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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  Ford Fusion Hybrid - the future is here! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By S Elliott - September 3 - 11:16 pm

  I have not owned my Hybrid for very long (since its a 2010), but the car is fun to drive and worth the money. I drive an equal mix of highway, rural and city, I average 37.5 miles a gallon (WOW). The car is very streamlined inside and out. I have the 501A package and Im very happy. Dont think because its a hybrid it will be lacking on power. This can move and excellerate with its strong 2.5L engine, which has almost 200HP. It is a smooth ride, but with a different style of tires and rims it could be a little smoother. Drives like a sports car, room like a sedan and gas sipper like a sub-compact. The back seat will hold 3 people but as with any car its size it would be a tight fit.

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  Ford, work on the interior - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By buster95 - September 3 - 9:36 pm

  The fourth Mustang Ive owned, and by far the fastest and most comfortable. The 300hp engine does ok on gas if you keep your foot out of it, but when you wanna GO, hold on! Ford, as usual, has designed a cheap and lousy interior. While the seats are comfortable black leather, the fit and finish of the remainder of the cabin is horrendous. A seam cuts across the burnished aluminum dash. The auto shifter has a cheap seam across the top. The sides of the seats are easily scratched by the back adjustment lever. The plastic chrome on the dash air vents should have been made of real metal. The cars a great driving experience, with stellar performance, but the interior is shoddy.

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  Wow, is this a Ford? - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Craig - September 3 - 7:40 pm

  What a car! Start with the exterior. Our car is satin silver and she stands out from the crowd. We choose the 18 inch optional wheels and it is hard to walk by without taking a second look. The interior with the upgrade package is really sharp. Extremely comfortable seats and the driving position is perfect. The retro accents inside along with the modern quality and feel really make this car special. Then there is the engine. Lots of power with instant throttle response. I had the mindset of an aftermarket exhaust system before I bought her. Glad I didnt buy anything. This car rumbles and sounds mean! It has been a pleasure so far and cannot wait to get back in her.

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  Impressed by this midsize - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Robert - September 3 - 7:40 pm

  I recently traded in my Subaru and was intrigued by Fords new AWD Fusion. It looked like a good package overall, so I gave it a chance. Im impressed. The powertrain is quite refined, maybe not on the level of a Camry, but very good. Id love to see Fords larger 3.5 in this car. The transmission has been very responsive, and, oddly, I feel has gotten better over time (upshifting, "knowing" my driving style). Fit and finish is better than Ive seen in almost any car in its class. Ive been averaging about 21-22 in suburbs and some highway, but Im a fairly aggressive driver, so Im pleased. So far, I would definitely recommend this car.

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  Best car value - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By racinchef - September 3 - 3:00 pm

  When I first saw this car I passed it by, but after looking at a few other cars on the lot the dealer pointed it out to me, so I looked at it more closely; from that point on this car has grown on me. The car is super reliable, gets good gas mileage on the highway, and rides very comfortably. A/C is awesome too! Replaced headliner, ball joint and upgraded OEM stereo. Also had all windows tinted except windshield. Great value car, I love it!

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  Great car for the money - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Guy - September 3 - 5:13 am

  I really like the car. I wish that it had more power. I drive 110 miles a day and this car is perfect because i never have to worry about it breaking down on me. It really seems to be built good also.

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  Seats are killling me!! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By DBW727 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Actually bought 2 of the above models, after first was stolen. Little did I realize the uncomfortable ride was not just the new leather. Escape is very capable in bad weather, peppy with V6, and handles well. The interior is where Ford has really gone wrong. Cheap plastic door panels (really hurt elbows), awkward seat height, and shifter location make everyday driving less than pleasurable. The ultimate downer are the rock-hard seats that have caused back pain in both my wife and myself. Ford cheaped out, but forgot that vehicles should at least be moderately comfortable. If you can stand the seats, the vehicle has a lot of good qualities

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  Never again - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By trspd - September 3 - 2:00 am

  NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A WINDSTAR! Bought it for its 5-star safety rating at 69K miles. Replaced the engine at 70K miles. Engine light is always coming on-$55 to diagnose and re-set computer every time. Since May, Ive put in $3300, including new transmission at 120K miles (never had warning codes on dash come on, and nothing showed up on diagnostic machine when trans. started slipping), alternator, partial catalytic converter, O2 sensors, and much more. Drivers window doesnt work, and ignition cylinder needs to be replaced. Stress fracture across windshield. Money pit! Im buying Japanese from now on.

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  Fun car - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bird Watcher - September 3 - 2:00 am

  A thoroughly enjoyable automobile, the most fun that I have ever gotten from a new car!!!

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  OH MY GOD!! - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By lilbitaluc - September 3 - 2:00 am

  My husband just picked up a 2002 T- bird. All I can say is "OH MY GOD!!" What a car! Its fast, sexy, fun to drive and just wonderful! I think my husband is going through a mid-life crisis and Im SOOOO GLAD!! The car is Awesome. I read only 1 review that was really negative about the T- bird....Whats up with that? you are definitely the minority here! YAY!!! GO T_BIRD!!!!