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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  Excellent small size SUV - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Chester Hamilton - December 6 - 6:04 pm

  Excellent small size SUV for getting in and out of tight space. Quiet interior, lots of leg room, outstanding entertainment system, easy to operate navigation system, and nice size cargo area. Great on gas mileage, handling, reliability and overall function vehicle.

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  Great vehicle!!!!! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By KonaGT - December 6 - 10:54 am

  I set out to get a fuel efficient vehicle along the line of a Malibu or Fusion. My wife thought we should get something more FUN. I had settled on the 6 cylinder Mustang and she talked me into the GT. Th day after I got it I traveled to Toronto which was about 500 miles round trip. Driving it at about 72mph the whole way, I averaged about 28mpg. Not bad!!! The car is great. It is very comfortable. The power is great. The SYNC is awesome. I am learning more and more everyday of its capabilities. I got the GT Premium with a 5 spd manual. The color is Kona Blue. The car gets looks everywhere and I cannot get gas without someone asking me about it. Great car. Great Value!

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  Older folks should buy this car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - December 6 - 1:16 am

  We now have just over 2,100 miles on our 2010 Fusion SEL. We took advantage of a cash reduction offered to Camry owners who traded, and paid about $24,000 for a 4-cylinder model with navigation, moon-roof, electric seats, leather seating, rear camera, side sensors, blind spot sensor, and Sirius radio (plus other gadgets). In addition, we received $1,400 MORE in trade-in for our 1998 Camry than the Toyota dealer had offered several months earlier on a $29,000 Prius. The car is well-appointed and the seat/steering wheel adjustments are infinite. ThereÂ’s no problem in finding a comfortable driving position, or in changing it on longer drives.

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  Very enjoyable - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Douglas Lower - December 5 - 2:38 pm

  This was my 5th Focus purchase.I picked a black ext./Taupe int.This was an automatic SE.I loved the taupe over the black interior.I was extremely impressed with the improvements over my pre 07,05S,03 versions.My only disappointment-no wagon or hatchback models.Mpg was amazing on the freeway,42-45 mpg.It did better than my 09 Honda Fit.The Fit was better in the city though.The Focus was an excellent, relaxing car to drive.I felt safe in it.If you do not need cargo options this is the car to buy.It does have a large trunk.I combined the best qualities of both my cars and traded them both in on a loaded 2010 Kia Soul Sport.

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  Great Work Horse - 2009 Ford F-150
  By MDHIPP - December 5 - 9:35 am

  XL Styleside w/ 8ft bed and 5.4 Flex Fuel. This truck does everything I ask it to do with no complaints. Towing is a breeze and gas mileage has sometimes been up to 22mpg on long trips.

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  Homerun - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Patrick - December 5 - 8:33 am

  Purchased the base S auto model for under $17k and must say nothing comes close to it for style, performance, engine/tranny, build quality and MPG. Add that you are also supporting an American manufacturer that didnt take a bailout money is icing on the cake. I have 09 malibu and a 10 honda accord and have driven the Camry/Altima several times so I have compared them extensively.

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  Love this thing! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By majoraud - December 5 - 5:26 am

  I decided to purchase a small commuter car and since Ford is having such great deals I settled for the 2009 SEL. Leather seats are standard in the SEL, and they are very nice and comfortable, and stylish. The synch feature is great, I can use my cell or launch my ipod just by pushing a button on the steering wheel, and then just talking! Works great. The car rides nicely, and looks good to boot! And so far I am getting 25 MPG in town. My other car is a Lexus, but I am having more fun driving this little Focus. I even had someone comment to me today at the grocery store how nice my car looked! Never expected to get such a nice car for so little money. Thank you Ford!

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  Ford Truck Owner for 33 YEARS - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Terry - December 4 - 6:02 pm

  I purchased my first Ford 74 F-250 when I was 15 years old it was beat up. I am a general contractor in Chicago My currant 04 F-150 truck is used for hauling-family trips and it is versatile for all uses. I traded in a 03 for this 04. The ride is awesome, Rear diff. factory recall at 30k., only replacement has been brakes-tires until 158,000 miles, trans rebuilt,had the oil changed today at 168,000 mil (oil every 3000 to 5000 miles)and still running strong. All my Fords have been dependable and I drive-em hard. I was going to try a Chevy before I purchased this one but the new 03 Chevy was $1,400.00 more than this 04 Lariat. I will write another review when I hit 400,000 miles!!!!!

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  Sensational - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Richard - December 4 - 3:53 pm

  The SHO is everything I ever wanted in a big sedan. It is very fast, very comfortable and has every electronic gismo known to modern cars. The fit and finish are second to none. What I dont get is the problem with the headrests. I see nothing wrong with the seating position in the SHO. I suggest you sit in one for yourself and do not be influenced by some of the posts you read. This car is a real bargain considering what you get for the money. Way to go Ford, you really hit a home run with the 2010 SHO>

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  Excellent Sport! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Michael Dobbs - December 4 - 12:17 pm

  Great buy! Comfy, stylish, great ride, get one.