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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  Just Bought Used - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Rob - July 16 - 2:48 pm

  I recently purchased my F150, and I love it. I got for the purpose of towing a pop up trailer, and I could not even tell it was attached. One area where I might have researched more is gear ratios. I noticed some F150s had more torque. I am fine with the lower torque gears as I am not as prone to squealing my tires. I am not sure about any benefit in gas mileage. It is a truck, what would you expect? I have also added Thule bed racks so I can bring my kayaks along where ever I go.

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  Ford hit it out of the park - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mike - July 16 - 9:29 am

  Ive been an account manager for 35 years and this Fusion SEL is my 25th company car and its the best Ive ever had...so much so that I plan to buy it when the lease is up. I got 31 MPG at 75 MPH on the interstate. The SYNC. leather heated seats, heated side views are wonderful. My only problem was a rattle in the back that ended up being a faulty set of trunk hinges. I really love this car and Im very pleased that its American

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  Rockin Car! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Erik - July 15 - 3:38 am

  What a great and amazing car! I pretty much drive for a living (I drive close to 80K miles every year). When I bought this car it was down to the Acura TL and this Fusion Sport and the bang for the buck was in the end unbeatable. I was really worried if the car would have the fun to drive factor in the twisties and retain the comfort over long hauls. Ive made both of those trips dozens of times so far (Longest trip was 2500 miles in 9 days) and this car is brilliant. No regrets about not buying the acura I have nearly 45k trouble free miles! Will buy another one for sure.

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  Great, Fun Car for the Price - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By damjp - July 14 - 8:38 pm

  I purchased my car used with 50,000 miles on it, and have been extremely pleased. It was a former rental car so I knew it may have a few kinks, but the only issues with it are a few dings in the paint and the door creaks after blowing fully open in a wind storm. It rides excellent for mid- size car, and is very fun to drive. The V6 has great acceleration at speed to pass. Gas mileage has also been very good with > 28 highway and my normal country/highway mileage of 25 mpg. The seat comfort is good and I am very comfortable at 63". I get a little uncomfortable with the car seats in the back. Large trunk space lends to a good car for longer trips with kids. Very satisfied.

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  This car ROCKS! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Zac - July 14 - 3:33 am

  This car can haul man. 4.6 L v8 230 hp with 290 ft/lbs of torque plus the 15 extra hp from the flowmaster

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  Very nice - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Jack - July 13 - 4:00 pm

  Replaced my 2008 MKZ with this, which I bought after having a Yukon XL Denali for 3 years. This actually rides better than the MKZ and is QUIETER. Its really hard for me to use this as a "truck" though - it LOOKS SO GOOD. :-)

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  FORD FOCUS2010 Impression - 2010 Ford Focus
  By FRANK POTOCNIK - July 13 - 2:12 pm

  Great ride,fantastic MPG,GOOD SOUND SYSTEM. On the early problem is the front end. The car bottoms out on the smallest of road bumps and indents in the road. Its being brought back to the service center to have the problem fixed.

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  MUCH better than expected! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By usc.grrl - July 13 - 2:49 am

  Ive always liked the look of SUVs but hated the fuel economy. The Escape has it all! I was originally planning on purchasing an XLT until I drove the Limited with the Sync Navigation, sold! I HAD to have it. Ive now had this car for a month and 1,300 miles and love it more with each mile I drive. Looks great, drives great, and has more than enough to keep even the most discerning Tech Weenies occupied on long drives! LOVE it!

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  Driving my new 5.0 Mustang - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By My new 5.0 stang - July 12 - 11:26 pm

  This 2011 V8 GT Mustang is incredible! Its extremely fast and it rides and handles very good. Mine has the 6spd auto trans, premium trimmed Grabber Blue with the 401A interior trim pkge with the blue seat stripes and stitching. I ordered the Shaker 1000 stereo which is totally awesome. Got the exterior conv pkge 6 with dual side vents, hood scoop, deck lid trim panel and pedestal spoiler. 19 inch painted nickel alum wheels (very nice and probably rare). Drop the top and enjoy it. This is my ninth Mustang since 1968. Just started enjoying my car.

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  Thank You Ford! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Happy Edge Owner - July 12 - 10:16 pm

  After test driving many different cross overs, I decided on the Edge. It was the most comfortable to drive, had more to offer than the others and for a good price too. I custom built my SEL in White Sands, Tan w/black stitching interior, Sync that works better than my husbands Acura TL, Rear Lift gate, Towing package that gave me a bigger radiator, Roof Rack, and more. Back seats offer flexibility by lowering one or both. Plenty of room for hauling stuff. Ive had it for two years now, taken it on long trips with no problems. I like to ask my husband "have I told you how much I love my Edge lately? Its by far the best vehicle Ive ever had.