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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  2nd gen Escort GTs RULE! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By FordMan - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Aquired car 1/99 and average 25,000 miles annually. By the end of 03 it will have 200,000 on. ALL ORIGINAL except air filter, belts and water pump. Still has original plugs, wires, sensors etc. Thought about replacing them, but averaging 35 mpg (and 40.8 on trips) I ask myself...WHY? This car sees mostly highway miles, and occassionally the local drag strip.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mike - April 4 - 11:00 pm

  Great Job Ford, this car is a well built vehicle. It gets great gas millage and has a really nice design. Look out Toyota and Honda.

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  Solid Performer for the Price - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By 6-Month Review - April 4 - 9:30 pm

  I really think the engine is more than large enough. The strain that I hear other talking about seem to be engine noise, which is significant even when simply taking-off from a stop at moderate acceleration.

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  Should have bought the Highlander - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Disappointed - April 4 - 9:33 am

  I read all the reviews, drove most vehicles in this SUV/truck market and bought the escape because of the mileage and tales of better performance. Im not getting it, only 25 mpg. Im here to tell you buy a Toyota Highlander IF: you live out west and travel faster then 60, you want more cargo space and a better interior with more convience or you have anything to tow or haul. The 4 cyl gas engine and weak electric just dont cut it, it has to run at too high RPMs above 60 mph to deliver the mileage; in Montana the limit is 75! Last trip at that speed I got 22 mpg! Very disappointed! Everything else I read about it both good & bad has been listed by others; especially plug it in.

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  Great truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Bud - April 4 - 5:36 am

  This truck rides and drives like a luxury car. One of the smoothest rides in this market range.

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  Right Decision - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Martinfromillinois - April 4 - 3:20 am

  Looked around for 6 months, drove em all, Camry, Sonata, Altima, Accord. The Fusion offers the best combination of ride, performance, features and price. Got the SE with sport package, ABS, side airbags and auto. MPG around 33 in rural area with a 25 mile commute each way. I think Ford got it right with this one. Only hope they dont overload the rental market and kill the resale value of this great car. I also have a Mazda 3 and love how the Fusion handles as well as the Mazda (not quite the Zoom Zoom) but still a great car. Dont believe the hype from the import dealers, drive the Fusion yourself (not just around the block) and youll see what everyone is talking about.

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  Stang - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By jimrog69 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Best Car Ever Built

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  FORD TAURUS (PIECE OF JUNK) - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By boogs11233 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  MY 1997 FORD TAURUS IS A PIECE OF JUNK. I NOW HAVE 60000 MILES AND I NEED A NEW TRANNY. I ALSO KNOW TWO OTHER PEOPLE, WHO OWN TAURUSES WITH COMPARABLE MILEAGE, THAT NEED NEW TRANSMISSIONS. I WILL NEVER AGAIN GET ANOTHER FORD. "GOOD RIDDENS"

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  Extreme disappointment - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By disappointed - April 4 - 1:20 am

  I have had nothing but problems with the vehicle performance. I am sure I was sold a lemon. I love the looks of the Sport Trac, but the rest of the vehicle is another story. Very hard idling, almost stalling, sputtering down the road, malfunctioning windows, turn signals and seat belts. Hope all of you have better luck than I.

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  3.8...Who says they arent fast - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By littlewarddmc - April 3 - 9:00 pm

  GM can have all the horsepower they want but in reality they arent that much faster if faster at all and dont turn half as many heads as the Mustangs. As for V6s go the Mustang base coupe is more affordible and faster anyway than a GM base coupe.(I proved that today on the street when I smoked a Camaro V6;same year and same mods)The other nice fact is that there are way more performance parts out there for V6 Mustangs than the GM 6s. The Mustang is definately a good buy and a sure way to go.