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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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mikez - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great....great looks, great ride, lots of great amenities. Really enjoy this truck through and through.

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  Uncomfortable Seats w/ Marginal Power - 2001 Ford F-150
  By BT - June 4 - 11:56 pm

  For short rides or the rough stuff, the seats are OK. On long trips, the seats are too hard and ruin what should otherwise be a pleasant drive. Also adding to driver discomfort is the absence of a place to anchor ones left foot. The 5.7 L tends to be a bit anemic when trying to move this 5000 pounds of Blue Oval out of harms way.

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  Focus Mileage Better than Forecast - 2008 Ford Focus
  By craig lawrence - June 4 - 11:36 pm

  Decided to do the green thing and shopped all cars in this class. The Focus seemed best. I have to admit the sync system was intriguing. My mileage has been great. With wind, 55 mph: 44.5 mpg. Against wind, 70 mph: 35.6 mpg. No wind, 80 mph: 29.8 mpg. No wind, 60 mph: 37.1. Look, its not a glamorous car but I got the leather seats and are they worth it. I went from a Suburban to the Focus. Wow. I love a 10 gallon fill. Hats off to Ford for building a great little car.

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  The Pony Returns - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Terry Kauthe - June 4 - 7:26 pm

  Purchased 9/3/05. Sonic Blue/Black GT Premium Convertible w/auto, leather, IUP, upgrade rims, Shaker 1K, alarm. Convertible feels just as stable as coupe. Little to no body twist. Thats why I opted for convertible vs coupe. Very quiet w/top up under most normal conditions. Low noise w/top down. Average MPG is 21.2 for the 1st 800 miles (90% city).

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  One great suv - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By smoogie - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the new 2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition and am very impressed with it. It handles great, has a lot of room, all the “toys” work well, it is fun to drive, comfortable, quiet ride and looks great. So far I would consider this vehicle the best I have ever purchased (and I have had more than my share of them).

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  Best Buy - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By jpvette - June 4 - 7:20 am

  One of the best of cars I have ever owned, it is great looking, and runs smooth and quiet. The 18 inch wheels really make all the difference. The power memory seating gives you a great view of the road. The interior is smart looking and well appointed has all the features of luxury car. Great truck room.

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  Great car! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Yevgeniy - June 4 - 4:00 am

  I spent about 1 month trying to figure out what is the best car for me. After selling my 2005 VW Touareg I was looking at similar cars. But then I saw Ford Fusion and decided take a test drive. What a fun ride it was! Ford engineers put a lot of thoughts into this car and it is designed similar or even better then some European models. So finally I went to a SF dealer and made a deal for a Ford Fusion Hybrid black/black with package 502A. Its full of fun features and fun to ride. Black leather with white stitching looks awesome. Navigation and SYNC are amazing. I can even watch DVD movie using navigation screen (only when parked). So when I herd that Ford beats Camry Hybrid - now I see why

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  My 09 Escape - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Glenn - June 2 - 8:50 am

  I had just gotten my new Escape XLT a few weeks ago. Let me start by saying its a sharp looking small SUV. I stayed away from the all wheel drive after hearing a lot of problems people were having with them. Well the 6cyl. Ft. wheel drive is great. The one issue is the transmission. The new 6 speed is nice but the gears settings are rough. The 1st. gear drags out and shifting could be smoother. For a 240hp V6 the power is there it just takes a bit to get it out. The sync is great, power windows, door locks, one touch moon roof, keyless touch pad, etc. All very nice. Overall a great SUV for the class & the price.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rochester - June 1 - 11:10 pm

  What a joy to drive. Purchased the vehicle and then took an extended trip to Florida. Drove well and was comfortable. Storage space with the fold down seating was great!

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  Not disapointed - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Hokiefan - June 1 - 2:23 pm

  I took a lot of time reading reviews. This car meets or exceeds everything written about the car. I think it rides as nice as my Lexus RX330. Very happy to find an American made car which matches up nicely with the imports. Good job Ford. I recommend buying this car. I love it.