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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  Nice to look at, but ridden with issues - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Sam - July 18 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my "Certified" used Explorer Sport in 2005 and have had nothing but problems with it. 1 month after I bought it, the ignition lock tumbler locked in place and I couldnt even start the car, and my key was lodged in there. Ford charged $300+ to fix it. Then, the center armrest completely broke off after leaned on it just a little bit to get something out of the back. Third, the check engine light will come on for the smallest reason and stay on. Then, my drivers side door will not unlock from the outside, it will only unlock from the inside. So getting into the car requires using the passenger side door to open the drivers side. Ive only had it for 1.5 years!

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  Not bad if you like rust. - 2001 Ford F-150
  By sebhmb - July 18 - 8:09 pm

  We bought this truck new because we had a family and needed to haul horses too. It performed great! Never any problems but at about 5 years old we noticed the doors were rusting. Since wed purchased a lifetime rust protection warranty and had it inspected yearly we returned to the dealership who said they had no responsibility and should go to the company who made the rust inhibitor, although we purchased it through Ford. Nope, nobody claimed responsibility. At our car show we spoke with Ford reps and that got some action but they all claimed that after 5 years, they had no responsibility...although the truck only had 45,000 miles and was kept inside - always!

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  Could be more - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Crashley - July 18 - 8:01 pm

  Feeling a bit let down. I see other crossovers (MDX, Acadia, Highlander) on the road and wish I had opted for one of those. The drive is nice and smooth ,and I do enjoy the Sync, nav system and power lift-gate. The airconditioning needs some help. Even on high, I keep reaching to turn it higher, and the airvents will not turn to blow directly in your face. Opening the sun-roof helps, but it is loud at higher speeds. You would think will all the hype over Sync, Ford would have invested in more speakers. 4 speakers standard and upgraded sound has only 6? Our Corolla has better sound! After 4 fillups, we are averaging 16mpg mostly city driving.

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  2014 Energi, What a Techno Marvel: Welcome to 2020 - 2014 Ford C-Max Energi
  By miboje - July 18 - 7:55 pm

  This is our first hybrid car. I wish we hadnt waited so long. The car just makes perfect sense, and what a way to say "screw Big Oil!" Weve only had the car about two weeks, and we are already very impressed. Ford did a great job with it. My fiancee drives it to work everyday, about 42 miles round trip. Our terrain is rural back roads, open highway and a bit hilly--great for mild hypermiling. He gets to work in all EV mode and regens a couple miles, and a few miles back toward home before entering hybrid mode. If he could plug in at work, we would rarely ever have to get gas. As it is, I expect we will need to get gas once a month. Wow.. This seems crazy! Very happy overall!

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  White FTX - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Doug - July 18 - 7:53 am

  Had a great buying experience as usual at my local Ford dealership (Ray Skillman). My wife fell in love with our 2016 White Lariat FTX as soon as she drove it and I am afraid she is going to drive the wheels off it before the first year. All the bells and whistles you could ever need and looks great. The leveling kit and 6 inch lift forced me to change the trim on the garage door to get it in. I have only found one car wash that is able to take it because of the tire width. There are a few things that keep it from being the best F150 I have ever had. The Home Link wont work no matter how many times I try to get it to work. The door seals seem a little noisier than I am use to even though they dont leak. The V8 5.0 MPG sticker not even close which I knew wasnt going to be but would be nice if they were more honest about it.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jill - July 18 - 1:30 am

  Bought only a couple of weeks ago but it has been a dream so far. Smooth, quiet ride but still feels enough like a truck. Good acceleration even when youre already doing 60. Got it fully loaded (premium and safety packages with the moonroof). Good sound system and so much cargo space. Plenty of leg room in the back. Easy to use LATCH system for car seats. Tinted windows make window shades for kids unnecessary. Comfortable seats. I am one very satisfied customer.

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  Love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By erica27 - July 17 - 8:56 pm

  I have had my Escape for almost a year and a half and I absolutely love it! I am a senior in college and its everything and more I could want in a car! My previous vehicles were sedans and the Escape drives like a car, but I love sitting higher in traffic and would not trade this car for anything! I hit a deer a few months ago and I know that I would have been injured if I were in a sedan. It is so spacious. I am now the designated driver on road trips, but its well worth it because all my friends love the car too and we all fit comfortably! I plan on graduating college and heading off into the real world in this vehicle!

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  Great Used Car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By vishal konnur - July 17 - 7:38 pm

  I got this car or $2200 with 103,000 miles. For the price, it was a great car. Spacious, enough power and great features .

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  Almost the best car I have ever had - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lefthandedlex - July 17 - 4:20 pm

  Retirement age is in sight so I have had quite a few cars to compare to. In 3 years I put almost 62000 miles. It is an automatic 4 cyl AWD. It is peppy I have gotten 31 mpg on rare occasions but usually 28 on avg. Except for normal maint it has only seen the dealership once for a very minor issue. Took a long weekend trip almost 5 hours one way with 4 adults and the roof rack stuffed to the gills and still got 25 mpg. Only thing I miss is leather seats. The cloth seats stain easy but so far nothing that I could not get out. Looking forward to another 60000 at least.

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  Not all I hoped for - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Emwood - July 17 - 10:03 am

  Purchased this car for functionality, comfort and versatility. 3 yrs and 55K miles later, I have gone through 3 sets of tires, 4 alignment adjustments and 2 new sets of rear disc brakes. (front brakes are fine) Very happy with interior and amenities. Will always have a DVD system now as I loved this one. Ford was thinking of themselves when they built this one as you can only get wiper blades through Ford, and only Pirelli makes the necassary size tire. (not cheap!) Loved the flexibility of the 3rd row option and a great car for road trips. Would like for it to have lived up to the mpg. (average 19 and 22) Extremely disappointed with the resale value. Trading it for a used Lexus SUV.