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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  BIG&BAD - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By FORDCK - June 1 - 10:00 am

  GREAT RELIABLE SUV. A BARGIN IN THIS PRICE RANGE. ROOM FOR UP TO 9 PERSONS & YOU STILL HAVE CARGO ROOM. FORD SHOULD DO AWAY WITH THE EXTERIOR PLASTIC FOR A BETTER LOOK. IF FORD COULD GET BETTER MILAGE ON THIS MODEL IT WOULD BE AN EVEN BETTER SELL. GREAT PICK UP WITH THE POWERFUL V8,AND AS BIG AS IT IS EVEN SOMEONE LIKE ME AT 5 FEET TALL YOU CAN MAKE ALL THE ADJUSTMENTS TO MAKE IT A COMFORTABLE DRIVE. THE SIZE ALSO ADDS TO THE FEELING OF SAFETY, ESPECIALLY THE FACT THAT OU CAN SEE WAY AHEAD OF YOU.

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  35K mileage update - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 7383 - June 1 - 9:03 am

  This is my final update concerning the Fusion Hybrid. All my earlier comments (made at approximately 12k and 22K) remain valid. Nothing has gone wrong with the car, other than a malfunction in the retention spring in the front passenger grab bar. So, at approximately 35K, I remain exceptionally pleased overall. No squeaks, rattles, leaks, malfunctions.

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  500 A Good Choice - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By richtn1 - May 30 - 2:23 am

  I have enjoyed my Ford 500. It gets great gas mileage and has a very smooth but controlled ride. The only things I would change are the passenger seat and the tranny. The tranny needs a sport mode so the driver can select the gear manually during spirited driving. The passengers seat needs to be 8 way adjustable like the drivers seat. I cant imagine anyone hauling lumber in this nice interior.

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  Safest Full Size Sport Utility - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Jsoko1 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Previously had a 2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer, until I was hit by an uninsured driver. I was forced off the road and crashed into a concrete overpass at an estimated 67 MPH. The highway patrol officer said that if I had been driving a Camry or Accord, the accident would have been fatal. I truly believe that the truck saved my life. If youre looking for a SAFE vehicle, look no further. With the SafetyCanopy side curtain airbag system and the Personal Safety System, you cant go wrong!

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  Bad Breaks - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Robert1231454356 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  The front brakes always causes the front tires to dirty. The seat belt chime makes to much noise. It must be able to be shut off. The stickers on the visors can not be removed. These things must be fixed before I buy another one.

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  Ford Lighting - 2004 Ford F-150
  By gerard pommier - May 26 - 10:00 am

  i have found that my experience driving this ford vechile have been a wonderful one. This Ford has the power of the old muscle cars of the 60s and the high technology of the future. I have had so far no problems with its handling abilities and riding fun. Its a great vechile made by ford and I would buy another one soon. sincerely Gerard Pommier

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  2008 Escape Hybrid Impression - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Terry - May 25 - 9:33 am

  I took another look at the Escape Hybrid because it is supposed to be improved in many ways, ride/handling in particular. Those factors, and the relatively cheap feel of the interior for the price, is why I didnt get one before. My impressions after a couple of weeks with my new 2008 are positive. Its much quieter. The handling, while still somewhat truck-like, is better sorted than the prior model. Its reasonably roomy and practical and gets great mileage. I was skeptical at first, but it really is a Have Your Cake and Eat It Too sort of vehicle.

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  interior fit and finish needs work - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By mark hatmaker - May 24 - 2:56 pm

  We replaced my wifes 01 Volvo S-40 with the new Freestyle. we strongly considered an XC-90, but considering the cost and features, and the maintenance costs of the Volvo, excessive to say the least, the Ford won us over, being based off the S 60 platform. Ford has a winner this time around, although not without some areas that could be improved. The interior fit and finish could be better, IÂ’ve noted several gaps in the dash panel, A-pillar area, switchgear, especially the power mirror switch on the top left of the drivers door; looks like a last minute addition, plus it takes too much reach to safely adjust while driving. And IÂ’d prefer a hand operated emergency brake. Overall the interior looks cheap.

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  Love the T-Rex - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By IMFletch - May 23 - 11:36 pm

  We sold a wonderful Saab wagon because we needed more room after the birth of our second child. Having never owned a domestic car, we were reluctant to even consider the Taurus X, but the specs - interior room, decent fuel economy, safety - were compelling, particularly at this price point. After living with it (admittedly a short time), I am blown away. Its solid as a rock, with great build quality, a very spacious interior w/o being huge outside, good ride/handling balance, amazing seating flexibilty. Leather quality is outstanding, and there are numerous thoughtful touches, such as the covered storage bin atop the dash. Not as much fun to drive as the Saab turbo, but were thrilled.

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  enjoying ownership - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By Edward Nahin - May 22 - 9:04 am

  good choice . . .