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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  NO problems - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Arhsdjs - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car at a dealership and the only times Ive had to bring it into the shop was for oil changes which my dealership does for FREE, for LIFE. There are no complaints at all. Im only 20 so I had to look at reviews before making a purchase for a car and this car was by far the best option for the price. RELIABILITY! Waking up and being able to start your car everyday without any problems is so nice because my previous cars, a Mazda and a BMW have both been pains when you would start them in the cold and have to wait for the car to warm up to run efficiently! FORD did an amazing job with this car and thats why they sell amazingly well!

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  Great car People think its v8 LOL - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Josh - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for wife for her first car on valenitnes day! Sunburst gold metallic clearcoat. Beautiful car. It has k&N CAI and Flowmaster Dual exhaust and rear end gear gear has been changed. solid car goes like hell and reliable real headturner. Really liked it when my wife showed up 79 camaro show car with 15000 grand in motor while he was showboating with his wife. He could barely keep up and we were just toying. Ford Rocks. Just bought new supercrew Great truck got rid of dakota, dont but. Chrysler is crap. Chevy is ok just need more balls.Peace

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  Great car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By albie - November 20 - 2:00 am

  great little car, bought it with 65 miles in it, now has 51,000. No problems at all, oil change every 4,000. miles, second set of tires at 35,000 miles got cheap ones from walmart, still handles great, no problems at all, will but new one, when I get it payed off.

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  Really Very Happy - 2010 Ford Escape
  By bshotts - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have an XLS with the 6 speed automatic. This vehicle is an excellent value for the money. Its very comfortable (Im 63") with an excellent rear seat and cargo room. I have experienced remarkable fuel economy (well over 30 MPG highway, about 20 city) and have experienced no problems whatsoever. Visibility is outstanding (particularly if you remove the rear head restraints as some other reviewers have done).

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  Very Reliable well built car! - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Jaxflguy - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Since new, this car has not had one issue or problem. There is not a squeak or rattle to be found. Very reliable comfortable car. Safe. You cant go wrong for the price with these cars. Proud to own another Ford and will purchase one again!

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  Built for my Foursome - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Byron - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I had waited for the new Taurus sedan to come on the market because of all the good things I read about it, however, when it arrived to the showroom I could not sit in the drivers side and have any passengers in the seat behind me. Because I take my foursome golfing weekly I needed a car that would sit four and carry their golfing equipment. This was the vehicle and I love it! Fun to drive, comfort to travel in as you can see Ive put almost 30,000 miles on it in my first year.

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  I love my Fusion - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By JOHNNY M - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my fusion in Nov. I was so impressed by the way it drove and handled. The minute I got into the car and drove it down the street I was sold. Got a good deal. Drove it home that night. My fusion that i am proud to own. Is Gray & black int. Se sport v6 nice car. I like the way it handles rides great. Was really shock when I put in gear that it didnt know it was in drive I had to look to make sure. Fusion has my vote. Love the car. I had I Toyota which i am embarrassed to say it was a piece of junk. No more Toyota. All so took out 6 year wattanty. The car is great looking w/mag wheels/fog lamps it has a bold look to it. Love the radio. All around great car. I would advise to anyone look Ford first

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  F 150 STX 4X4 - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Truck Guy - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck brand new. Not the fastest truck but 20 MPG hwy & 15 MPG city is very good for a full size V8 truck. This is mostly thanks to my truck having the updated 4.6L 16V with the 6 speed transmission. This truck is Lexus quite too. Only sound is the exhaust which sounds like a quite version of the old glass packs (very sweet). Only problem Ive had with this truck is any time I have an electronic device in the truck (cell phone, GPS, MP3 player etc) the tire pressure monitor goes off. Dealership recommends I not us electronic devices? Other than that truck seem very tough and reliable. Easy to park due to turning circle. Highly recommended if your looking for a truck.

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  Owned it twice now - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By Althanite - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Originally bought it for my 600 miles per week commute to work. Loved the car from the start. My family of four - 2 middle/high schoolers - often took it for trips to town as well. Weve even used it like a truck (the hatchback is great) hauling nearly everything with it - hay, 14 foot long 2x4s, 20 foot long PVC pipes, etc. If we could fit it in, the car would haul it. It now has over 200,000 miles - no major work or problems other than a broken speedometer and cable but I drove it that way for two years! We gave it to my sister for a few years and just got it back for my 18 yr old to drive to college and work. He loves it over his 2000 GMC 4x4 - it is cool, sporty and great MPG gas!

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  The Green Machine - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By The Green Machine - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Great ca! with about 147,000 miles it still runs good! had to reface ac, but besides that no big problems! love the sound of it when i starts up! ol green rides like a baby! GREAT CAR!