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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  2005 F150 Lariat - 2005 Ford F-150
  By ranger67 - August 2 - 9:23 pm

  Vibration problems immediately after picking vehicle up from showroom. May be a drive shaft/tire problem. No solution yet.

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  Recommend Ford Taurus with Exceptions - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Dan the Man - August 1 - 4:50 am

  My vehicle is a company vehicle. The only complaints I have with this car is the amount of room provided with the standard drivers seat and not having the duratec engine (3.0L 4V the 3.0L 2V is standard). I had a 2001 with no power seat or power pedals and it was unbearable to drive do to the seat not going back far enough(I am 63"). I was able to pass that car off and get the 2002 model with a power seat and power petals and now enjoy a comfortable drive.

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  check the rims - 2005 Ford F-150
  By TONY - July 31 - 4:46 pm

  I like my Ford F-150 XLT; the comfort and the driving (handling). This does not feel like a truck when you are in it. I am glad I stuck with ford

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  2004 Ford Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By DJ8 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Fuel milage is acceptable. But not as good as I had hoped for. Satisfied with appearance. Im still trying to get use to the smaller interior. I traded a full size P/U due to gas mileage concerns. Also getting use to the tight steering of the smaller vehicle versus a full size P/U. All and all Id have to say Im satisfied with everything except gas milage

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By elrod - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for a year now and It is one of the best cars I have owned. I have had no problems whatso ever.

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  TOY - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By DISSOLUTE20 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR I WAS LOOKING FOR A COBRA BUT I DIDNT HAVE THE MONEY SO I FOUND THIS BRIGHT RED MACH 1 FOR A LOT LESS. WELL........NOT TO MUCH LESS . BUT ANYWAY IT HAS AWSOME POWER NOT A NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT TO MUSCLE HEADS BUT ENOUGH TO MAKE ME REAL HAPPY. IT IS A HOOT TO DRIVE IT HANDLES PRETY GOOD NOT LIKE A LOTUS BUT IT DOES ENOUGH FOR MY WEEKEND TRIPS THROUGH THE CRUISING LANE. IT HAS LOTS OF APEAL. ITS A REAL EYE CATCHER. I GUESS YOU CAN TELL I LIKE MY CAR

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  Never buy another suburban!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By edb - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive always owned GMC suburbans or Yukons. without a doubt this is the best of the lot for large SUVs.

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  Best Sedan For The $$ - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By rockinroller - July 29 - 5:44 am

  Bought my 06 SEL FWD used for $5000 recently and can tell you its the absolute BEST BUY Ive ever made for a used vehicle. I had the 07 Limited AWD for a couple of years (also used) and in retrospect probably should not have sold it. It was great in the (Michigan) winters, got super mileage for a big car (26+ highway), seated 5 adults comfortably and the only issue I had was with the rear brakes wearing out after only 15K miles. This recent 2006 purchase reminds me of the great qualities that Ford built into these vehicles and had they been "faster" and perhaps a bit cheaper (than the $30K price tag for the Limited AWD), theyd probably still be around.

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  Road rattling roadster - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Dale Carraher - July 28 - 2:24 pm

  Just the bad stuff (because there is so much good to say about the complex sport also). At a cost just north of $51k, I am so disappointed in the dash board rattling, so irritating! The cheap sloppy feel of the door handles, and the front doors sound like they are about to fall off when closing. Everything else is great. The dash board noise may drive me to get rid of it early. SO IRRITATING and it PISSES ME OFF daily. Oh and on occasion the mirrors quiver like they are trying to during start until you turn adjustment toggle off & on. I am a Qualty professional and could not be more disappointed in Fords quality on a high cost vehicle. Yup, Im ashamed to mention the issues to my friends and colleagues because of what I paid.

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  Better than average - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Alan - July 28 - 2:11 pm

  I purchased my Ford Fusion at the end of August and have driven 9500 miles since. I drove a company provided VW Passat before making my purchase. I test drove the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, and my Fusion. I am in sales so each of my cars over the past 21 years have been fleet vehicles. Personally my wife drives a Toyota Highlander. During my test drives, the Ford Fusion had the most comfortable seat. I am very happy with the comfort of the seat, and power seats are standard on the SE. Each of the cars I drove in my test were 4 cylinders; my Passat was the diesel. From a acceleration point of view, the Fusion is as good as any I have driven. I need acceleration from 60 MPH to 80 MPH for passing cars and I am comfortable with the Fusions ability to get me around. The parts of the Fusion that are average in comparison of those that I have driven are the "Sync" feature for the hands free function, and noise that is created by the design on the side of the Fusions body. On my Toyota and VW, the connection when a call is coming in and the ability to end the call is instantaneous. The Fusion has a 3-5 second delay for each. And there has been times when the Sirius Radio gets stuck. It wont change the channel or allow me to change to standard radio. Regarding the noise created by the design, both sides of the Fusion have a groove the length of the car. It creates a sound that is similar to a ribbon being tied to an antenna that is flying tight and it creates a rippling effect. Similar to a kite flying in the wind, too. It is very annoying. If you chose to test drive one, turn the radio down and accelerate to a speed of 60 or more for period of time. I have sales colleagues who drive Fusions and love them. The overall features and handling of the Fusion are satisfactory for my long travels. I also own a 1999 Ford F150 that has been an extremely reliable second vehicle. The reliability of my F150, plus Zero % financing, influenced my decision to purchase the Fusion.