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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  2007 Fusion SE 5spd Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Kris Holden - November 24 - 8:57 am

  My fusion is a great car always been a GM guy traded my 96 trans am in for it because of children. Ford has really impressed me on the design of the fusion it really does handle like a european car I have upgraded wheels and tires that make for a great look on a inexpensive fun car.

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  Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Heather - November 24 - 6:43 am

  Love the size, look, gas mileage! However road noise is an issue. If it were not for that I would give it a perfect score. If Ford could decrease road noise this would compete with Honda CRV,and Toyota Rav 4 hands down. I looked at those too, but chose the Ford because of the economical price. However the road noise can be annoying. My husband is thinking about pulling up the carpet and putting down a noise pad to see if it helps. So, maybe ford could try that! I love the look and gas mileage and have had zero mechanincal issues and it has 80K miles on it now. I love the fact that there is no tire on the back..that is why I nixed the CRV and Rav 4.

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  At Ford, Quality is Job None - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Andrew - November 24 - 5:06 am

  Stay away from the 02 Explorer. Its a repair bill waiting to happen. My last two visits were $1100 a pop, and this after having all of the regularly scheduled maintenance done at Ford dealerships. A major bungle by the engineers. From ball bearings to shattering trim, this things a mess. I wonder if Ford built it on the cheap in order to get business for their service depts. Thats where they apparently rake in the dough. Im done with Ford.

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  Good Truck - 1999 Ford F-250
  By dbweaver - November 23 - 9:56 pm

  This is the best, hardest working, most dependable work truck I have ever had. I have 129,000mi on it with only one repair, which was a new clutch kit.

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  Great car after all bugs removed - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By nance - November 23 - 1:01 pm

  I love this car, but its taken a while to get all the bugs out. Four malfunctions after purchase. Ford repaired all and dealerships could not have been nicer. Serpentine belt screetching and it took over a year and a half for third dealership to finally find and solve problem. Overall, great car. I love driving it. Handles beautifully on the road. Gets over 30 miles to the gallon on long trips close to 30 around town. Im pleased. Its a 4 cylinder, and I have plenty of power.

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  Familys nightmare minivan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By soretincho - November 23 - 12:06 pm

  Head gasket blew at 105,000 miles Ford recall covered up to 100.000 mi had to pay 1,200 to fix. Transmission rebuilt twice, minivan very unreliable. Will never buy from Ford again.

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  Surprised Me! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Mr Picky - November 23 - 8:17 am

  I really didnt even want this car but had jus gotten a divorce and had to sell my Nice import. I bought the Fusion "for the time being" and ended up still owning it 4 years later! VERY pleasantly surprised by this car.

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  Nice Truck So Far - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Robert - November 23 - 7:16 am

  This is my first American SUV purchase, and so far so good. I like the looks both interior and exterior, but Ford, what were you thinking about for the door handles and pulls? Ive nick-named them doork handles. Great cargo space, 3rd row seat is nice. Very quiet, smooth and responsive ride. This truck gives the driver good feedback from the road - something I only got from Japanese SUVs in the past. Wife owned a 94 sport when we got married and I couldnt dump that one fast enough, but it looks like the 06 is a winner with the ride and safety improvements.

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  A real keeper of a pickup - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Saganashkee - November 22 - 9:39 pm

  Bought this standard 2 door 8 ft bed 1996 F150 in 2000 just because I wanted a pickup. Since then I lived in rural IL south of Kankakee for 2 years and rural SE Georgia the last 7 years. It had 21k on it when I bought it and its pushing 95k now. The only problem is a worthless maintenance idiot light on the speedometer that turns itself on and off at will and tires that tend to go flat when a nail or railroad spike gos into one of them. Hey, I can deal with that! Without a doubt best and most enjoyable vehicle Ive ever owned. I fully expect to be still driving it in 2017!

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  Dont buy this truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By steve - November 22 - 5:30 pm

  I bought this truck new last year. I travel alot for my job, so I need something comfortable and reliable. When I was in Mississippi, I was driving about 30 mph on a back road when it sounded like I hit a roadside bomb. My truck stopped. I got out only to find a huge puddle of coolant, pieces of metal and what I later discovered was transmission fluid. they towed the truck to a Ford dealership in Memphis Tennessee, and found out that my transmission blew up. The force cracked the engine block, broke the suspension, broke the radiator, and cracked the trucks frame! So I was stuck 7 hrs away from home with a totaled truck, trying to find a new car, and I missed my daughters birthday!