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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  Ford Fusion SEL - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Dirk Digler - March 16 - 10:23 am

  The car is fun to drive and handles well in the SEL model. Road noise is very low for this price of car. A great addition for Ford to compete against the Japanese models (Nissan, Honda, Toyota).

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  Totally redesigned for 2010 - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Alex Povolotski - March 16 - 8:33 am

  Fantastic car! Nothing like youve known about the Fords before. So the TV ads are correct. Built on a Mazda chassis, this beast has a woomph and adds some fun to the driving experience. The looks are great inside out and the seats are very supporting, almost like sporty ones. The dash buttons layout is very intuitive. Loved it so much! The instrument panel is the best in its class -- really easy to read and day and night. Numbers are big, the ambient blueish light is on 24/7 and makes the instrument reading a breeze. Driving is fun, the road feel is great. The car takes turns easily with no under or oversteering, the bumps are damped pretty well for the car of this price, steering easy.

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  Better than my 2003 WIndstar - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Doug - March 16 - 2:23 am

  This car is great. I have an 02 Explorer with 94,000 miles and I hope this will be just as good. 25 miles on the highway, only 15 in town. Transmission is straight out of a luxury car. It is very smooth. This is a car to be proud of. Why is Ford not advertising this model. People would buy this if they knew about it.

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  Beautiful Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Mountain Man - March 15 - 2:26 pm

  The Lariat F150 was the nicest designed truck we drove. The interior was extremely nice and beat its competitors hands down. Its very well appointed truck but we have taken it into the mountains on some very tight 4WD trails and it has been a great off-road truck. We will primarily using the truck for hauling large items and off-roading to get to quiet places in the mountains. If we were more interested in towing, the F-150 may not have been in play. From a quality/reliability perspective, we thought the Tundra had the edge but we were convinced the Ford would last for a very long time. We have had great success with Fords in the past.

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  Best Explorer Yet - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Guy Boulange - March 15 - 12:06 pm

  I previously owned a 1997 Eddie Bauer. The 2006 is far superior in all aspects. The ride is smoother, and the new suspension reduces the roll and bounce effect. The 17" tires provide great traction in my Western NY region in the snow.

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  Great - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By JUST - March 15 - 11:01 am

  Bought this car used with 120k on it. It has been a blast to drive. Great gas mileage, 26MPG. Tons of spaces. put about 40k on it just had to change the alternator. Been coast to coast twice. SO MUCH FUN FOR A WAGON!

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  Fantastic Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By George - March 15 - 6:16 am

  I have owned a lot of cars. This is definitely one of my favorites. It is fun to drive. I can actually put my 4 year old in his car seat in the back seat, and it isnt a bad fit. Forget adults however.

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  Hey Man, what year is that? - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By ChevyFan - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, and Ive had quite a few! This platform has been revised many, many times and it shows. The Mach 1 is the best all around fox bodied Mustang ever to leave the factory. Im not so sure 2005 will be an improvement...

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  American Muscle - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By paulie walnuts - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value for the money. Super fun to drive. One of the ONLY true American sports cars left. Also, Newins Bayshore Ford is a Great dealer, they provided EXCELLENT service and the best price out there. Thanks... :-)

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  Wheel hop - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Robert Wittwer - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I was able to beat a Corvett, barely. I dont think it will beat a Z06, not in stock form like mine. I do have a problem with wheel hop most of the time. I would buy another one.