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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  Awesome! - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Arizona-Adam - October 22 - 12:32 pm

  Weve worked our way up to a full size SUV, we had a 2001 Escape, then a 2004 Sport Track. We thought about the F-150 but I liked the idea of another SUV. After driving the Expedition we both loved it and had to have it. Honestly it does not feel huge and handles amazingly. It exceeded our expectations, expecially compared to others in the same class.

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  Fusion S - Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion S - manual - October 22 - 11:38 am

  I bought this car recently and absolutely love it. The ride is smoother than any car I have ever been in and the steering reacts very well.

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  Good drivetrain but electronics ruined it - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By familycarbuyer - October 22 - 11:37 am

  Bought this car 2 months ago and have been driving it to and from work mostly. The concept is very good -- i.e. a plugin hatchback. The car handles fairly well and the motors do what they are supposed to do. The electronics are not there yet, however. Specifically, the charging software, the navigation and the voice recognition are all downright horrible and have really ruined the experience for me.

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  1st Ford and last! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Jessica - October 22 - 11:01 am

  This is the first ford I have owned and will be the last. We purchased this car used 2 months ago and this is the 4th time it has been in the shop! First brakes and rattling, supposedly the rotors and brake pads were replaced but still extermly shakey. Twice the suv comepletly died on me while driving.I lost everything and had no power at all. Nearly was hit and had my children in the car! Now it is in the shop because cheap continental tires blew while driving 70 mph on the interstate and did extensive damage to the body of the car. I am fixing this suv and cutting my losses! there is no way I would ever endanger my family by putting them in this vehcile ever again! BEWARE!!!

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  Not Bad - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By TXGuy - October 21 - 9:26 pm

  I have owned my XLT for 2.5 years. It has 41,000 miles on it. Nothing mechanical has broke down. The leather seats were replaced at 34,000 miles due to excessive cracking..no questions asked by Ford. The original Michelin tires had to be replaced at 30,000 miles. It has been a good car. There is a weird vibraton noise under the drivers seat. I have not had any other issues...handles like an SUV, but still a good contender for the mid- size SUV buyer. I might consider the Toyota 4Runner next time simply because it keeps its value better.

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  Great Little Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By sheilah - October 21 - 5:06 pm

  I love this car. The body of the car is wonderful, it looks like a new car not a 2001. Its very comfortable and the pick up is great. My car has it all, this is the first Ford that I have bought and it will not be the last. I love this car. Also there is so much room inside the car, it has everything I so glad that I found it.

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  Poor Tansmission Reliability - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By compgen25 - October 21 - 3:04 pm

  I have owned this Explorer for 3 yrs now and have nothing but problems with this transmission. In my opinion the transmission is very unreliable. I have returned it to the dealer on 6 occasions now with no resolution. Overall the vehicle is good but with the tranmissions problems I would not recommend this vehicle to friends.

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  Awesome Pony! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Scott Thomas - October 21 - 2:43 pm

  This car is tight, has outstanding handling, awesome perfomance and torque. The style is Old-school muscle car. Comfortable and stylish interior. Take off is like a rocket.

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  Uncomfortable on long drives - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By lektrik - October 21 - 8:13 am

  Overall the Fusion is a very good car with state of the art technology. Ive gotten 52 mpg around town and 41mpg on the highway wile driving within the speed limit. When I drive faster, as I normally do the average is 35mpg. I sold a 2003 Taurus to purchase the Fusion and that car was much more comfortable on the highway than the Fusion and got 27.5mpg. Overall I have mixed emotions about the Fusion. A highy touring car its not, A city or suburban fuel champ for its size it is!! Overall, if highway driving is your major miles I would opt for something like the new Taurus. If running errands aroud town and stop and go traffic is your day than the Fusion is an excellent choice!

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  Bullitt #416 - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By fastback - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Most people are unaware that there even is such a vehicle, and if they are aware most still dont "get it." Well I got it, I "get it" and I love it. No its not a Cobra but it handles superbly, it looks and sounds great. Its not necessarily a performance statement but more of an era statement. The subtle, no spoiler, no stripes, no unnecessary frills looks are excellent.