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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  best for the money - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Jim D Iowa - July 28 - 12:00 pm

  After 2200 miles I can say: great fun to drive. Excellent on highway with minimal road noise and no cross wind disturbance. Transmission shifts smoothly and silently. Braking is straight and secure. Super climate control system with heated leather seats makes cold weather no problem. Seems very well built with excellent fit and finish. Tall riders love back seat leg room. Large trunk and fold down seats allow surprising storage. Agree with previous comments about less than perfect rear visibility at the corners and turning radius a bit wide with 17inch wheels but still parks easily.

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  probably buy Focus again - 2001 Ford Focus
  By matd - July 28 - 8:49 am

  After 105K miles, I still love this car. I bought it for the price, because my elderly mom could get in & out of it, & for the cargo space (big enough to fit two Sheltie-size dog crates side-by-side). Ive had no major problems with it. I have the 5-speed. Im female, 53", very little use for rear seat. 29-30 mpg highway, 26 city (the rare times I do city).

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  broken - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Ronnie - July 28 - 4:27 am

  04 Ford sport trx is the worst truck iv ever owned has 143000 miles on it pulled up in my driveway cut it off and it jumped time. iv now been told the 4.0 ... v 6 is the worst motor they ever made lot off problem on jumping time if the problem was that bad there should been a recall on the dam motor like the truck in all just go head get 302 in it you thank me cause Im stuck with no WAY FIX THIS PC CRAP I BOUT

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  You get a lot of truck for your money - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Joe Garcia - July 28 - 3:46 am

  You get a lot for your money ,it has a powerful 2.7 V6 and I get 23 mpg Highway and 18 mpg in city, considering that this is a Supercab model its more comfortable than Chevrolet supercab, it has apayload of 1,720 lbs. and a towing capacity of 8,200 lbs.

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  Great little car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By bigguy - July 27 - 11:26 pm

  After considering the much more expensive Honda, Toyota, and Mazda, I decided to buy a Focus. Besides, I believed Ford earned my business with their commitment to quality. This car is well thought out. Like others have said, it is small on the outside, but feels roomy on the inside. At 62" and 250 lbs., I feel comfortable. And yes, I can get into and out of the back seat painlessly. Yep, I did consider the Cobalt out of the other American cars. But, in my opinion, it is not nearly as good- looking. Im getting 32-36 mpg with the fun-to-drive stick. And, itll probably get better, as the car has just 2K on it.

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  Loving it - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ET - July 27 - 4:56 pm

  My lease was ending on my 05 Altima. I test drove Altima, Camry, Mazda 6, CX-7, and Accord. The Fusion was suggested to me and to my suprise I loved it. The ride, comfort and the equipment I got for the price made it a car to beat.

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  Do Not Buy This Car! - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By jemone2005 - July 27 - 12:51 pm

  My wife parents bought this car for us because our 1994 Cavalier(which was a good car) got wrecked and we were having hard times. I told them not to do it! They paid $3000 for it. The check engine light came on after my wife got it home that same day. Where do I begin with the problems? Broken speedometer, cloudy headlights, multiple emission problems (catalytic converter costs $450+installation in 2004!), bad transmission, poor gas mileage, cheaply made seals so something always leaks. I know it is 2006, so if you re looking for a cheap secondary car do not buy this one. The reason people are selling Tauruses for a song with very little miles is because they want to get it out of the driveway.

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  junk on wheels - 1999 Ford Contour
  By giggles_16 - July 27 - 12:23 pm

  This has been the worst car I have ever seen. It has left me stranded about 3 times, and that is not good because Im just a high school student. An important note - NEVER consider this kind of car for a beginning driver. It is way too undependable. We have had to replace the engine transmission, brakes, just about everything and there is still something wrong. The inside is falling apart, the windows are starting to go off-track, and one of the doors will not open anymore. It was a big mistake for me to choose to by this car. It might have been kinda cute but looks are definitely NOT everything.

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  Not so bad - 2004 Ford Escape
  By SandiS9781 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I was really surprised with the car- like handling.

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  Nice updates for 2003 - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rodger1203 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Crown vic in the past 11 years. Being tall (63"), I need a larger car. The leg room is great! The new bucket seats in my LX Sport are very comfortable and suportive. I have traveled for as many as 8 hours at a time, no back pain no muscle cramping. Traction control is wonderful. Compared to the 92 and 93 Crown Vics I have ownered, excellent skid and "fishtail" control in snow. Great for a full size long wheel based rear drive car. Quality has been excellent during my first year and 31000 miles, no problems what so ever. Id recommend this car to anyone who wants a full size sedan!