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 van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By AMAZING VAN - March 4 - 8:36 pm

  Bought this van back in 2001 and it has ran like a champ since then. It has had no problems in all the years I have owned it. The transmission is very strong I once was going down a hill and bumped it into reverse it shut of the engine but restated and kept on driving. I have put on 50,000 miles since then.

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  Very Great Truck. - 2007 Ford F-150
  By FordLover1904 - March 4 - 4:29 pm

  The 2007 F150 I have now owned for almost 3 years is one GREAT truck. They are QUIET, the ride is plush and not harsh, and for a 5.4 L V8 they get pretty good mileage. On long drives I have gotten 21mpg and thats actually calculated not the computer readout. On average, I get 16 mpg with a combination of city and highway driving. In almost 3 years of ownership, I have never had 1 single issue. The truck drives like the day I bought it. I almost traded it in recently for a Mercedes C230 (family car) but didnt because my truck rides better/softer and is quieter! Freeway speeds (70-75) are handled with EASE at 2,000RPMs all day with no downshifting to go up hill. (Tons of torque)

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  This New SHO Rules the Road - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Oldsalt - March 4 - 11:57 am

  Wow, fantastic performance that just plain embarrasses many so-called performance sedans. More techno gadgets than any car in its class, and more than most luxury brands offer. Modern up-to-date styling that is bold yet still somewhat traditional you wont forget this car five minutes after you get out of it. Ford has hit a grand slam with this vehicle!

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  77,000 and still perfect - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Rob3 - March 4 - 9:46 am

  I have had this car for 4 years now and have put 77,000 miles on it. Apart for standard maintenance, I have not had to repair anything on this car. I replaced tires and rear brakes at about 60,000 miles. I drive freeway mostly for work and I get about 420 miles to each tank of fuel. The trunk is huge, especially with the rear seats folded down. I love this fusion and when its time, I will purchase another one.

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  Best car Ive owned in 45 years - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Waynes_World - March 4 - 6:50 am

  This is the 3rd Ford I have owned in my 45 years of driving and probably the best car so far. I have owned several other brands but this Ford is a winner. I traded in an F250 diesel that broke my heart on maintenance cost and fuel economy and when I was looking for a good mileage car, I stumbled across the Fusion. I was interested in the Focus and was about to purchase one when I saw the Fusion beside the Focus and drove it. Best thing that has happened to me. The Fusion price with rebate was $17,000 and I have had only one issue with the battery failing at 30,000 miles, all else has been great on this car. I get around 26-30 mpg mixed city/hwy. The Fusion now has 36,000 and I am still happy.

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  Comfortable car, fun to drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By WOODVILLENURSE - March 3 - 4:18 pm

  I bought this car wrecked with no warranty with only 20,000 miles. Went to Alaska and back putting over 10,000 miles on it I was having trouble with it dying when I slowed down and sped up the time a bit, then the check engine light came on saying it was revved up too high. Slowed it back down, changed the brain, and every other part that has to do with smooth running, nothing helped. Now, it is skipping when Im cruising about 50mph, I was told it might be the ignition coil, but changed them out and that wasnt the case. If anybody has any idea what the problem is, please let me know. I have thoroughly enjoyed this car and if I had it to do over again, I would buy it. It is fun to drive!

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  Great Van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By thundercloud - March 3 - 8:58 am

  I bought mine used it already had 99,000 miles on it. It drives like a new one. So far the only mechanical issues I have had with it are the ones you would expect at that mileage such as brakes and belts. I am a tall, overwieght, disabled man. Its like whoever designed this van had people like me in mind. I have plenty of room and it is not a chore to drive it. In fact it has improved my mobility so much that last summer I lost 80 pounds. Now this van itself did not do that but it is one of the factors involved in my weight loss. To lose that amount of weight you have to be up and moving and this van helped me do that.

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  great nice car to own - 2007 Ford Focus
  By epapp1 - March 2 - 8:29 pm

  A nice fun car to drive with out breaking the bank.After driving mine my brother bought one for his daughter and is also very happy with the car.And I am now looking to buy a 2007 Focus wagon.

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  BEST CAR, HANDS DOWN - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By randylcoffey - March 2 - 2:40 pm

  I have a 5-speed boy-toy! It is fast, pretty, and comfortable. This car will fly low and feel good at the same time. I got the updated interior (in red). It rides smooth, yet handles better than my old sports car. The interior features are much better than past mustangs it is almost luxury grade. It is the best car I have ever owned in my 55 years. I tested BMWs, infinitis, mazdas, mitsubishis, audis, and lots more. Nothing, save a porsche (which costs twice as much) comes close in "fun-to-drive" and full features. The only let down was gas mileage, but what can you expect from a V-8 that has to be driven fast?!

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  Good Buy - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jeff - March 2 - 12:10 pm

  Bought new. Three years later still very happy with the car. Checking the tires and breaks at each oil change as this appears to be the most common complaint. High teens, low twenties in the ciy and high twenties on the HWY. This is great mileage for such a roomy vehicle. Would highly recommend. Ford Brass/Marketing missed the boat on this one.