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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  A very well built appliance, comfortable, solid, but not fun to drive - 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By barton - July 4 - 9:08 pm

  I have only 500 miles so far on the car, and I intend to update this over time. So far I am getting 42.5 MPG in mixed driving. I have rented 2014 Nissan Altimas, several Priuss, and lots of Camrys.The Fusion Hybrid (2015 model) is better built, quieter, more refined, far more comfortable, and more sure-handling on corners than any of those cars-and it is not even close. But where the Fusion falls down, and perhaps all hybrids do, is in driving fun. My comparison in test driving, and for making the Fusion decision, was the VW Passat TDI (Diesel). I have heard that car gets a legitimate 38-40 MPG. And the Passat is a lot more fun to drive. But I picked the Fusion for higher reliability.

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  Return of Muscle - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mike Ladnier - July 4 - 7:10 pm

  The new 05 Mustang is a blast to drive with a very responsive and snappy bottom end pull. Zero to 70 is under 5 sec. and continues to pull hard well past. With minor bolt on aftermarket parts, the 05 stang would be just as much and more so a street terror as was the fox body style stangs were of the late 80s and early 90s were. The interior and exterior looks of the car turn heads everywhere it goes. Look out Vette, with some more tuning and power squeezed out, youll be having some heavy breathing on your neck. Ford is on the right track with the new Mustang, and only better can come from this model forward. With a fair price and nice power for a showroom stock car, the 05 Mustang is GREAT!

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  dont by this ford windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By willow - July 4 - 2:00 am

  worst mistake made. two engines within two years.we had bad costumer service were we bought car at fairview ford san bernardino,and to moss brother ford colton.the 1st engine at 67,000 miles 2nd engine only lasted to 52,000 on the new engine so disappointed in ford . hundreds of people with same problem. took in for the 2nd time it was running the engine light was on after they took it apart without my permission atMOSS BROTHERS FORD, COLTON. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME 4,000 A NEW ENGINE OR $1,800 TO THROW IT BACK TOGETHER. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED OUT . in the back was boxes of my engine they refused to put back together.

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  SHO me the way - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By regfootball - July 4 - 2:00 am

  55,000 miles. Fast if you step on it. In need of brakes tires struts. Car feels beat up, but its a Ford over 50k miles I should expect that. Radio stinks, no in dash CD. More sound deadening would be nice. Front seats are way comfy. Engine sounds awesome. Slow off the line, above 3500 rpm it starts to kick it. Trunk could be larger. Paint, body still good. Harsh ride over bumps doesnt help. Steering and handling very good when tires were newer. Excellent touring car passing power awesome. Tranny kicks down slow. Be aware: design defect with v8 SHOs and camshaft design. Ford trying to hide it. Ford should fix this for ticked off owners. V8sho dot com.

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  I love my new car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Eileen - July 3 - 9:03 am

  This car is great for kids, my carseats fit in nice and I can actually take my sister and her children without taking a second car. I can even fit 3 carseats in the second row. The seats are easy to fold down and to lift back up,and there is lots of room. This car is so fun to drive, plenty of power for me despite what some people say. Im not one to try and race everyone on the highway.. there is plenty of pick up when needed though.

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  A car that lasts? - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Frannie - July 3 - 2:00 am

  At first it was a nice roomy safe car, then the transmission started going anf all the radiator hoses got holes in them. If I were you and wanted to keep think car longer than a few years, I wouldnt buy it!

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  Clutch Unbelievably Bad - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By bhburton - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Stiff clutch must be pushed all the way to the floor, still doesnt quite disengage. Miserable to shift from neutral to 1st at stoplight. Wont enter 1st without great effort. But its my first SUV and I love sitting higher where I can see the traffic!

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  Its an OK truck, not more. - 1999 Ford F-150
  By PeterPan - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the truck for 3 years now and have put over 75,000 miles on it. Ive had two mechanical problems. The first was a leaking transmission (which, by coincidence, occurred just after I had the transmission serviced at 60,000 miles), and the second was a faulty idle seloniod. I had the dealer repair the transmission leak ($300) and a local mechanic repair the idle selonoid ($130). The pickup is due for another set of tire soon. Overall Ive been pleased with the vehicle.

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  The Best - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Fat Al - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Love it. If the base model could have a little more horsepower maby get over the 200 rang and the scoop could accualy do somthing then it would be the perfect sports car.

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  2009 shelby cobra - 2009 Ford Shelby GT500
  By brian smallridge - July 3 - 1:10 am

  this car has to be one of the best muscle cars ive ever driven.i gave it a excellant review on milage because what do you execpt from a 540 horsepower king of the road.like, love it wouldnt trade or sell it for any other car on the road.ford,has really done a great job!!!!