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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  Mustang GT Convertible. - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By kevin - February 7 - 2:00 pm

  This care is awesome. Amazing power for the money & comfortable.

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  FORD - the acronym fits... :( - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By The Canadian Fellow - February 7 - 7:50 am

  Well, bought it in October, and since then I have not had it for more than 2- 3 weeks at a time without taking it in for service. 4 - 5 times I have had to bring it in for air locks (gurgling in the cooling system) Even in my rental too... Head gasket has been relplaced, there was also coolant in one of the cyliners. Timing belt was out by 7 degrees, this was the dealerships fault, but still another issue with a Ford. High pitched squeal coming from the heater, which has been fixed. Sync randomly cuts out on me as well. The car would also nearly stall when I turned the ignition, then catch itself and roar to life. So, as of right now I do not recommend it

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  Flaw in brake cylinder design - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Israel Barbosa - February 6 - 11:27 pm

  The vehicle is not that good when negotiating a sharp, vehicle leans too much. Rear brake calipers cost me $499.00 they have to be replaced if they extend to far out. Was told by a large reputable brake company, that the caliper is poorly designed and this problem happens frequently with two Ford vans: the Freestar and the Freestyle. the company should address this flaw and replace them with a system that doesnt cost the consumer hundreds to replace Fords poorly designed rear brake system. looking forward to hear something from the Ford company, im tempted to inform consumer report, the media etc, etc. Also had to have my 6 cd player changed the disc were getting jammed.

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  Go test drive one - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By tommybot - February 6 - 7:46 pm

  Get the appearance package. The faux leather seats fool everyone and are quite comfortable.17"rims,lower profile tires are well worth the extra price. Rear spoiler is subtle, not a big wing. Spoiler has led lites. 6cd mp3 radio is very good. No need to upgrade unless youre an audiophile nut! Handling. This is where the suprise is. It is by far the best riding and handling $20K car out there, period. Even more expensive cars cant compare to the ride. My wife says its just as comfortable as any BMW. Getting 29 mpg mixed driving when driving like grandma. 35mpg all highway with cruise set at 65. 25mpg when driving like a typical NJ/NYC person.

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  Fun Factor - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Kilokid - February 6 - 6:14 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 3 mos and I can tell you I love it. I drove a 1998 Lincoln Mark VII before and it just wasnt for me. Im retired and I needed a vehicle that would take four guys with golf bags to the course. Well this Ford Edge is perfect for that. We all sit in comfort and quiet. We can have a normal conversation at 70 mph with having to raise our voice. Two of my golfing buddies drive the Lexus RX 330 and both say their next car will be the Edge.

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  The Best SUV in the market - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By ptyexplorer - February 6 - 11:05 am

  Enjoy the driving of the car. I drive long distance, it is comfortable, excellent acceleration, handling is great. Drives similar to my Mercedes Benz. Great improvement from the previous model. Dashboard is elegant, and instrument panel are easy to read. Great features, such as suede, heated seats, memory seats and on-board computer.

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  Good Vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By James H - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car a year ago and have almost 30,000 miles on it. It has been a very good car and I take it everywhere. Will definitely drive it until it cant be driven anymore.

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  one year and let the worring begin - 2001 Ford Escape
  By m montes - February 6 - 10:00 am

  likes:The Escape xlt 4wd 3.0 v6 is comfortable and extremely fast. a very powerful engine for off road riding. very spacious with the back seats down.. have use it for carring construction supplies. dislikes:after six months my first bad experience was the srs light turning on. the dealership fix it but a month later it was on again. now the srs lights turn on and off and if i take it to the dealer they take a day or two. lately i have been hearing a thumping noise in the front of the car on both sides of the tires. my fear is that the joints are damaged

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  Improved Design and Ride - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bill Stauss - February 6 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have been driving our new 2002 Ford Explorer Ltd. for about 1 1/2 months now. We think it is a winner. The new design in which it rides lower and wider is safer and gives you more control and more of a big sedan like ride. We traded in a 1999 Explorer and have the earlier model to compare it to. We liked the older model, but the 2002 is much improved.

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  Satisfied - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By simsropp - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Love the 3rd row seats. They have come in handy.