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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  FORD NEVER AGAIN - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Priest Miles - June 29 - 2:00 am

  98 ford explorer sport bought it with 22K miles after 3 years nearly $5K plus in dealer maintainence charges and 5 months after a complete tune-up at Merchants the car needs a new engine at 83K miles. Yeap never going near a FORD EVER again

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  What a car! - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Luke Houston - June 28 - 5:03 pm

  Im 16, just got it. I know that youll think I only like it because its my first car... that may be partly true, but I asked for this car. I love it; its got a lot of power, acceleration, and interior room. This is a police interceptor I own; it has no carpet, the heater core leaks, and the exterior has some missing trim. However, as far as the car itself.. it still performs very well.

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  Needs more pizazz - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Rick Perry - June 26 - 3:56 am

  My wife and I were looking at the Pacifica, when we stumbled across a Ford Freestyle. Until that time Ive never seen or heard of this vehicle. My wife took if for a test drive, fell in love with the handling and roominess of the interior. Admittedly I wasnt sold on the SUV until I started driving it. Now I have no regrets. The Freestyle is roomy and handles great. Impressed with the quite ride and comfortable. Im sold!

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  Overall, a great car with tire problems - 2005 Ford Escape
  By EscapeinNY - June 21 - 8:20 pm

  I have had my 2005 Escape for a few months now and am very happy with it. I have had to bring it back to the dealer twice for tire problems. One of the front General Tires was defective (very wobbly ride) and the dealer replaced it with ANOTHER BAD TIRE! While this does not take away from the build qulality of the car, it is annoying to have to keep going back to the dealer. Aside from the tire problem, I have enjoyed driving the Escape. The newly designed front is a big improvement over the older models. The automatic 4X4 is a nice feature. I am tall (62") and sometimes feel a little cramped while driving.

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  Second Explorer-same problem - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By K Beaver - June 21 - 11:29 am

  This is our second Explorer. Bought the first one in July of 2014. Anytime you accelerated to pass a car or just sped up, there was a smell of exhaust fumes in the cabin. After many trips to the dealer and finally filing a complaint with Ford, they reacquired the vehicle in October of 2015 and we purchased a 2016 model. We were told that problem had been repaired on the 2016 model. That was not the truth. We are now going through the same process with a complaint. Not sure how this will turn out but will not have another Explorer. And that is really sad because we love everything about it with the exception of not being able to breathe when the cabin fills with exhaust fumes.

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  47 mph is a lie - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By fisherlcsw - June 21 - 6:56 am

  I had a 2008 civic hybred and I averaged 42 to 46 mph. I bought the C-Max because of its reported 47 mph. At 1244 miles, I have averaged 34.2 mph. Fuelly shows of 81 drivers of c-max reporting, the majority of us are 37 mph or less. Nice car but not what was advertised.

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  Happily surprised - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bill - June 18 - 10:40 am

  I use this car for work and am very satisfied with the mileage. Have owned Crown Vics and Marquis and this car gives me the same large sedan feel with double the mpg. Have had some issues with body rust on the doors & trunk lid. Otc brake pads last longer than original & have had to replace the front rotors recently.

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  I needed a Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Mathias - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have the 5.4 V8, Tow, Moonroof, power rear window, 6 disk in-dash, and purchased for 28K. Now at 3500 miles there are no rattles,squeaks or wind noise. Alignment is perfect. The ride is firm. Interior quality is excellent. The seats have been raised 2-3 inches from previous models. I am relatively short (57") My feet just touch the floor. The seats took some getting used to. Low mounted door arm-rests not practical due to tall seats. Engine power is very adequate. I tow a 5,500lb boat frequently. This truck accelerates well with or without boat in tow. Truck does not deserve "suggish" ratings. Excellent quality and good performance for the price.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Barbara Ann - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I haVE ALWAYS had sport passenger cars so this was all new to me. I love driving up higher on the road now, and the handling on this SUV is great. It rides smooth, handles nicely. I am very satisfied with the truck and now I know I will never drive a passenger car ever again.

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  2000 Mustang Coupe - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By DSN - June 18 - 10:00 am

  A solid car. I have had zero problems. Runs strong for a V6, and I love the styling.