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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  Escape Hybrid hits the mark - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Kpick - June 17 - 9:43 am

  I picked up my 2008 Escape Hybrid one week ago. First impressions are excellent. Gas mileage is 36 mpg in mostly city driving. The leather interior is well done. The build quality is flawless. I traded a 2005 Honda Accord because I needed more interior room and better gas mileage. The Escape gave me both. Time will tell if the reliability will match Honda.

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  Not your typical daily commuter - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By golfpilot - June 17 - 6:58 am

  I dont have a set drive to work. I travel all over the bay area with distances from 5 to 100 miles. I find myself often running a 25 mile loop ending with a steep uphill quarter mile grade with about 5% battery left. I live in Northern California where the weather is extremely mild and I use the air conditioner less than 5% of the time. The air conditioner sucks the battery up. I would not like this car if I needed it. My overall time spent with the car I am averaging 120mpg. My electricity is free. I also have a Volt. The volt is more efficient between 25 and 110 miles. I have found the C-maxs ICE is a little more efficient.

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  Flexing in my Flex - 2018 Ford Flex
  By Shondy - June 14 - 3:27 pm

  It’s a spacious car for the money. I never would have thought I’d own a ford, but here I am loving it. Mostly great review of this vehicle, couple drawbacks but they’re minor in comparison.

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  NICE and FUN, but not perfect! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By james cook - June 12 - 10:10 am

  Plenty of room for yourself the wife and 2 kids. Looks and drives nice. One breakdown within 6 months. Manifold gasket leaked oil onto sensor and brakes went out. Other than that this truck drives well.

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  Ford Got it Right! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Steve in PA - June 12 - 9:00 am

  I bought this because I wanted more space to move whatever I have to when necessary, but I dont need to drive around in a huge truck. I have three small kids, and they fit in here very nicely. Its easier to buckle them into the back seats than in my girlfriends minivan. So far the car has been reliable, comfortable, and very practical. On the other hand, the OEM Continental tires handle sloppily- had the same issue with my 03 Mercury Sable, switched to Goodrich, wow! I did have a problem where the Check Engine light would come on; diagnosed as bad camshaft sensors, replaced under warranty and they gave me a loaner car. Timing chain guide was noisy, same deal.

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  Some Good. Some not so Good - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Jim W. - June 10 - 6:46 pm

  I fell in love with the seats in the sports appearance package and forgot to check the firmness of the sports tuned suspension. If I could get the harsh ride softened a bit, I would. This car looks great, is roomy, has many thoughtful features, but it has some flaws too. Some controls feel flimsy and cheap (seat recline lever, light switch, HVAC control, outside door handles) Seats are very comfy and supportive, and as I said they look great with black leather, and black/red cloth inserts. The engine lacks pick-up, and doesnt seem enthusiastic. Fuel economy so far (at two weeks ownership) is about 19mpg. Hope this improves. However, this car was very well priced and nicely appointed.

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  Uncomfortable Seats w/ Marginal Power - 2001 Ford F-150
  By BT - June 4 - 11:56 pm

  For short rides or the rough stuff, the seats are OK. On long trips, the seats are too hard and ruin what should otherwise be a pleasant drive. Also adding to driver discomfort is the absence of a place to anchor ones left foot. The 5.7 L tends to be a bit anemic when trying to move this 5000 pounds of Blue Oval out of harms way.

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  Focus Mileage Better than Forecast - 2008 Ford Focus
  By craig lawrence - June 4 - 11:36 pm

  Decided to do the green thing and shopped all cars in this class. The Focus seemed best. I have to admit the sync system was intriguing. My mileage has been great. With wind, 55 mph: 44.5 mpg. Against wind, 70 mph: 35.6 mpg. No wind, 80 mph: 29.8 mpg. No wind, 60 mph: 37.1. Look, its not a glamorous car but I got the leather seats and are they worth it. I went from a Suburban to the Focus. Wow. I love a 10 gallon fill. Hats off to Ford for building a great little car.

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  My 09 Escape - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Glenn - June 2 - 8:50 am

  I had just gotten my new Escape XLT a few weeks ago. Let me start by saying its a sharp looking small SUV. I stayed away from the all wheel drive after hearing a lot of problems people were having with them. Well the 6cyl. Ft. wheel drive is great. The one issue is the transmission. The new 6 speed is nice but the gears settings are rough. The 1st. gear drags out and shifting could be smoother. For a 240hp V6 the power is there it just takes a bit to get it out. The sync is great, power windows, door locks, one touch moon roof, keyless touch pad, etc. All very nice. Overall a great SUV for the class & the price.

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  Like a lot! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Rave - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive for an SUV. Very functional for variety of uses - around town, towing, hauling.