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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  Fusion is a great decision! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By debswebworks - October 9 - 7:17 am

  I absolutely love my Fusion SEL V6! The power and acceleration is great, I get good mileage on highway and around town, theres plenty of interior room to drive around my daughter and her friends, and I love the leather seats. The trunk has ample room, and they really thought out the interior features. I am so glad that I got the moonroof, but of course it comes standard with the SEL. I can see myself keeping this vehicle for many years, and giving it to my daughter when she is ready to drive, so I plan on purchasing the extended warranty. I am proud to be seen in this vehicle compared to my old Accord and Camry, this is my preferred car.

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  Solid Choice - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By yankeev8 - October 8 - 10:21 pm

  Its a solid, dependable and comfortable car. Bought it from my aunt and have had no problems. Surprisingly good fuel economy, I easily average between 22-25 mpg driving with a bit of a heavy foot. Power is good as well, has no problem passing and gets up to speed quickly. Transmission shifts smoothly and down the highway the car is quiet aside from some minor wind noise from the back drivers side window. Has an absoluely huge drunk and lots of interior space. A very easy car to drive but one that you can have a bit of fun with too.

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  Freestyling - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By ec - October 8 - 3:54 pm

  Great car, not a luxury car but much more suited for people with children and grandchildren. Comfortable,great gas mileage, handles like a dream fun to drive. Much better looking than a van, better gas mileage than the Jeep Grand Laredo I traded in for it. I was hesitant about trading my Jeep in on the Freestyle, even felt guilty about it. But the extra room and the great gas mileage have made me glad I made the switch even though the Jeep never gave me a problem in all its 150,000 miles. Here,s to getting 150,000 miles or more out of my Freestyle

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  NEVER AGAIN A FORD!!! - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Tom G - October 8 - 2:19 pm

  I have replaced: Head gasket, timing balance and serpentine belts,waterpump (TWICE),bucket seats,radio speakers,radio,wheels,repainted due to peeling clear coat, AND NONE OF THIS WAS DONE FOR FUN!ALL AT MY EXPENSE! 4cyl gets only 17mpg even after a MAJOR tune up! Now the key is stuck in the ignition! My dad said "Never buy a Ford." This is my TENTH (counting 3 Lincolns), I should have listened to Dad, all of them were LEMONS!

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  We love this car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By PND - October 8 - 11:29 am

  We used to be Toyota fans. The last two cars we owned were Camrys Our 96 would die on hills with no warning and had a clunk when shifting. No one including dealerships could figure it out. Our second 02 at 80K had the tranny go out. Our friends bought a 07 Camry we bought the Fusion. Runs perfect, sporty, fun, comfortable, we just love this car. Our friends just replaced the engine block and seat belts on the new Camry. Not one prob with our car. We are so glad we chose the Fusion.

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  Fits family and budget - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Dave fulkerson - October 8 - 10:45 am

  After nearly 2 years of ownership theres nothing not to like about our Explorer. We haul kids, camping gear and sports gear long and short distances very comfortably. There is no reason to pay $50000 or more for a quality family utility vehicle. The cost of ownership makes the Explorer a much better choice than the foreign snob-mobiles.

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  Best Truck For Me. - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Bob > - October 8 - 1:20 am

  Unbelievably comfortable. Only options I went with: Limited slip differential, trailer tow package, and skid plates. Wish I had opted for sync. and Satellite radio. The crew cab is spacious and versatile. The front bench seat is more comfortable then most buckets, bolstered so you do not slide around when driving. Every control is perfectly located the vents are adjustable and in the right spots. The 4.6 engine mated to the 6 speed transmission is magic. MPG roughly 18 highway and 15.5 city so far. Fit and finish is superb. Love this truck.

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  BEST CAR I OWNED IN YEARS - 2004 Ford Escape
  By leona tipton - October 8 - 12:09 am

  good car for everyday driving for errands etc... always reliable...no problems to speak of...best i had i years/.

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  Awesome Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By trucktony - October 7 - 11:38 pm

  Love this truck, this is my 5th truck I have owned thru the years and this is by far the most fun and most quality built of all the ones I have had. The truck rides beautiful, handles superbly and you can just feel the tough quality of the truck as you drive it. I bought new 17 inch 275 wide tires for it and it just looks like 4 wheel drive truck as high as it sits. The sound system is superb and you can for sure shut out all outside noise with the music on and AC on and windows closed.I would definitely recommend this truck over and over again.

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  Excursion Limited - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Diran K. - October 7 - 11:28 pm

  This is a hot truck. It is really quiet inside compare to the last Expedition I traded in. Handles really well, great stereo, good power. I have received a lot of compliments already on the interior.