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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  Would buy again!! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Ryan Snider - October 28 - 10:47 am

  I bought this car 3 months ago and do not regret it at all. It looks very sporty especially the front but is still conservative. Picks up great for a 4-cylinder and gets solid gas mileage. Love the sync system and sunroof. A couple complaints would be rear visibility when backing out, low A/C controls and cmon plastic hubcaps? I had to buy rims because they were hideous but other than that love the car

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  Best vehicle Ive ever had - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Amy F. - October 27 - 5:31 pm

  Amazing truck!

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  Built to Work - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Mike Bard - October 27 - 4:18 pm

  I bought the F150 because I know Ford makes vehicles that perform well have low maintenance and are always a pleasure to drive. I had GM products for many years, but there is nothing like a Ford and my 2015 F150 is no exception. My F150 is a quality product that gets the job done and looks good doing it.I have just under 5000 miles on my truck now and I get great gas mileage when not working and good gas mileage when i hook my 6000 pound travel trailer to it.

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  The Black Phantom - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Dock - October 26 - 10:26 pm

  I have a Black Ford Taurus SES 24 Valve and It has 15 miles on it when I got. 15 years later it run and look brand new with 355,480 miles on it. I oil change it 6 times a year and change the transmission oil once a year. Also all other fluid in the car is changed yearly. I have only change the belt 3 times and the water pump twice the power steering pump once and everything else is great. I added a performance chip and a turbo blower to the unit and it help my gas mileage while increasing my horse power.

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  Who Says its an average SUV - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Chief - October 26 - 4:39 pm

  The Ford Explorer get mediocre ratings only because its a domestic SUV and didnt cost us $75K to drive off the lot. It looks and acts like a Range Rover and the upgrade kit we ordered was worth the leather seating. I love the ride its comfortable and the interior is quiet. The steering is extremely sensitive and braking is perfect. My only regret was not getting the supercharged version, otherwise this SUV competes with the more expensive models and frankly its worth every penny. Buy one and no I dont work for Ford I traded my Chevy Blazer for the Explorer and have not regretted it.

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  The Biggest and Best SUV Ever Created - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Kurt Young - October 25 - 7:14 am

  My current Excursion is my best Excursion by far. My first was the Limited 6.8L V10. My current Excursion exceeds and surpasses in all categories. Ill keep this one as long as parts are made for it. I see other SUVs on the road and wonder why bother. Ive added after market airbag shocks which has increased the towing capabilities and smoothness of ride while towing. I tow a 10K lbs travel trailer year round, and my excursion has no problem whether pulling passes in Montana or on the long flats of Florida.

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  Florida tripper - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Cliff - October 23 - 2:44 pm

  We bought this car with 136000 miles and had it 2 weeks and took a 4300 mile trip to Florida. We got great mileage, up wards of 34 mpg, and at 62" I found the car to be very comfortable. Just dont try to sleep in it overnight... The car performed flawlessly, smooth shifting, took mountains like they werent even there. If you are looking for that big car feel GET ONE

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  still new - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By charlie - October 22 - 9:40 pm

  It is hard to rate this car due to low mileage,but I feel good about this car because it replaced a 2008 fusion that replaced a 2006 focus all with the 4 cylinder engine,I am yet to have any failures.They have really made this a nice car,my wife loves it.

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  Sporty Fordy - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Pam - October 22 - 3:56 pm

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  Boostn 4! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Chris - October 21 - 8:54 am

  This is my 3rd Mustang that I have ever owned. My first was a 1981 coupe with the in-line 6. My second was a 2000 GT Convertible, slightly modified. I have been shopping an found this gorgeous Race Red with the upgraded wheel option, 2.3 Ecoboost. After looking at the GT and the Ecoboost, tossing around the numbers and scratching my head for my new daily driver. I just could not justify an extra $10-15K for the GT plus its additional costs. Plenty of pull, lots of looks, great mileage for my commuter. It is just my wife and I, so I do not have to worry about back seat usage, we have a 15 Escape Titanium for that.......