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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  A Superb vehicle - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Danavan - June 9 - 11:23 am

  One of the best cars I have ever owned. Just fun to drive and superb looking.

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  Plenty of bang for your buck - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Lee - June 9 - 10:55 am

  I bought my SES coupe a year ago and fell in love with it as soon as I test drove it. I drive a lot for my job so it just clicked over to 40k and its still driving as well as the day I got it. The SYNC system is by far the best feature in this car: hands-free bluetooth and iPod controls with no voice-training required. The ambient lighting is a major plus, definitely adds some serious style to the car. The speakers sound better than any car Ive heard, especially with the 8" sub package. Fuel economy is great, Im averaging around 32-33 MPG on mostly back road driving. Overall an excellent car for your money - comparable to many luxury cars for under 20k

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  Way to go Ford - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Craig Dickinson - June 8 - 9:26 am

  Pleasantly surprised at the performance of the Fusion. Purchased a 4 cylinder SE manual transmission with 14,000 miles on it. Car now has 34,000 miles after a year and we could not be more pleased. While the 4 cylinder is a little sluggish at the start, it picks up quickly. Handling is superb. Interior fit and finish as well as interior room is great. We have two teenagers (6.0" and 5.9") and they love the backseat. Fuel mileage is good with avg 26 mpg around town and 33 mpg on the Hwy. Have received numerous compliments from friends and family- all die hard Honda and Toyota owners. Riding in the Fusion makes them reconsider Ford products. No reliability issues whatsoever to date.

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  Great Reliability - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Brian L. - June 8 - 12:26 am

  I have had this truck for over a year now and have only had to replace the front brakes. This has been a very reliable truck and I would definitely recommend it if your wallet can afford the 15 city and 18 hwy mpg on the 4.0 model. Its not a speedy truck but more of a torque monster. This is a bit of a disappointment unless youre towing something. I barely notice whenever there is any weight on the truck. Overall a quality and reliability make this this ideal small truck.

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  Former Acura & Infinity owner - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By PismoPat - June 7 - 11:47 pm

  Moved from a 2007 Acura MDX to Taurus Limited. Taurus has nicer ride, better comfort, and more Hi Tech features. After owning Infinity and Acura, the Taurus competes nicely. Love the Sync System and the way it links to the Ipod and cell phone. Voice recognition is excellent and user interface, with the Nav sys. Especially like the adaptive cruise control. Its actually worth the money when it comes to long trips and a relaxing ride. It will actually slow the vehicle. Its too early to rate reliability, but this Ford is a great design, & fun to drive. I recommend the 303 package with Nav and Adaptive Cruise.

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  Never a worry - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ANTHONY WALKER - June 7 - 4:00 pm

  Much better than a Chevy or a Foreign car. Dealer could not have been more helpful. I bought this for my wife to use on the highway for work and the fuel economy and performance are world- class.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By MrFriday1381 - June 6 - 2:37 pm

  I have had this car about a week, it is a manual transmission. So far I cannot stop looking at it, very pleasing to the eye. Driving it is a lot of fun, I know I know its not a V8 but it has enough power for the average person who is looking for a fun affordable car. My car has the 3.31 gears, but I think it would benefit highly with a 3.73, if you are not worried about fuel economy and want a little more oomph. Having said that I would highly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a Sports car. The fuel economy is also very surprising considering the way I have been driving it. BUY IT ! Well done Ford!

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  why buy junk? - 2009 Ford Focus
  By tomboy17603 - June 5 - 10:30 pm

  I had my car 1 year now and really enjoy it. While no speed demon it has decent power. My car has just what you need power Windows, locks, a/c and Sirius satellite radio, never had it before now cant do without it. Trunk is plenty large, i do maintenance work and can fit all my tools in trunk. The main reason I got car is gas mileage, I can do 60 mph with no air and get upper 40s mpg. Yes it is mostly flat drive. I am a larger person and I am comfy in car. For a factory stereo it is really good. Overall I would recommend car to anyone.

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  I love this truck! - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By builtfordtough78 - June 4 - 7:02 pm

  Second Explorer Ive owned and by far the better of the two. Had an 2004 v-8 SSV (special services vehicle) police package that we bought used. Loved the big police interceptor, but the 2007 V- 6 feels just as strong. love the power pedal adjuster ( so all the wife has to do is press the button and move the pedals instead of moving my seat and forgetting to put it back) love where they moved the 4wd buttons instead of where they were by the radio and I love the positioning of the gear shifter. Overall A+++ job Ford.

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  very good, I love it! - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By valeria - June 4 - 8:58 am

  I just love this car, always had a big car as, Navigator, Suburban, Avalanche, but Im very happy with is one.