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 Vehicle! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Don Schwinn - October 25 - 12:02 pm

  Gave up on Audis and decided to help out Detroit. My V6 SEL AWD Fusion has 5000 miles now and Im totally satisfied. The Microsoft Sync system is terrific. The car handles as well as my former Audi and with all the bells and whistles was 1/2 the price of a new Audi. Sure I had to give up memory seats and mirrors, auto up-down of all windows, poewer passenger seat, homelink and cachet but I still got awd, nav, heated seats, Michelin tires, alloy wheels, reverse sensing, leather, metallic paint, fold down rear seats and premium sound. If youre looking for an American brand mid-size, this one is a winner.

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  Faulty Rims - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Robin - October 25 - 8:48 am

  I too have had major problems with the tires leaking air. Dealer said there was no problem. Tire company says, and this was after 2 new tires had to be purchased prematurely....PROBLEM is the RIMS are faulty at the factory. I have had problems with 2 wheel...and now starting with my THIRD.

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  Great Anti SUV - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By SteveO255 - October 24 - 10:56 pm

  Very nice Car... or Suv.... Or Wagon. What ever you call it it is a jack of all trades. It does everything well! Weekend road trip 350 miles and Avg 26mpg

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  Love My Car - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Black Bull - October 24 - 9:22 pm

  Ive had my car for three weeks, V6 convertible Black on Black. I have never gotten so many looks and compliments about a car before. The styling is great the ride is fun, this is my first Mustang. Looked at other convertibles, but this one I had to have.

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  Worth postponing early retirement! - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Lynnda - October 24 - 12:24 pm

  I have been looking at all the different SUVs on the road for the past year and decided that I really liked the body style of the Edge. Once I actually got inside & took it for a test drive there was no going back. I absolutely love my car. It is above & beyond what I expected.

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  Commercial Sold Me - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Carol A. - October 24 - 12:05 am

  I agree with other rerviews. Car is a head turner. I am frequently asked how I like the car & if they can peek inside. I had to have the two-tone cinnamon & white after seeing how sharp it looked on the commercial. Love interior space & have taken road trips with passengers in 2nd row who loved leg room. Headrests are uncomfortable because they tilt forward too much, but it could be because I am not that tall, (5ft. 3in.). Transmission shifts rough in lower speeds & car jerks forward when shifting. Havent read that problem in other reviews so I dont know if it is just my car. After 2 mo. passenger door lock started giving problems does not always open. Inconvenient for driver to reach over

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  fantastic vehicle - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By jarrad - October 23 - 10:31 pm

  I have had alot of vehicles before, this has been one of the best. I was scared at first of buying a ford so I bought a service contact for repairs. I have not had one thing go wrong in the vehcle. I would buy another one again.

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  Great little car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Shannon - October 23 - 11:32 am

  This is my second Focus. I did have another 2003 Focus LX base model. That one had transmission problems and this one does not. I purchased it with 130k and now has 143k. I have enjoyed this car, only minor problems with it. It handles great, stops on a dime, very reliable and very roomy. Decent gas mileage..without A/C 28-29 mpg, with A/C..24-25 mpg, and thats with regular oil changes and adding B-12 to the fuel tank. Very few complaints, trunk doesnt want to latch when shut after being opened with the key fob or trunk button, but works correctly with the key.

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  The car is amazing - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By raazer - October 23 - 1:42 am

  I have had mine for about 2 weeks and have put over 700 miles on it in that time. I am regularly hitting well above 40mpg and on one occasion hit 48.5 mpg over a 90 mile trip. I figure that the more I learn how to drive the car properly Ill be achieving the full EPA estimate of 47mpg on a consistent basis. The MyTouch is quirky at first but its just like any computer. You learn the commands and how it functions and you can master it. In the 2 weeks Ive owned it, I have learned every command and have found it to be quite a reliable tool in the vehicle. The only features I do not have are the park assist and the adaptive cruise control. So far everything else functions as it should.

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  Old mans car? Not really! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Roy - October 22 - 7:28 pm

  John Force said "Drive one." Im glad we did. This is one of the most comfortable cars weve ever owned. Its a Limited. Has everything but a sunroof, which I dont need. We bought it as an un-sold 08 in 2009 and got a great deal. So far 6,000 miles,no problems. My wife calls it an old mans car, but she doesnt see me nail it when I drive alone. It will scoot! Passengers have told us how comfortable the car is. Interior room and trunk space are fantastic. I love the hands free Sync phone and satellite radio. The styling could be better, but these days.... Ill never be happy with a look-alike car. Even so, Ill buy another. Maybe next time the SHO. Take John Forces advice. "Drive one!