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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  misc - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By mbyrd - January 21 - 9:36 am

  this is the second explorer ive owned, they just keep getting better. the 6 cyl. tows nicely and has good passing speed.

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  Freestyle; Home run for Ford! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By mudhen - January 17 - 8:30 am

  Just purchased the Freestyle, what a car! I was truly impressed with the great value it offers. I am not a huge Ford fan, but I was very impressed with the overall quality, comfort, and features this car offered at this price point. Score one for Ford, They did a great job. A terrific "minivan" alternative.

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  Timely Repairs? Come on Ford! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By MamaD - January 17 - 8:00 am

  Purchased this lovely vehicle about a month ago. However, we have now discovered that two valves are leaking and the rotors need repair (@ 18000 mi.). I find it "interesting" that these were not repaired by the original selling dealership and we must now have it repaired under warranty by a Ford dealership! AND it is taking way too long for repair - 3 day repair time! Without even an offer for a loaner! What kind of customer service is that?!

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  Luv my hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By farmer - January 16 - 8:36 am

  We just returned from a 6600 mile trip to the East coat. The car was dream to drive, performance was great. We averaged 37.3 MPG round trip. We drove 75-85 MPH, we didnt expect great mileage as the car was heavily loaded with luggage and junk. We traded a Cadillac in to purchase this car, my wife reminds me that this "does not ride like a Cadillac. Overall we are very satisfied with the car. I made a contract with my wife: Drive the car for 6 months and if she is hot happy then go buy the Cadillac CTS. I think she will keep the Ford.

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  Just purchased 11/2015 - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Jeff derry - January 15 - 12:22 pm

  Just purchased the 2016 Ford Escape S basic model made in Lexington Kentucky. Was going to get the Ford Foucus which have owned and had good experience. The Escape base model is priced similar to the high end Focus. The dash boards are similar. Car is brand new so cannot report long term but think for the price it is a good buy! Not gas efficient like the Focus though.

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  Safe to drive ... - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fraff2 - January 12 - 1:30 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 5 years, but it was just totaled. I believe the side airbags prevented injury to driver as truck was rolled on its side. Truck was totaled and wheel even came off ! Driver walked away with minor scratches. Sorry to see truck go to salvage, I really liked it ! Drives like a truck that it is. I believe newer 2007+ models drive better (revamped, newer platform ?).

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  cheap ride - 2001 Ford Focus
  By sigjuliussen - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Focus and I love the way it handles. It has ran good for me. NO problems

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  Rattle Trap - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TimN - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Expedition and by far this is the worst in quality. This is a complete rattle trap. We have had mirrors replaced, motors replaced, ash trays replaced, front ent taken off - reassembled and re-installed, insulation added to doors. Molding in rear replaced due to coming apart. Re-tweeked and re-tweeked and still cannot fix the passenger side doors from rattling. When speaking with sales and management at Ford, all I get is "Yours must have been made on either a Monday or Friday". Now Ford says that it could be a hot/cold flexing problem which may not be repaired. After the 5th time in the shop, Ford Corp wont even call me back.

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  Ford Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By jpjljr77 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall the vechile has been great.

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  AF Blue - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Air Force Blue - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Have had minor electrical problem with ignition (freak burn through of wire wouldnt let car start all the time). Made enough contact to start car most of time. It took 7 visits to the dealership to find and fix. We did stick with it.