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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  full of vibrations - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Larry - May 8 - 4:26 pm

  Truck is all right if you dont mind driveline vibrations that Ford cant fix, oil leaks and rattles which could be caused by the vibrations.

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  Still Lovin It - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Jessica - May 8 - 4:26 pm

  I havent found any problems with any Ford truck. My Ranger has 153,000 miles and still runs great and really no other problems. Before this I owned a 1990 Ford Crew Cab dually man that was a great truck all around, towing was great. I have also owned other makes and models in Ford and cant complain!

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  Nice Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Michael - May 8 - 3:20 pm

  Overall this is a nicely done car. Styling is much more distinctive than the Japanese, but the mechanicals are still not as refined. The engine could use a bit more torque, but horsepower is good once you get the revs up. Interior is very attractive with the piano black trim - although Im concerned about scratches. Overall I would recommend it, especially since its several $1000 less than a similarly optioned Accord.

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  Great Family Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert Emslie - May 8 - 1:20 pm

  Many reviews have dunned the 500 for the Euro-styling and adequate power. What few mention is the largest in U.S. trunk and excellent fuel economy. The 21 cubic foot trunk shames the Avalon with only 14 and the ability to get 25MPG real-world on regular grade gasoline keeps me glad I made the purchase. On the down side, I wish the nav system had been available in 05 and there is a bit of wind noise around the A-pillars.

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  Green SHO - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Green SHO - May 8 - 12:47 pm

  I have owned this car for 10 years and have nothing but praise for this vehicle. With a 5-speed and the Yamaha 3.2, there is nothing that I cant do if there is a need and still get 22 city/26 highway, in these days of $3 gas. New clutch assembly, new valve cover/manifold gaskets and new wires, but this is the only expenses Ive had besides maintenance - oil/filters, tires (3 sets), batteries and belts. I will have to sell soon though and will miss this car as soon as its gone.

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  Fun Work Truck - 1993 Ford F-150
  By Willy - May 8 - 12:13 pm

  Amazing work truck that can hold up to what ever a fast 17 year old can throw at it, work or play!

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  Ford has FAILED their customers by ignoring safety - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Frank Dugger - May 8 - 8:39 am

  I ordered a custom 2016 F150 Limited in January and it arrived in May. Since then, it has been downhill. Most recently, the brakes completely FAILED at about 3,000 miles. The worst part of this FAILURE is that they, FORD, has known about the defect for YEARS and has FAILED to solve the problem. We arent talking about a turn signal not working, we are talking about THE PRIMARY SAFETY FEATURE OF EVERY VEHICLE ON EARTH...THE BRAKES!! The recalled hundreds of thousands of 2013, 2014 and 2015 trucks for this problem, but yet it continues....why? Actuaries which do the numbers and it more cost effective for Ford to repair the trucks and settle any litigation that comes from it rather than going back to the vendor and repairing the causal factor for the failures. I will never buy another Ford product in my life and am more than happy to tell everyone I come in contact with about it. We are at 3 weeks in the shop and the dealership still doesnt have the parts to fix it...a master cylinder? Really? Ford Sucks!

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  Nice Job Ford! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion Fan - May 8 - 8:00 am

  Our Fusion is the base S model, and it is a terrific car for the money. The ride/handling compromise is just right, and the powerful brakes have excellent pedal feel. The body is solid and is quiet at speed for a mid-priced sedan. I was concerned that the 4 cylinder with automatic would be underpowered, but it revs freely and is just fine for a family car. Plus, the 4 gets respectable mileage and its light weight contributes to the nimble handling. The 5 speed automatic is good. We shopped Accord, Malibu, and Camry, but the actual selling price for those comparably equipped would have been $5,000 to $6,000 higher! The Sonata costs a bit more and lacks the sharp handling of the Fusion.

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  WOW!!! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Erin - May 7 - 8:23 pm

  Bought mine last weekend and already have 400 miles on it. Just love the way this car handles. Interior is luxurious, and has great quality materials. Thought about Camry, Accord, and Altima. This car is 10 times more fun to drive, and has a distinct look unlike any of those. First domestic car Ive had in 8 years and WOW! Ford has dramatically increased quality, fit and finish, and performance.

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  06 Eddie Bauer loaded - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By SWW - May 7 - 8:00 pm

  We just bought our 3rd Eddie Bauer Explorer loaded with lots of great features: new Nav system, luxurious interior, memory seats (heated), fantastic smoother quieter ride. But the key selling point for me is the door number unlock panel! Never do I look for my keys. They are locked inside the car. As a gal who frequently changes her purses & often wears skirts without pockets, this door unlock system was just what I needed and the main reason that we keep returning to our Explorer Eddie Bauers. Take a look at the impressive new front grill/headlight design on the new 2006 models, a classy SUV. Only negative is a no brainer, wed all like to see better gas mileage.