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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  A great vehicle - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Cole - April 30 - 3:00 pm

  The braking distance, which has been much discussed, has not been an issue other than that it is longer than my 05 Acura TL or my wifes previous car, a 00 Focus. Exterior design and interior design are spot on, with a surprising amount of legroom in the second row, even for passengers 63". As the car is now only 3 weeks old, we have had no reliability issues. The new 3.5L V6 is a little noisy on heavy acceleration from a stop, but very quiet at speed. The vehicle feels planted in the cloverleafs, with minimal body lean and no tire squeal. We cross-shopped this vehicle with the BMW X3, Mazda CX-7, Cadillac SRX, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Toyota Highlander.

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  n/a - 2002 Ford Escape
  By escapee - April 28 - 9:56 pm

  This is the best of both worlds!!! I drive mostly in the city, congestion, tight parking, etc... The Escape drives, and handles well, performs well too! Gas milage only about 18 (CITY) I did get 24 (HIGHWAY) ONE time! This vehicle has never been back for service, other than oil change, It is even better than the 2001, that I had, that was wrecked with 16K on it! My only complaints are small... I would like to see a lighted ignition switch, (Its hard to find at night) and I would like a little better ride, like the NEW Explorer! Definately the MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK SUV (in my opinion)

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  A sleeper that combines practicality with fun! Ger - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Brent - April 25 - 12:08 am

  Ford has stepped up their game with this version of the Fusion. The twin turbo V6 breaks the 300 HP ceiling with a 325 HP, 380 lb/ft engine with quick response & a flat torque curve. Zero to sixty in low 5 second range - the straight line acceleration is awesome for a 4000 pound vehicle. The 6 speed automatic transmission is a bit on the sluggish side for upshifts, but this is a car that is designed to be a daily driver that offers a bit of fun when open roads beckon, not a true performance car. Downshifts in Sport mode are a bit more crisp. The ride is pleasant in normal mode - quiet & smooth. In Sport mode it gets a bit more stiff and the active noise cancellation switches off, so you get a bit of induction noise from the twin turbos as well as a bit of synthetic sound piped in. It isnt the roar of a Porsche being challenged, but remember this is primarily a family car that is upgraded. The AWD keeps you firmly planted during spirited cornering, and the brakes are adequate though not awesome. The safety technology available on this model include accident warning with automatic braking, pre-tensioning of brakes when obstacles are detected, automatic following & braking with the Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Dampening of the suspension with electronic stability control, automatic lane departure monitoring with active steering, rear obstacle detection, and pedestrian detection with automatic braking. It is a vehicle with advanced technology that equals the best the Germans have to offer. All of this in a car that you can get out the door loaded for about 40 K, which wont buy you a similar German car stripped down. It is a great value! A practical family car that offers near BMW / Audi level acceleration & handling with good if not great brakes. If Ford can get a bit more road feel into the steering, add a bit more style (leather dash, please!) to the interior, and make the automatic transmission a bit more crisp, they will have an Audi slayer. As it is it is a much better value than the German comparables - you give up a little but get it at a price the Germans cannot approach for the same loaded vehicle.

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  Excellent pick-up after changing the throttle body - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Mike - April 24 - 2:01 am

  My daughter bought this car brand new about 6 years ago. I drove it several times, with no pick-up, noisy as it accelerates, being a 4 cylinder, I thought this was normal since I never drove a 4 cylinder car before. Last week, after 72,000 miles on the car, the throttle body was changed and the pick-up was a difference between night and day! This car never performed like this before. After I brought the car home from repairs, I asked my daughter how did it perform going to work the next morning, and her comment was "Amazing!!!". It looks like this part had issues from the start.

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  Best Mustang ever - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By cito - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car in the tradition of American ponycars. It has outrageous power, and I have been pleasantly surprised with the way it handles. I autocross, and it has been consistently faster and better handling than my 1999 Cobra even though that car had many more modifications to the suspension. Took it to the drag track, and ran low 13s with very poor driving spinning the tires down 3/4th of the track.

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  2006 Mustang GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Mike Perry - April 23 - 1:06 am

  Pros: Very fast, I have the 5-speed auto and love the way it keeps up the RPM through the gear, especially the first three. It handles great and a blast to drive. Cons: Had to have the trunk lid repainted. Has a clunking in the front end at low speed on bumpy roads. Has a very prominent vibration at approximately 1200 RPM. Dealership said front end is OK and the vibration is resonation from the exhaust. I have my doubts.

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  2002 V6 Mustang is awesome - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By 01slashstang - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2002 AODE V6 premium coupe. I love the styling and appearance of the car. It has pretty good pep for being a auto. I love the "beefier" sound of the V6. Its a real eye catcher and people are always looking!

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  Good Value for the Money - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Dr. Gill - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 25, 708 miles on it in Oct. 2000. It now has over 69,000 miles and the only things that were replaced were the serpentine belt (@ 30,000 miles), the front brakes and both radiator hoses (@60,000 miles), and a new set of tires (@47,000 miles). All other items consist of fluid changes at the manufacturers recommendations, with the exception of the engine oil which I change every 3000 miles. Each oil chnage I buy a complete fuel system cleaner ($5), which eliminates the need to have your fuel injectors cleaned.

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  Overall, "Great" with caveats - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By pdlcrzy - April 20 - 11:06 am

  Have owned an Alloy-colored V6 Mustang coupe for three months. Overall very pleased and recommend this vehicle to most potential buyers, given it is a two-door non-hatchback only for someone who regularly transports themselves and one other person. Quick, responsive, quiet, and reliable with dedicated professional dealer service. Driver position cramped, making ingress/egress difficult even for a slender person. Blower fan noisy at positions 3 and 4. Trunk access limited with narrow lid. Back seats only for small children and access difficult. BUT, its a great looking sporty car at reasonable price and very fun to drive.

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  Supercharged Fun - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By TheHylandr - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This car rocks!!! Fast is an understatement!!!