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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  fun car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By JMS61 - December 30 - 10:29 pm

  I just bought my Fusion and I absolutely love it. I had a Jeep and its great to have a little luxury again. Comfortable car except for the head rest. Was almost a deal breaker but found a way to tilt seat back so it is comfortable now. My young adult child also loved driving it.

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  Fantastic car! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Jeanne - December 30 - 7:36 pm

  I have never been so happy. Ive driven in the mountains of NC twice and was suprised at the handling and the gas consumption. I feared giving out in the middle of nowhere but it did not happen. I love the way it handles. It does well in the wind and in heavy rain. Good breaking and great speed. I have actuall driven up to 90mph and the handling was still terrific. Up and down mountain (steep) roads was a breeze. The gas milage is so great that if $4.00 gas comes back I wont care. In town I get about 36 mpg and up to 44 on the highway. I check my log at each fillup.

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  Escape XLT 6 cyl - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Jay in LA - December 30 - 1:00 pm

  I got the 6 cyl, Front wheel drive (that choice isnt on the menu here). Im coming from a 07 Mercedes GL350 and I have to say, this aint bad at all. Its peppy, manageable, smooth, comfortable and pretty quiet. Easy to drive, easy to park. Still am working out the SYNC audio, but it seems pretty cool. Though I have my reservations about anything Microsoft since Im a Mac guy. It doesnt seem very synergistic with my iPod and iPhone yet. Ive only had it for 2 days so time will tell, but so far, so great!

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  Escape to LA - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Escape owner - December 30 - 5:05 am

  This car has been a joy to own: it looks great, the driving experience and handling give you confidence, is roomy, and is very reliable. It still runs like a charm after 50k miles.

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  Ford Fusion = A great car! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Wes - December 29 - 10:38 pm

  I got my Ford Fusion in May of 2009 and so far no problems. I think the car needs a little more horsepower, but I got the 4 cylinder for better fuel economy. Its a really nice looking car and the seats are comfortable. The Sun and SYNC package is great, and I love the Bluetooth hands free phone system, though Ive often had to reboot my phone to make it work, but when it works its great. Its not the fastest car, but it is comfortable. Im 64" and I fit comfortably in the backseat with the front seat pushed all the way back.

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  Dandy car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Tom B - December 29 - 9:20 am

  Tested the Civic, Mazda 3, Elantra, skipped the Corolla. Was ready to go with Mazda 3 until I drove the Focus. Smooth ride, quietest of the bunch, seamless 5 speed shifter, great visibility, supportive seating, and a lot of pep. Im actually having as much fun driving it as my 06 stang GT 5 speed. The mileage is better than its rated at. 4 aftermarket speakers and additional damping under dash and behind the door panels and the stock head sounds better than my Shaker 1000! Cannot hear tire hiss when driving in rain. Great, scatty little car!

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Geigers Konas GT - December 29 - 8:19 am

  After purchasing my GT, i have to say is WOW!!!!!. My wife originally wanted the car but after driving on the Autobahn in Germany. I just have to say WOW. The car is very powerful from what i remembered back in the early 90s and the throaty exhaust sound is earth shattering. Every where we drive in it, the stares and the mouths dropping on the pavements is awesome. Also, i am learning more and more what this car can do everyday as well. My GT is also Kona Blue but has with it a white racing stripe. In my opinion, Ford has done a magnificent job from the days of the 90s when they produced not so good vehicles. My hat is off to the guys in the oval blue company. Job well done.

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  Great car! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By rjsutton - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Wonderul piece of machinery, winderful styling, nice interior and comfortable. Very good on the road and handles very easy. I have used the traction control and it works great. The performance of this car is outstanding, it meets or exceeds my expectations in all areas.

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  a great suv for the money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jim r - December 29 - 2:00 am

  this suv has been one of the best autos we have ever owned great fuel mileage fun to drive

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  The Great Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By mountain man/woman - December 29 - 2:00 am

  So far we have only put 1100 miles on this vehicle, but the whole experience has been great. It has the build of an SUV, with the feeling of a car. The v-6 may use a more than usual amount of gas, but the power is worth it. The inside is very spacious for a small SUV.