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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  Outstanding - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By jena2000 - January 31 - 5:48 am

  I just purchased the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. I picked the car up in Toledo, Ohio and immediately left for Knoxville, Tennessee. The trip was 450 miles. I drove between 65 and 70 the whole trip. I used cruise control whenever I could and did not hesitate to use the gas pedal when I needed. On this initial trip, I used a little more than 9 ½ gallons of gas for a little over 45 MPG. The next day, I traveled from Knoxville to my home in North Carolina. This trip was about half highway and half two lane mountain roads. On this trip, I got an average of 44.5 MPG. This Ford Fusion Hybrid EPA mileage is achievable. I have not altered my driving patterns and I tend to have a heavy foot. Before purchasing this car, I had search for about 2 months and drove many different models from many different car manufacturer. This is by far the best driving car for the money. Very smooth and comfortable. Road noise is minimal. Base model comes with several nice features. And now with the mileage I am getting, I could not be more pleased.

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  Great Value & Great Vehicle - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By DStewart - January 31 - 3:00 am

  This is my first Ford product. My wife bought the 2006 Freestyle. We were impressed with her vehicle. So I traded my 2003 Nissan Altima SL for a 2006 Ford 500 Limted AWD with 5K miles on it. I got a great price for all the features and low mileage, with 5 year warranty too. I wanted more back seat room for out two growing children. So far, the car has been fault free on every level and very satisfying for the cost. The Limited features are wonderful. It is a perfect all purpose vehicle with excellent saftey features, visability and since of control when driving. I highly recommend this vehicle and tip my hat to Ford.

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  My Poor Mustang - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang Sally - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Stang 7 years ago and always kept it well maintained until that dreaded day when I let my 16 year old drive it 10 days after he got his license. Well ill tell you something he hit a telephone pole and pushed the engine darn near into the passenger compartment and walked away with minor injuries so I rate it safe. What a great car. I never had a major repair done in 7years. The only rpoblem was the excessive wear on the tires. I seems I replaced them every 18 months.

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  stay away - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By FORD explains it all - January 31 - 2:00 am

  overall, this explorer has lasted me a year,so far, and its been in the shop three times already. hubs went bad, wheel seals went bad, new motor put in & its now needing another new motor and a tranny. these are for the money bags of the us because youll need it to keep it on the road. oh and dont take them on the interstate b/c the engine light comes on frequently! nowhere else!

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  this is the best! - 1997 Ford F-150
  By alex013 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck used with 60,000 miles on it. Now after two and half years and around 122,000 on the odometer I had nothing exept the scheduled mainanence. What else could you add to it?

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  Horrible Nightmare of a Car! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By harlou - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car I have ever purchased and has been a nightmare from day one! I have owned the car for a year and 3 months and I have put around $2000 into it and I am currently battling with a possible wiring problems that I cant seem to get pinpointed! It has been a huge disappontment to own and I am hoping to get rid of it as soon as I can get it running for longer than 10 minutes!!! These cars are junk and have NO resale value! Stay away!

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  Ford No More - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Brian O - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I have spent $2600+ in repairs in 11 months outside of the regularly scheduled maintenace visits. Problems with transmission, radiator, alternator, distributor, rotors, brakes, bearings, tie-rods and axels and stereo components. I have practically had this car rebuilt at my own expense. I thought I got a great deal on a good car. Ive had Fords before so I expected to do some maintenance but this car has proven to by an astonomical financial burden. If youre looking at a Contour, please allow me to recommend a Honda.

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  1990 Ford Bronco XLT 5.8L EFI engine - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By Dick Forrester - January 31 - 2:00 am

  First year for EFI in Ford trucks so there some initial problems with electronic sensors. Gas mileage is around 12 mpg. Sturdily constructed and a do-it-all go anywhere vehicle. Towing capicity is excellent. After 133,000 miles, this vehicle looks and drives like new with regular maintenance by the book. Very reliable. Resale value is poor. Ford factory parts are expensive but aftermarket parts are readily available and much cheaper.

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  Great little car - 1992 Ford Escort
  By Male Escort - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Amazingly reliable car for the price if you can find one. It is by far the best car I have ever owned (thats why I still have it). It has only cost me app. $600. in repairs in the 6 yrs. Ive had it. It has paid for itself over & over again!!

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  Enjoying my Expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By kvfd518 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased an 2001 XLT 4WD after conparing the Tahoe, and Navigator. By far this vehicle just is easier to drive. It has the power as well as the space. Will pull 3 motorcycles with no problem. Great space for a growing family like mine. Overall a very nice vehicle. Previous purchase was a BMW, still have it but I truly enjoy driving this truck!!! After removing the 3rd row seat, and folding downt the back, I put a couch in it!! Still had a little room!!!