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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  4 a good buy - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By R. Cornish - October 19 - 2:10 pm

  We researched several different manufacturers and ended up going to the local car show. It was there that my wife drove and liked the car. When we got serious about the purchase of a new vehicle, a month later, we knew that was what we wanted. While we have less than 500 miles on it we constantly talk about all the features it has for the price. The only thing we had to adjust to is the rear window visibility being less than our other car, especially with the spoiler.

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  Great Car for a 19 yr old - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By DanoTheMANO - October 19 - 11:03 am

  I was lucky enough to have my parents buy this car for me to replace a vehicle that I actually out grew! I am 6 foot five. I find this vehicle to be very comfortable for my long body. I love the style of this car so much. People often think I am driving a Caddy. I dont get exceptional gas mileage, only averaging close to 25-26 mph, but that is driving back and forth to college going over a lot of hills and mountains. So it probably isnt too bad. I think i have a pretty amazing ride for only being 19 years old. Buy the slush mats, they are like 90 bucks but they keep your carpet protected!

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  Fantastic drive! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Warren Ayen - October 19 - 10:23 am

  Just got the car two days ago and Im still loving it. The V6 has pep but is a tad slow, and the attention to detail is amazing. The car handles very smoothly and responds to my touch when I want it to. The interior accent lighting (user customizable) and touches make it fun to show off, and the heated seats up here in the cold cold north were a great option. I get turned heads everywhere I go with the pony upgrade and racing stripes. The SYNC definitely takes some time to get used to - I still havent figured out how to hang up a call. The Sat. radio, iPod connection, and 6-disc changer means you never run out of music and media. All in all a great car to own.

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  Best Car Ever!!! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By lovemyford2 - October 18 - 9:46 pm

  I love my Freestyle!Nothing but luck with Fords! Bought brand new after my husband convinced me to test drive it when I was determined for an Explorer! I dont understand how people can say this car has no go! I am surprised I have not gotten a ticket! It rides so smooth that you look down and realize you are going 15 over the speed limit. Roomy for 6 adults & we use it all the time for camping!Features are great!My husband is a mechanic and checked with other mechanics at the dealership to see if there were major issues. To date we have 47,000 mile with just regular maintenance.Commute 70miles to wk avg 23-25 mpg in stop-go trafficRound town avg 19-22 mpg Long distance hwy 24-27mpg!

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  Its not your grandmas Taurus anymore! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Move Over Lexus - October 18 - 1:08 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Corvette for a new fully loaded FWD 2010 Taurus Limited. Unless you live in snow country, there is no need to buy AWD. Acceleration is very impressive and it handles great too. This car is extremely smooth and quiet. Before you spend more money on another luxury vehicle, please test drive this car. This car is pure luxury with a sumptious leather interior and an optional navigation package.

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  GReAT - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Franck - October 18 - 12:02 pm

  Bought this truck used with 30,000 miles and am now at 47,000 within 8 months of owning it. So far,not one thing has broke, extremely reliable! And, i get better gas mileage than any v6 ranger owner i talk to. I was shopping for a Ranger when i bought this truck , and Im sooo glad i did. Its a bit underpowered, but do you expect, its a v6.

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  The best new car on the road - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Joe M - October 16 - 5:30 pm

  I have had the Limited for about a month. I have driven Lexus vehicles for 15 years and this is more quiet than any Lexus I have owned and more fun to drive. It has great performance and a lot of technical features...my favorite is the adaptive cruise control and blind spot indicators. I have had many people want to look and at least two Mercedes owners looked at it and wanted to trade theirs in for this car. I think some may find the drivers space a bit confining due to the design of the console but the console itself is well put together. I have the tuxedo metallic black...really upscale looking

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  So far Great Car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Brandon - October 16 - 2:27 pm

  When I got my car, it had 45,000 miles. It now has 108,000. Other than brakes and tires being replaced which is a given for any car, the only other thing that I ever had to replace was the rear shocks. It has 108,000 miles and so far I havent had any issues knock on wood. Hopefully it stays that way for a while

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  Love my Focus - but not its radio - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Susan S. - October 16 - 1:47 pm

  I am very happy with the purchase of my 2008 Focus SES except for 1 thing. It came with the Moon and Tune Package. But the treble on the radio fades in and out constantly. A mechanic rode with me and told me its because my Sirius-capable radio is being interrupted by all the towers in the area and the only possible fix would be to renew my subscription. It drives me crazy. Does anyone else have this problem? Not sure I agree with him.

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  Ford Focus 4 door s Automatic - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Eugene R. Dawson - October 16 - 12:36 pm

  Steering and ride exceptional for a compact car. One of the most fun to drive cars in its class. Gas mileage about 33 mpg. Overall one of the best compacts available. Drive one and you will see what I mean.