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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  02 Mustang GT - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By georgebush - May 2 - 4:56 pm

  This car is the best. I currently have a 65 and now my 02 Stang. The ride and muscle car performace is true to its name. Put some new mufflers to richen the exhaust note and have fun. Even the Chevy guys like the Mustang sound!

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  Pretty nice - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JJ - May 2 - 2:59 pm

  Overall, Ive had a pretty good experience. Its nice and roomy and I love the bumper because I have lightly bumped a few things and no scratches. The ride is smooth and handles nicely. Even though its 4 years old people still tell me it still has that new car smell. Only complaints are the matte finish on the radio is chipping off, the cover of the gas cap sometimes pops open, and my biggest complaint is the CD player. Ever since I first got the car it sometimes makes this horrible noise and pops the CD out, I can usually pop the CD back and play normally though.

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  Not the best primary car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By jldude - May 2 - 2:20 pm

  This car is a great car if you find one that has been taken care of. I bought mine with over 100K miles so it wasnt the best condition. The biggest problems was the underhood electrical system which failed in more than one place due to heat, fragile transmission, and dry rotted suspension mounts. The electrical system on certain contours was recalled but mine was over the time/mileage limit. The best part of this car is the 2.5 Duratec V6, especially if you get the SVT. Unfortuneately it doesnt have much low end torque so a 5speed is the best choice for this car. Fuel economy isnt great, just make sure you get one that has been taken care of.

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  Ford has returned to the Market - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By jsiudock - May 2 - 12:06 pm

  Ive been a Nissan and Honda lover for many years. Ford has finally done it right. Hopefully the dealerships wont overcharge the customers in going to Honda or Toyota. Bought the car for my daughter going to school. Her first car Nissan Versa was so cheap and rattled you to death. Our Pathfinder is wonderful but 12-14 miles per gallon is so costly. Here came Ford with a true mid size car for safety and super milage. And our 20 year old daughter loves it. She loves the stereo, bluetooth and all the modern 21st century stuff. She says it almost like our Maxima SE, except the leather. Except for our loaded Ford F-150 FX 4X4 she said she will never buy Ford. Guess what the Fusion is super.

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  LOVE IT! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By awmb2002 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE IT!!!

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  In Pursuit Of A Ford Mustang Grey - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Cars4me89 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a super beast. Almost 400 horses roaring to be let loose underneath your foot and when you let them go they are sprinting! Superchargers are always great. I bought this car in the color grey and it reminds me of the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds". My idea of driving is "Drive like you stole it" and I love that line and its my motto. This car certainly fufiles that motto for me and more.

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  03 Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By joebob1 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is huge improvement over previous model, especially in ride & handling.

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  Not perfect, but not bad - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By AA - May 2 - 12:43 am

  After 110000M, its still going strong without any mechanical failures. Just the basic maintenance required. It has excellent fuel consumption, compared to my Tahoe. Of course, you trade off horses when you go into a V6 but its enough to do most things that can be done with a 4 foot long box. Outside styling looks very sporty and the paint has a tough anti scratch coating. The suspension is a little too soft for spirited driving, but the truck still handles very well on the road. Very comfortable front seats. Dunno about back ones, never been on them. Havent heard complaints about them though. The tail of the truck is a extremely light (fiberglass box), but nothing some sand bags wont fix.

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  Extreme lack in lasting quality - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tylerfawkes - May 1 - 6:26 am

  My 2010 Fusion Hybrid is less than two years old and almost right from the start it has had bolts on the rear door latches corroded to the point it is a safety issue, an AC that doesnt blow air out of the vents(or makes a clicking sound), squeaky leather seats and most recently; a bad sensor and dead battery have cost me $800 in parts, labor, rentals and lost wages due to having to take it to the shop. I even have the premium ESP and this is what i have paid out of pocket. I drive conservatively, take my car to the dealership for all work and still, i have had all of these issues. Once again, this car is less than TWO years old. Ford isnt ready for the Hybrid market.

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  Very satisfied - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jonkit99 - May 1 - 3:53 am

  4 months of owership now and am quite pleased with the car. In my review in 06/08 I mentioned I went from a Focus hatchback to the Escape since Ford discontinued the hatch, why? ask Ford, it was a great auto. The 4 cyl. is not for you if you like 0-60 in record time. It will get you to interstate speeds but not in a hurry, just fine for me. Cruises along very nicely. Cruise control smooth. Electric PS great. Lots of storage, cavernous with the back seat flat. 24+ MPG around town with AC. Seats I had described as a bit hard are now quite comfortable. Still miss a telescoping steering wheel but power driver seat gives a satisfactory position. All controls illuminated in blue at night, excellent.