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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  Wonderful little SUV. - 2003 Ford Escape
  By fun to drive - October 23 - 2:00 am

  With 10K miles on it, my wife and I are loving our new Escape: the combination of small size outside and great interior space, the fun driving experience, the "Mach" radio upgrade, etc. Build quality is excellent - no glitches at all. Ride is a good mix of car and truck -- not nearly as tippy as the little Toyota and Honda we tested. My only complaint is my own fault -- I ordered 2 wheel drive, not 4 wheel. The Escape can really accelerate quickly from a stand-still, but with only 2 wheels to transfer the power to the ground, I cant enjoy this as much as I would like.

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  Itll cost you. - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Nocdar - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Pluses: Ground clearance makes driving in snow a breeze, dual air- conditioners, 20-21 mpg. Minuses: Recalls, Coil springs broke, door ajar alarm comes on in damp weather, bushings in idler pulley for serpentine belt seized up while on highway (yikes),lots of tie rod ends replaced. Money spent on repairs would have gotten me into a much more reliable vehicle. Which in 1995 would have been the Toyota.

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  Great Ford Truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By dubs - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the one of the best trucks ever made. It has a lot of towing capabilities, it is 2 wheel drive but it is still pretty good offroad, it has an extreme amount of torque and pretty high horsepower too, it has the 5.0 (302) and it will keep up with Hemi dodges and most other trucks too. The truck has a smooth ride, especially for the huge suspension that it has. It is also built like a tank. This truck is good in almost every aspect.

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  Best Value on market - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Rob - October 22 - 9:58 am

  I can honestly say that this car is a tremendous value purchase. Traded in my 2007 AWD fushion, which was a great car that gave me very few problems, and purchased the 2016 AWD Titanium. Between the trade in and rebates I think I got a great deal for this car. What a car! Beautiful exterior and interior and lots of bells and whistles. Driving and handling are superb and it is an incredibly quiet cabin. Im pleasantly surprised by how much power the 2.0 Turbo engine has too. It has much more pep and is better refined than my old V6 sel model. Gas mileage for an AWD vehicle is very good with about 28mph so far. The sony sound system is top notch too! This car is a lot of fun to drive. I make up excuses to go on errands so I can drive around. A friend of mine recently bought a BMW 5 series for 55K and was stunned by the quality of this car. When I told him how much I paid for it he wanted to bring his back. I may sound like I work for Ford but I do not. I work in finance and I look for value when I make a purchase and IMO there is not much better pure value out there. If you are looking for a mid-size sedan you must test drive the fusion, preferably an SE or Titanium model. You will not be disappointed.

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  GT Mustang Conv. - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By stillman - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a small car with a big car ride. Plenty of power. Fun to drive. Had a few things go bad A/C, trans, starter & alternator. Ford replaced trans. Other costs less than a $1,000.

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  Super Truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Mother Trucker - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, stylish, and powerful.

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  tuff - 1996 Ford F-250
  By tool - October 22 - 2:00 am

  ford tuff, enuff said

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  I LOVE my SVT Cobra!!!!!! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Joy - October 22 - 2:00 am

  WARNING--THIS IS A GIRL REVIEW!!!!!!! I Do NOT Even Pretend to Know About Cars!!!! This is just my Opinion Of My Car, Which I Adore!!!!! First of all, it Growls!!!!! I love getting in this car, turning the ignition, and listening to the engine go...Grrrowwl! This is the way a car should sound. Secondly, it GOES!!!!!!! Complete stop to 60 MPH quick. Going 65 and need to go MUCH faster, no prob. And.....it does it with class. I LOVE the way it corners! Smooth as a babies sweet rear-end! Also, I really appreciate the easiness of the stick shift. It is logical, quick, and there is no question--- ever, of which gear you are in. Done. I love it.

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  01 cobra conv - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By LUNGRIPPER - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I love it! Its the most fun car I have ever owned. Wish it had the blower though. :)

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  Buy Diesel!!! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Joes Wife - October 22 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I bought the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel engine for trailering our toys (boats/4wheelers/snowmobiles) and hauling our great dane dog. We get 19.3 avg miles on the highway 17.5 in the city after our 5,000 mile break in. Looked at Chevys, Toyota, Lexus & BMW - the diesel is a tried and true engine. My father in law has a Ford F250 with 135k on it and my brother in law has a F350 with 160k. Engines still running perfectly.