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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  2011 Ford Fusion Sport (FWD) - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By superchargers - January 22 - 6:49 pm

  Check out my review here, since this site limits me to only 700 characters, which is not enough for a car review: http://autos.yahoo.com/2011_ford_fusion-reviews_user/_ylt=AntLmUq8GdsB3JfNdNDvgZgEc78F_ylv=3

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  Awesome - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By jbrewha74 - January 22 - 8:57 am

  Just got my Explorer XLT(almost loaded) 3 days ago. Anyone who posts anything negative about this vehicle must not own one yet. It has features in it you cant touch in luxury trucks for under 50k. Trust me, my other half has a BMW and we do not even want to drive that anymore. So far the only issue i do have is with the phone/SYNC. It keeps pulling up my text msgs as new and beeps for them as they are new msgs. Other then that everything else is crazy in it. Safety features galore and it feels like it is a 50k plus truck.

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  Fun to Drive - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By discopsk - January 18 - 5:18 pm

  Traded in my 98 V6 for this Race red V6 Premium with Auto, Pony and Comfort packages. First impression was there is NO STORAGE. No place to put sunglasses, loose change, etc. I love the MyColor. The ride is comfortable and quiet, and the transmission is very smooth. Second tank of gas I got 29 mpg in mixed driving. 1 mpg better than my 98 with double the horsepower and an auto instead of manual tranny. Great job Ford! The Shaker radio sounds great. And I love the retro style which is very reminiscent of my 65 pony. Reliability remains to be seen, but if this car is as good as my 98, Im a happy camper.

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  6.2 Platinum 4x4 - 2011 Ford F-150
  By renelms - January 17 - 5:41 pm

  Love it! If 14-15 mpg doesnt bother you, then you will love this truck. Suspension, interior, sound system, the exhaust and THE ENGINE...everything is refined, smooth and very comfortable. Very spacious in every seat, huge floor space in rear seat, heated/AC seats front and rear, and all done in a soft leather. I have over 3000 miles on it so far and have no regrets. I have several GM trucks in our fleet, so i have plenty to compare....including a Denali. This one beats them all....easily. Best truck I have owned.

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  Fiesta Wins Hands Down - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By snowcrash7 - January 17 - 10:06 am

  I test drove 3 cars last week. A Mazda 2, which had the dash pressed up against my left knee and smelled of burnt oil after doing 70 on the highway. The Honda Fit Sport, which really surprised me on the highway. I had it at 70 and the engine was over reving, like it wanted to be shifted into a higher gear. I was looking for an over drive button but the dealer who was also in the car said it didnt have one. That was a shocker.

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  1st Ford Ever and Love it - 2010 Ford F-150
  By rdd007 - January 16 - 7:12 pm

  I thought my dad might have a stroke when I bought this F150......Ive had many GM trucks and all had good luck, but decided to change. I really love this truck....got all the options moonroof, nav, rear camera, etc. I decided to get the max trailering packae w/ 3.73 gear and havent noticed any difference in mileage from several friends 3.55 gears. Seems to hold gears a little better. The 5.4 has plenty of power, but could use more (will be doing a programmer soon) just doesnt have the pep that my Chevy 6.2 has. It rides great and has tons of room and its perfect for me with family and a job that keeps me on the road. Will give the ecoboost a try when its been proven.

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  Whatta Steal w/the Special 2.3L Engine - 2003 Ford Focus
  By wnyfordguy - January 14 - 1:58 pm

  Bought this used on 3/31/09 w/58k miles for my eldest son to commute to college. I got it cheap after previous owner bought it damaged the prior fall - it was in a front-end collision he did most of the repairs himself. Regardless, this car is solid! Its amazingly quick for a 4-banger. Thats because it was sold in NY, so it has the 2.3L Duratec PZEV engine that produces 145 HP, as opposed to the weaker 2.0L engines that came with most 03 MY Foci. Around the town gas mileage is OK-to-Very Good (21-24 MPG), but its great on highway trips (up to 29 MPG). Also, its very comfortable and fun/different to drive - maybe thats what others refer to as this cars "European" feel.

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  6 Speed Manual - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mnfusion - January 12 - 10:37 pm

  I bought my Fusion 8 monthes ago and have already racked up 26,000 miles. So far I have had no problems to speak of. Gas mileage with the 4cyl. manual has been between 26mpg and 32mpg. Overall very nice vehicle. It runs quiet and smooth down the road and gets up and goes well for a 4 cyl.

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  2003 SVT COBRA - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By brantm21 - January 12 - 12:18 pm

  I actually have a 02 GT w/ a Cobra motor swap. This engine is powerful in the whole power band. Pushing 515RWHP 545RWT. Its not stock obviously, but still one of the best engines ever made in my opinion. And the fact its a Ford. I have drove this car across the nation to many car shows and drag strip. Never broke down.

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  300,000 kms and still going strong! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By emersome - January 12 - 11:46 am

  Bought my Escort Wagon used and best money Ive ever spent on a vehicle so far. Plenty of cargo space but small enough you can park anywhere. Put winter tires on it and is amazing around town have passed half-tons stuck on the side of the road. Can even do some light off-roading. Easily put 2 kayaks on top and has enough clearance that you can get where you need to go. Little slow off the start but once its going has lots of pep. With regular maintenance its been very reliable and is still zooming along at 300K. And fuel mileage is awesome! Had a hatchback Escort before and wasnt too thrilled but the Wagon has really been impressive.