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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  03 Mustang GT Convertible is awesome - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By eccmustang - May 14 - 1:52 pm

  I love this car. It is very fun to drive and it is very stylish. All of my friends love my car. It is very reliable and I have never had any trouble with it. It never leaks because of the top and the top comes down very quick.

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  I used to hate it ... but - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By jdpaulson - May 14 - 10:00 am

  When the Taurus changed design from the packing box with wheels to a more slippery body, I liked the new look with a few minor exceptions. The GOOD: my friends fit in it (some range to 68") The BAD: Not used to the Anti Lock Brakes The ODD: back window, weird interior door handles and console (the door handles and back window were redesigned). I changed my opinion when driving other mid-sized sedans - they all seemed too cheap and flimsy or a bit too pricy. When telling friends and relatives about cars we tried, every one said "try the Taurus" [..."no, REALLY, TRY the cod liver oil"] I tested one, liked it and bought it.

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  So Far, So Good...and Fun to Drive! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tr33climber - May 14 - 9:50 am

  We ordered the 2010 Fusion based on a test drive in an 09 model. The seats in the Hybrid seem a little firmer than the 09--nearly too firm for my body. We got the 502A package with all the trinkets and leather seats and now have about 1500 miles on it after a 900 mile trip to a relatives house. Average mileage is about 38 mpg although I managed over 50 mpg at 60 mph in a 50 mile jaunt last night. I suspect 38 will be the normal mileage with our type of driving. My overall impression is that it is a very competent well engineered and quality built vehicle. We traded in a newer Towncar, and didnt lose much except the posh ride and gained quite a lot of new engineering progress.

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  First, and Last, Taurus - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By XTREMEBIKER278 - May 14 - 4:35 am

  I bought this as my first car in may of 04 with 107k miles. Two years later, I had to junk it because it was not worth fixing this car every 2 or 3 months. It really is a shame too, because the interior design was amazing back in the day, and still is. I loved the nice touches such as digital climate controls. The 96 Taurus looked a little goofy compared to the previous gen, I got used to it and loved it eventually. The car was very roomy and comfortable, and easily seated 5, even 6 people. However, after spending $4k in repairs, and my mom doing the same for her 98 Sable, we moved on

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  Best Ford ever built! - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By 4.6l V8 - May 14 - 1:24 am

  Purchased the car my senior year of high school! From the moment I set eyes on it I was hooked! Upon driving it I fell deeper in love as the 4.6lt engine blasted me past every car in sight! Ran flawlessly until I wrapped it around a tree, car held up incredibly, came out of accident without a scratch and it still ran! Would def recommend to anyone looking for a nice reliable car thats fun to drive. But be careful when driving because the car is a lot faster than it looks. Not recommended for new teen drivers!

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  Great car thus far - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By hfd - May 12 - 8:48 pm

  Purchased a slightly used 2006, with 14k Pearl blue. SEL with standard trans. This is one odd one, sel with standard trans. This car has lots of power, handles great and gets awsome fuel, 32mpg at 77mph 26 in the city.

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  Impressed so far - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Impressed so far - May 12 - 6:50 pm

  Fuel prices made me give up my Nissan Titan (I cried) but I felt better after fueling up the first time. First tank I got 32.34mpg (AWD). This is a combination of highway/city. The digital readout for mpg does read low as another reviewer mentioned. It is very quiet in town and reasonable at highway speed. It is no tire burner but acceleration is acceptable. Stock sound system is good, climate control works well. It also makes me feel I am doing my part to reduce greenhouse emmissions.

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  Well optioned, functional design, smooth, comfort - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By john adams - May 12 - 1:28 pm

  Expert reviewers have 2nd and 3rd seat leg room comments wrong. Not only is almost 40 inches for 2nd row plenty, you can adjust them. And 33 inches plus in the 3rd makes an adult possible for the 3rd row. Plenty of space for storage with 3rd seat down and useful space with it up. Bucket seat configuration for second seat allows access to 3rd row without having to fold seats. Push button option for 3rd row makes very easy to use. Limited model has great features to include heated and cooled front seats and heated 2nd row seats. Push button folding rear view mirrors helps in tight parking spaces. Back up camera great size and easy to use. Ride is smooth, comfortable, and quite. Gas mileage is low to mid-20s in combination of city and highway driving. Brakes are solid. Functionality of design and fun to drive and ride in are hard combination to beat. While competitors may have some features that stand out more than the Explorer in some areas, few are able to optimize the real world usefulness that this car has. The standard for the 3 seat SUV is here.

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  First Domestic Car, EVER - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mini to Ford - May 12 - 3:43 am

  Always Japanese or European.Beats Camry and Accord. Tried 2011 Sonata, still went back to Fusion. 500 miles on car so have a lot to learn but so far was a great choice. Hope this continues.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Delta One - May 11 - 1:36 pm

  Excellent truck for my needs. Carries 4 to 5 persons inside with excellent total comfort. Truck bed suits my needs, carries my dive equipment, bicycles, small furniture, plants and small trees. I would not use this vehicle for major hauling or construction work. Rides great on the road and very good on roads that are not paved. Since this one is 2 wheel drive, I have not taken it way off road. I purchased this vehicle after extensive research and test driving all similar types. Whether this truck will hold up as good as the foreign makes over the the long long haul, only time will tell.