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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  My ford sucks - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Fordsucks - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with my "exploder". Thats its new nickname. I have it in the shop again for a new transmission. Second time in 2 years. Not only have I been fixing transmissions I think every other mechanical part has been replaced as well.

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  My stang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Maureen - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car!! Fun to drive with great pick-up. I have already put 8000 miles on her in 4 months, and she is running great. I recently moved and she fit a lot more stuff than I had anticipated.

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  Short and simple - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By grassho69 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Owned my mustang for four yrs.,it is stored winters and I couldnt be happier with it.

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  The Bird Still Soars - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bird Fan - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Unless you are willing to fork out big bucks for a retractable hardtop, this is the best true "convertible" on the road, which possesses three excellent and unique looks, whether in hard top mode, or with the soft top up or down, a rareity for a convertible. The styling is impeccable, as are its mechanical components. The first great "Bird" since 1966. Rumor is this will become the 2007 Lincoln Mark X.

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Excellent SUV - May 18 - 11:33 pm

  The build quality on this vehicle is excellent. Its as good as any Japanese. Ive driven this in the city and on the highway and it is very comfortable. The storage is huge. Ive had this long enough and put on enough miles to really be able to tell anyone interested in buying a Ford Explorer, that for the money you cant go wrong. Ford is really dealing on these. I researched Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, GMC, and Chevy. The Ford pulls more weight then the rest. All this comfort, looks and it pulls 7200 lbs. Great for pulling a boat or trailer, and its much cheaper, even the Limited, then most.

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  I hope nothing brakes. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By uncle bubba - May 18 - 9:33 pm

  i know semi-metallic pads are to wear differently, but i have had this truck for almost 3 months and the rotors are looking like wash boards already. those things should still be glass smooth. the dealer says "its normal" but i know better. i cannot prove them wrong, but i know im right. other than that, i love this thing. i have never felt a tighter ford truck than this one.

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  Paint issues - 2007 Ford Edge
  By 15725 - May 18 - 9:03 am

  Ive had my Edge for two months now. My bigest problem has been with the paint. The paint has dirt in it or small defects in it. Ford motor Co has agreed to repaint the whole vehicle for me. I should have it back in another week. If the paint job is perfect then Ill will be toatlly happy with my new Edge.

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  A great affordable small car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By F B - May 18 - 8:26 am

  I bought this car about three weeks ago and so far I am very impressed. The Focus is a very responsive, quiet, comfortable and fun to drive car. I test drove a Nissan Sentra 2.0 and a Toyota Corolla Ce and neither were as good as the Focus. It is a small car so obviously fuel economy is great. I am an 18 year old car enthusiast and can tell you that this car is a lot of bang for the buck. I have also noticed that the quality of the interior compared to my buddys old Focus is much improved. I highly recommend this car to any young buyer who is looking for a fun and affordable small car

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  Much nicer than Altima - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Chicago - May 18 - 5:50 am

  I bought the 2010 Fusion 2010 with 6 speed manual and LOVE it. Coming off a 2006 Nissan Altima S with 5 speed I can say the Fusion is a much nicer car (more fun to drive, better features, looks beautiful). The shifter is extremely smooth and due to the adjustability of the driver seat you can get in perfect position. I have the sunroof package and paid just over $19,000 due to the $1500 rebate. I think I got a super deal and I am glad to help Ford out since they didnt take the government handouts like Chrysler and GM.

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  So far, its AMAZING!!! - 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By laecodriver - May 18 - 4:04 am

  I rarely get excited about cars, and after many years this is my 1st American car, but I have to say, after only 65 miles, the 15 Fusion Hybrid SE is just phenomenal! Slick-looking on the outside, comfortable & well-designed on the inside--and a pleasure to drive. If you are a careful driver (easyon the gas & brake) this car has AMAZING performance! On a few city drives, the readout is telling me Im getting from 44mph--up to 55.6 mph, which seems almost impossible. We opted for the full MYTOUCH sync package, well worth the extra $$s--so far its been flawless, integrating phone, bluetooth, music, etc. Will update, but so far Im lovin this car!!