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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  Great SUV - despite shortcomings - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Don in CA - February 6 - 12:28 am

  I love this vehicle! Spent a lot of time researching, even spent a year with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi before dumping that in favor of the roomier Expedition Limited. During the buying processes I couldnt get the salesman to talk about or demo the navigation system - there was a reason for that - its disgusting. Save yourself $2k and get an aftermarket Nav like the Pioneer. I also ordered the Bluetooth from the Ford accessory book but the dealer put in a third party system that doesnt match anything! Great vehicle but what Ford really needs to do is pay attention to how Toyota and Chrysler deliver the details and most of all how they provide service.

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  105,000 Mile Focus is a Beautiful Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Eugene Conway - February 5 - 11:49 pm

  I have 105,000 faultless miles on my 01 Red Focus 4 door sedan. Previous car was a Civic so I was very careful researching this car. The beautiful design and the ride quality was what sold me. This car has never let me down -- very reliable and an extremely responsive and wonderful riding car. What an engine -- more like a six cylinder than a four, and a smooth smooth transmission. Every time I look at this car I get a good feeling. This car has 3 important features that the Civic never had: beautiful design, high visible driving position and excellent brakes and handling on wet pavement. Money well spent I would say.

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  Love it - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By cmccrystal - February 5 - 3:55 pm

  I purchased my convertible after much research between several makes. The Mustang offered the best value for the money and even with the six cylinder is pretty fast.

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  my Ford Range - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By jim - February 5 - 1:54 pm

  Like the ride. Fuel economy could be better. Do drive country roads with lots of hills and stop and go from work. But overall I love the yellow color and flames.

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  Fun Car! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Lisa T - February 5 - 11:10 am

  Ive only put 700 miles on this car since December 05, as its winter in WI, but thus far, its been fun! I was impressed that it will move on SNOW, as my 96 Mustang GT would not. Ford did a good job adding traction control. The plastic interior could have been dressed up better even though I do have the interior upgrade; without it, would be boring. Punching the accelerator, it moves from 0 to 60 in a heartbeat. Have auto transmission; it seems to shift very quickly through the gears. Am keeping an eye on the 500 Shaker as the CD player is already starting to skip. Like the leather seating, but they could have went a bit richer with the leather. At $28,000 getting a hot head turning car, its great!

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  Great car. 120,000 miles and going - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jeffrey - February 5 - 5:37 am

  I was one of the first to buy the Fusion Hybrid in October 2009. So far all it has needed was an oxygen sensor at 92k. I replaced the tires at 62k and the regular battery went at 5 years, typical. I average 42 mpg. To address some of the other reviewers issues, who havent owned theirs as long. 1- mileage. If you live in the cold, dont expect treat mileage. But also consider how bad a regular car would do in that same situation. 2- direction of travel makes a difference on a trip. Ive been all over the country, and wind plays a big part in your mileage. 3 - if your an agressive driver, dont expect miracles from a hybrid. 4- fir some reason the mileage goes way down in the rain. 5 - after sitting in the sun the mileage will be a lot lower than if I just came out of the cool garage. Must be the added use of ac.

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  great car - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Frank - February 5 - 2:09 am

  buy it

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  very nice car! - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By rebelemtp - February 5 - 12:31 am

  read the reviews here before buying this car. bought the car May 2010. Love this car! only had one problem with a sencior in passager seat for the air bag, for the passager side. fixed and no problems. the syc, doesnt work with all phones, not with iPhone, or some droids. the mpg are good real good. like other reviews to get the best mpg, get the car up to the speed posted quick and cruze. trying to speed up real slowly will not increase your mpg. up to 35.8 mpg avg. highest to date was 36.0 mpg. letting the car idle to warm up in the winter will cut your mpg. so no warm ups in the cold days and your mpg will not go down. We are very happy with this car and very glad we got it.

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  Nice SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Al - February 4 - 10:28 pm

  I bought the Explorer new in April 1995. It now has 137K miles and is running really good. Had to replace the transmission at 85K (Ford helped with the cost) and upgraded to the 5 speed. Replaced all ball joints at 90K and lowers again at 134K. Other than that, followed maintenance schedule and oil changes every 3K miles. The engine still runs smooth. Its amazing after 11 years of driving how tight this vehicle still is. No rattles or squeaks, just a nice firm ride. Waxed every year and the paint is literally showroom new. This is a well built quality vehicle. Ive had five guys including myself and all our golf gear in here with no problem. And its great in the snow!

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  Amazing Car! - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By youngelvis - February 4 - 12:21 pm

  I bought my Crown Victoria LX with 84000 on it. Has ALL the options, including Memory Seat! Digital Dash, Premium Sound System, Air Suspension and Digital Climate Controls! What an amazing Car! Now has almost 300K on it! Original Engine, Transmission! Ive only had to change the A/C Compressor and Water Pump! Have gone through almost FOUR Sets of Tires! Driven on 19 Hour One Day Trips with this Car! My Drummer calls it the "Flying Couch"! What a comfortable, yet quiet car. Gets almost 24 MPG. Tows amazingly well! Trailer and Boat!