  2 Years with my 2007 GT/CS - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By David - September 19 - 9:49 pm

  Ive now had the pleasure of owning my 2007 Mustang GT/CS for two full years. really love this car... still! So much fun to drive! So much power. Mine is a 5 speed manual, with the lower ratio rear- end. It really screams off the line. The mileage is amazing at about 29 on the highway, and about 22 around town...when I can keep my foot out of it which is pretty hard to do.

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  Okay - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By mtee - September 19 - 6:28 pm

  Very fun to drive and love the look of this body style. Be careful when you get in the higher mileage. After 120,000 just about everything that can go wrong on a car went wrong on this. In the last year: transmission, clutch, mass airflow sensor, a/c clutch, alternator and hoses. And after all this I still dont trust the car, but thats what I expect from a Ford.

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  Been about a year now - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Mike J - September 19 - 2:31 pm

  I bought my Taurus about a year now and have been very happy with it. I have not taken any trips and do all in town driving averaging about 20 mpg. The ride is comfortable and inside and trunk are roomy. Since I bought this car at a used car dealer, the prices have actually gone up about $1,000 asking. Not bad for what some call a throw-away car.

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  NC Freestyle Review - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By jermnc77 - September 19 - 11:00 am

  Enjoy the ride of the vehicle. A lot of people dont know what it is though. I got the base model without leather. Cloth seats do stain easily and arent easy to clean without making water stains. It does have rear AC/heat. Added on the DVD system and second row center console after I purchased it. So its basically a next level up from base now. Was extremely disappointed in gas mileage though. Sticker stated 22/28. Commercials stated 500 miles to a tank of gas. Ive never experienced 28 mpg or that many miles to a tank. What I do enjoy about the car is the versatility of it. Its a great person carrier. Is very comfortable to travel in. Love the smooth as silk CVT transmission.