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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  Disappointed in DC - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JRob - August 10 - 1:30 am

  Rear end noise caused the dealership to replace 2 axles and a drivetrain. Now they tell me my tires are "cupped." After reading other reviews I think this is a more serious epidemic. Plastic exterior on rear hatch cracked with freezing rain. ABS parts failure. Bubbling interior door panel fabric in cold weather. My wife threatens to leave me if I ever buy another Ford.

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  Best gas mileage is at 60 mph - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Tom P. - August 10 - 12:18 am

  I drive this car 100 miles a day. My best gas mileage is at 60 mph. 40.1 mpg at that speed with the A/C off and 37.6 with it on. This car gets 33 mpg at 80 mph withthe A/C on and mpg increase as you slow down. Ive owened this car since it was new. I bought it with 6 miles on it I have put 149,994 miles on this car and it has yet to leave me walking. It is a small car and has very good looks for a small car. Its roomy in side and not bad on long trips. Ive driven it will 3 other adults in for over 4 hours. The trunk is very big for a car of this size. The rearseat folds down and Ive put 4 8ft 4x4 in side the car. I do not know why Ford quit making them with gas prices as high as they are.

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  Bullitt Mustangs, too Cool! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Denver Bullitt - August 9 - 11:52 pm

  It is so hard to wipe the smile off my face when I get out and lock up the car. I love driving the Bullitt, amazing power, great exhaust note, and great handling. The look and feel of this car are really something, I had an 86 SVO and performance, transmission, and the overall driving experience has been improved so much. Thanks for the homerun Bullitt design team and everyone at Ford.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By bucfan11 - August 9 - 8:59 pm

  Great truck, I bought it as a work truck. (base model) Could not be happier. Im so glad I didnt spend the extra money for "features" not needed. The truck has been flawless.

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  Expected more - 2007 Ford Edge
  By lauln - August 9 - 5:22 pm

  Have had the vehicle just over a year. Like the space, styling, ride, color (redfire),and handling. Feels great to drive. But a lot of cheap plastic. Unprotected metal seat glides have sharp edges. Seatbelt detectors balatantly visible. From day 1 it has drifted/pulled to the left. Taken in numerous times, told thats just the way it is. Helicopter effect takes some getting used to even with front windows open. Deep console is OK but you need to take everything out to get to the lower layer. Cloth seats seem "utilitarian", like my old cheap truck. Hate dark interiors so I like the stone color. Lincolns very is overkill. Wonder what a Mercury version would have been like.

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  12 months after ownership driving Uber - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By jjtexcali - August 9 - 5:10 pm

  I put a lot of miles on it under a wide variety of conditions. I live in Southern California, so the only thing I cannot attest to would be significant changes in weather. I bought this car with a rated MPG of 47/47. Ford sent me a check for $750 when they corrected the ratings. For the amount I drive, this did not cover the amount in savings I had anticipated, but I guess its better than nothing. Its a beautiful car with a minimal amount of problems. It feels like a boat and takes some getting used to its size. The departure angles on inclines/declines is not good due to the air dam. My front paint has already began to wear on the front bumper from so much driving.

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  00 Taurus SES - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By RD - August 9 - 7:14 am

  Bought a low mileage, SES with duratec engine. Cant say enough about the car. Build quality is excellent. Duratec engine is strong & powerful. I had a Sable before this SES, with Vulcan engine and theres no comparison. Clean, bold lines with none of the nanny features that are present todays vehicle. Straight forward and reliable is this SES, you can find many bargains on used Taurus & Sables.

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  Current & future Ford owner - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By EddieL - August 8 - 11:23 pm

  Well I have to say I am very pleased with this SUV. I have owned it for year and a half now. I bought it with 52k now 69k. I had one problem with the rear wheel bearings which was covered in the warranty. It drives great, tons of power, very roomy. I go fishing a lot and I can go anywhere off road in any conditions. I will say that the p series tires stink with this SUV in 4x4. The all terrain tires are the way to go. As for the gas mileage I think it does great. I went to visit my brother 400 mles from me and I filled up when we left and again about 100 miles from his house. I have allways been a GM guy and I am used to seeing 60- 80 dollars at the pump to fill up. I will buy a Ford again

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  Great Improvment - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Rob - August 8 - 10:33 pm

  Let me start off by saying I had a 2007 Ford Focus and put 23,000 miles on it and thought it was a great car. Then the 2008 Focus came out, test drove it and it was mine. This car drives very well, and a noticeable difference from 07 to 08 in both performance and handling. You also sit high up in the seat, and have great viewing angles. Another noticeable difference in the 08 is that its very quiet. Highway speeds of about 70-75 the car has barley any road noise. All in all this car feels like a much more expensive car when driving and looks really great too. I would definitely recommend a test drive!

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  Perfect Pick - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Pete - August 8 - 4:00 pm

  My new car purchase was a reat experience. I enjoyed every bit of the process thanks to my salesperson. I own an 09 limited 2wd..everybody falls in love with the interior. it is very stylish and sexy.