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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  just got it - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By cosmonot - February 13 - 8:16 am

  Love it. Purchased just a month ago so we are still breaking it in. We have the 5 speed auto and are getting 20 mpg around the city with under 1000 miles on it. Fun to drive - good pick up for a four cylinder. Great car for the price, good design. Only bad thing is visibility out the rear window. Takes a while to get used to.

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  My first SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Georges SUV - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Great for long distance as well as for commuting. Cargo space fits all the camping gear my partner and I need for an entire week of backpacking! Great sound system and a 6 disc in dash changer! A lot of neat options are available.

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  contour - 1995 Ford Contour
  By steph33 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  i found it fun to drive and very fuel efficient and very comfortable

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  Good for kid - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Teen - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Just got car from Grandparent and love it! Drives wonderfully (I have drove a BMW X5 Acura 2.3CL and Audi A6) and handles like a german car.) Very Sporty ride.

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  Birds of a feather... - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By jjl - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Definitely a head-turner. Just plain fun to drive. This cars style makes gawkers smile! I didnt expect it to drive like a Jag or an SL, and dont care if its only a Ford product. Im a father of 4 going through a mid-life crisis!! The most impractical car Ive ever bought, but I dont care!

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  tbirds kick ass, i have a 1988 tc also - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By jason stevenson - February 13 - 2:00 am

  i love tbirds, they are the best car i have even drove/seen

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  2008 Ford Focus SES - 2008 Ford Focus
  By tcope - February 12 - 3:50 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle since 10/07. Overall I enjoy the car very much. There are a few problems Ford could work on though. If you like plastic, you will love the interior. Ford could have made the interior a little less spartan by even just using softer plastic parts in some places. Another issue is the Max AC setting. You can turn the AC on by pressing the AC or Max button but once the Max air is on, the AC can only be turned off by pressing the Max button again (to turn it off) and then the AC button. There is also little storage space in the vehicle. Its very roomy and fun to drive. I have no issued with the power. Its a small V4 and gets great mpg.

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  Happy Birthday To Me! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Dee - February 12 - 2:30 pm

  My husband bought the Fusion for me for my birthday and I totally love it! I do have to say that I am a first time Ford owner (I never thought I would say that!) I am very impressed with the reliability, safety features and overall design. Not to mention the 25 MPG (HWY miles)! The cost is very reasonable for all of the gadgets and accessories the SEL V6 comes with. The sunroof has also impressed me, it is much quieter than what I expected when it is completely open.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Red Five - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I cant say enough about the reliability of the car. Today it has over 120,000 miles with no major engine work to date. The performance of the V- 8 engine is great and the handling is outstanding. You cant take curves on snowy roads at 50 mph but on dry pavement it hugs the road like you hug your best girl. The four wheel anti- lock disk brakes stop the car fast when you need to without fading or pulling. The fuel economy is not the best, but who buys a Mustang GT for fuel economy?. One thing I wish was better is the leg room. The back seat is usable only by small children and pets, but are you looking for a fun to drive sports car or a family sedan?

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  The only car keep many years after paid. - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By rexb - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Love its V8. The only problem is the Fords Factory paint.