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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  My Best Car Yet! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Erik - July 28 - 12:50 am

  This is by far my best business commuter/ travel car yet! Im now going on 10 months of ownership and Im coming up on nearly 50,000 miles and not one issue yet. I drive about 80k miles a year usually, and this car so far is super reliable. I love how comfy it is on the really really long trips (longest so far is 9 days and 3100 miles). The only thing Ive replaced so far is the tires at 29k. I can just go on and on about how much I love this car! My last 4 commuters were all Accords but no more, Fusions from here on out.

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  Smooth - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By cali cal - July 27 - 8:51 pm

  Use to own 1989 5.0 love the car but too many races, and got older, had to give it up, but now more mature I love the 2010 model, could have a little more power boost but hey still can beat all at light. Handles well, but when going over bumps at high rate of speed, can be a little touchy, need to give buyers back seat floor mats, and lights on visor, and glove box. 5 speed a little stiff, but can live with it, wife wants to drive, thats why I got the 5 speed, only will use for summer, put up for winter

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  Nice little wagon - 2007 Ford Focus
  By epapp1 - July 27 - 4:13 pm

  Rides nice looks nice and handles nice. Second 2007 Focus still own both however have too sell the sedan because of my wifes passing. It hurts to do so because she loved her red Focus. If you are thinking of buying and are not willing to spend a lot drive one and you will see what I mean.

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  Surprised by Ford - 2010 Ford F-150
  By bevila - July 27 - 12:04 pm

  While I have been wanting a full size pickup for a while, it was on a whim that I drove the F-150 and I am glad I did. I was thinking about Toyota or Honda and after driving the Ford, there was no other choice. While this is a full size vehicle, I feel very comfortable driving it around the Northern Virginia area. It drives very well, the ride absorbs bumps in the rode, and the view over all the other cars is great. I am glad the Ford commercials sucked me in and convinced me to give Ford a try.

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  Great first car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Awlix - July 27 - 12:11 am

  This car is AMAZING! We bought it at $1500, great condition, and it only had 52,300 miles on it! I havenÂ’t had any big problems with it. The biggest problem was a flex pipe falling off ($150), common problem. Runs and drives smoothly, has great gas mileage, wonderful cooling & heating system. This car gets me from point A to B and even to C. This is my first car and I love it! Large trunk, comfortable back seat, great sound quality, the fans are a bit loud but at least you know your engine wont overheat. Great first car, great turning, overall nice car. This car is small and can maneuver around large objects, but it still has great leg room.

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  2010 Kona Blue GT - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Andy - July 27 - 12:09 am

  Car runs perfectly, great options. Build quality is flawless. A/C required recharging at 1000 miles due to loose fitting, now works 100%. Fit & finish excellent. Car is extremely quiet.

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  Terrific - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Clevelander - July 26 - 8:03 pm

  10 years and still going strong. Highly reliable. Love my car as much today as the day I bought it. Doesnt look or feel dated.

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  Love my Taurus - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By lglass - July 26 - 1:45 pm

  I purchased this car in March 2010. Not one problem with it. Just love the car! If someone had told me I would be driving a Taurus 6 months ago, I would have said they were crazy. Not your mothers Taurus.

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  An affordable "luxury car" - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By Jin - July 26 - 3:48 am

  Upgrade from RAV4 to this big sedan, Taurus SEL, very quiet, powerful and roomy. When folding down your rear seat you can get almost the same trunk space as the RAV4,a compact size suv.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By susy - July 25 - 9:40 pm

  I love my explorer. So far, no problems. Im better satisfied with this Ford than I have with all of my former purchases. Exactly what I was looking for and couldnt be happier.