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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  TRADED IN FOR A PRIUS AFTER 10 MONTHS - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By tradedcmax - July 30 - 3:57 am

  After only 10 months, I traded it in for a Prius. Why? The NHTSA recall for the interior crash protection problem was the final straw. The fact I never got more than 37mpg, the fact that the multiple build quality issues were never fully resolved, and the fact that the dealer kept denying problems were all reasons I did this. And trading this in didnt come cheaply - took a $4000 hit on the trade. The dealer was quick to point out the recall. I loved driving the car. The only driving complaint was the turning radius seemed large for the size car. That is after you get used to the constant noises. Strut plate, creaking frame, etc. Very annoying.

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  You need to know how to drive a Hybrid. - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Al - July 29 - 6:39 pm

  If your going to drive without regards to mileage this isnt the car for you. Its totally different the gas only. When you come to a stop light ride the brake softly 500 feet before you stop. Regenerating brakes slow down the car gradually. When you stop at the last minute your brake pads have to grab the brake rotor causing them to wear out like a normal car. If you use brakes properly you should never wear out your brakes. On short trips to the grocery store 2 miles car will not get high mileage because the gas motor is not warmed up yet. Your efficiency goes up the longer stretch you go. The car loves 55 miles per hour. I get 48 to 50 mpg. On the freeway I get about 40 plus on short distances. From Melbourne Florida to Savannah Georgia I get 44 to 45 mpg. Here in Florida the hot weather affects mileage also so I keep the air con. @ 75 degrees, why not my house is 78 normal in Florida. This helps greatly since the air draws a lot of electricity. Advantage of Hybrid no leaky transmission only a reliable belt drive, change oil every 10, 000 miles never need a starter motor because hybrid motor starts the car instantly. Way less maintenance than a gas only vehicle. I forgot to tell you when my wife drives the hybrid she gets around 36 mpg. She guns the car a lot when it doesnt need that and slams on the brakes at the last minute. The gauges on the dash show how many gallons used, how many miles on EV Electric only which is about 50% of the time. Also when you get more miles on the gasoline motor and get it broke in it will make a difference, Id say 30,000 it should be broke in. I save about 35 to 40% on gas used average. Hope this helps you.

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  Stay away from the Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By bm on 7-29-08 - July 29 - 4:50 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new in December of 2002 and everything was fine until April of 2007. The transmission failed and cost approx. $4000 to repair with only 60,000 miles on it. Then in January of 2008 it was having problems again losing power between 35 mph and 50 mph. I took it back to the dealer that fixed it before and they told me it was a mass air flow sensor so I fixed it - although it didnt seem to be running right. Then just a month ago more problems. They told me it was the catylitic converter. So I fixed again. Today I need a new engine. Im not going to fix anymore. Oh buy the way they only offered $4000 for the trade in as is on a new car. I put $6000 in repairs in 1 year.

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  Great Car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - July 29 - 3:59 pm

  Ive been driving a 2006 Mustang GT for nearly 3 years, primarily using it for commuting only. As fun as the Mustang is, the mpg was a killer in so I needed to find something fun to drive that got much better mileage. The Fusion seemed like a good alternative and after driving it, I was convinced. Although I have essentially half the horsepower of the Mustang, this car makes up for it in handling, the way it drives and substantially better gas mileage. I would recommend the Fusion to anyone that is considering an Accord, Camry or Altima. It looks better than the others and the build quality is as good or better.

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  Pretty good car - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By steve - July 29 - 3:44 pm

  I bought my Mustang GT back in May of 01 and had the car till Feb of 08. This car was very well taken care of and I drove the car pretty crazy. The only reason I kept it running so well is because my uncle is a mechanic so most of the problem were fixed by him. I pumped regular gas in it but always used 10-30 oil. When it got to 75,000 miles I started using 10-30 high mileage mobil oil fully synthetic. That was the best oil I used. My car never leaked any oil because I always replaced any gaskets or seals that needed replacing. Changed all the normal wear & tear stuff. Always kept the car original except for the flowmasters. When I ran a smog check it had better results than a brand new Mustang

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  Angry but Fair - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Timmy T. - July 29 - 1:38 pm

  4.2L engine with electronic throttle body. No good. When you break into a corner, and then accelerate out the response time was generally 3 seconds. A member of my gun section worked at dealership told me that Ford is aware of the problem, yet has no new "strategies" for the computer, and had been given no indication as to when fix would come. Transmission was in 4 times in 2 months: 1-2 gear "strategies" reprogrammed, 1-2 gear valve body replaced, milky tranny fluid additive added, 2-3 gear valve body replaced, along with 1-2 valve body again. Went lemon law, was offered a collateral exchange, got a 05 Freestar w/3.9L engine. The van was 100% better than the Explorer.

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  33 MPG Highway, Toyota who? - 2008 Ford Edge
  By 33 mpg Highway - July 29 - 8:18 am

  I submitted a review a month after the wife and I bought a 2008 Edge, but could not wait to brag about the gas mileage we got on our 2,145 mile vacation from Iowa to North Carolina. When we left it had 2,881 miles on it. At first I did not care for the gas mileage at all, but the dealership kept telling me the mileage would get better and boy did it! I always use the cruise control, and at 74 mph this new Edge averaged 33 mpg and I have 4 people who can verify this. So eat your heart out Toyota owners. Ford has a great American crossover in this new Edge.

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  Right On! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Derek - July 29 - 2:03 am

  This is one awesome truck! As a matter of fact you tend to forget youre in a truck! Ride is by far the best all around. Ive driven them all because thats what I do for a living; nothing compares to what this machine does for you. Many onlookers and challengers everyday and with that alone, Im glad I got my truck!

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  Check Flight - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By SHERMAN-TANK - July 28 - 10:03 pm

  The 500 is more than I expected and I researched this vehicle like I do the airplanes I fly. Ford has made this a technological leader.

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  Research the CVT problems - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By katie-kate - July 28 - 8:54 pm

  This car was okay. For hauling around little kids and their junk, just get a minivan, this is not a substitute. Mileage was pretty decent and I liked the size. The interior finishes were cheap. The third row seat was alright for occasional use, but swallowed all cargo space. We had two 6 foot plus, 250 pound people in the third row and it was actually okay. However, at 40,000 miles and only 2 years old the transmission needed to have major work done, to the tune of $2,000. Not happy. Traded it in on a Honda Odyssey. I am sad to be driving my first non-ford, but this was the straw that broke the camels back. I can just feel that the Odyssey is going to be a much better long term vehicle.