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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  Nice , but not so NICE - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By WILLIAM HARDING - October 9 - 10:00 am

  what is nice it is a good looking suv. what is not nice, More power it sure needs it. the other thing that is not so nice i dont know if it is the rims ford puts on it i dont know but every Expedition I see the front rims get so so BLACK AND DIRT LOOKING Even if you wash your suv and drive around the Block it gets BLACK FAST NOT SO NICE.

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  Great SUV but check that transmission - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Stevew - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV good ride not the best I have had but good for the price paid. Drives like a car and has the zip you need. The transmission went out after 6000 miles and had to be replaced. Seems Ford has known of this problem for a while. Ford refuses to do a recall when they know the transmissions effected.

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  Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Freddie Mack - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Doesnt have all the fancy buttons but very practical with a great engine.

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  Home run - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By ralph - October 9 - 5:00 am

  I am 73 years old and this is my 13th. new vehicle. Ford got it right and Motor Trend did the same naming it Car of the Year. Best car I have ever owned by far. Just completed our first road trip from Nashville to Chattanooga TN over the treacherous I- 24 MT. Eagle. Except for the drive over the mountain I set the cruise control on 70 mph. The engine turns just at tat over 2000 rpm at 70. Overall trip mileage was 38 mpg. That is with an automatic running the AC as well.I have to laugh at the snobs who bought Toyotas.

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  Very dependable vehicle - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By configsys - October 8 - 7:57 pm

  We bought our 96 Explorer XLT used with approx. 65K miles. Shipped it overseas where we drove it ALL OVER Europe and put over 70K trouble-free miles during the 3 years we were there. Just regular maintenance. My 18 year old daughter now drives it and it has almost 140K miles. Still young with lots of long miles left. This has been the most dependable vehicle we have owned.

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  Blast from the Past - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Steve Beisner - October 8 - 1:06 am

  I own a 1969 Mach 1 and just got the new 06 GT. What a blast to drive! Reminds me a lot of my 69 as far as looks but more reliable. Interior is very comfee! Handling is great cantt wait to take it on a long trip. Only problem is I cant keep my wife out of it.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 1999 Ford Escort
  By XQSME EH - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a commuter car, got that but also some extras. I found the ZX2 to have suprising power, sufficient comfort to take a 500 mile trip and to hold its own at freeway speeds, bonuses all. I am 64" and 225 lb and didnt expect to get away with buying so small a car. I have so much confidence in it that I bought new tires warranteed for 100,000 miles!

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  Stupid Fast - 2002 Ford F-150
  By NFLEagles1 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have about 3000 miles on my new Lightning now. Before it, I owned a 2001 4X4 Extended cab. After test driving a used Lightning with no intention to buy, I had to have one. Sometimes Ill just test drive cars I hear about to see what I think. Unfortunately, I chose the wrong vehicle to just "test drive." Two weeks later I traded in the old 4X4 Extended cab for my Lighting. Performance is unbelievable. A truck should not be doing this. At night I drive around looking for a street race. By day I tow around my ATV. I gave up 4X4 (for snow) and Extended Cab space for this, and I dont regret my decision at all!

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  Not Bad - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Freestylin - October 6 - 11:58 pm

  Traded in my 03 Yukon XL (lemon) and looked for a more fuel efficient wagon with 3 rows. Volvo too expensive. Pacifica close, but price/features no match. Pilot, great vehicle, but mileage like other SUVs. Since its a Ford, there is no reason why you cant get invoice pricing. Dont believe ads, its a lie, youll get about 20 to 25 mpg and there is no way youll get 500 miles to the tank, unless youre coasting downhill for that many miles. Overall, if you are looking for non SUV, non-minivan, decent room with 3 row seating, fuel economy, feature, content and price, this probably is about the only option. Too bad Toyota, Honda, Nissan had no viable option. May want to check out Mazda CX9.

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  2006 SEL IS Automatic - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By dave d - October 6 - 11:50 pm

  My new Fusion is awesome. Bought it new with 3k miles on it, the dealership used it for the commercial accounts salesman. It is the SEL model with auto transmission, and 4 cylinder engine. It drives great, the suspension and handling make it extremely fun to drive. I have gotten as high as 37 mpg on a trip from Bangor ME to Coventry RI, about 338 miles; that was a little bit more than a half of tank. I was skeptical about getting a 4 cylinder, but it has some good pep when needed, so no complaints. I was told the 4 cylinder was the same engine used in the Ford Probe. I have never been a fan of Ford, but this Fusion has changed my mind.