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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  Fusion the Best Midsize Sedan. Period. - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mirth - January 30 - 10:36 am

  This car is filled with surprise and delight features. The entertainment especially - Sync, free Sirius for 6 months, 6 CD changer. Plus Bluetooth phone integration with Sync. And you can get all that for the low $20K range. I have the 4 cylinder which is peppy for a 4 banger and smooth shifting.

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  Eddie Bauer heaven - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By jmcruz - January 30 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is smooth, strong, and fun. Best of all, its a Ford!

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  ole faithful - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By kil - January 30 - 2:00 am

  ordered it brand new from the factory and have not been disappointed since. Had to put a new slave cylinder in and change the cluth, bit thats it!! Peolple have mentioned that the brakes burn out too quick, well, thats when the lifetime replacement guarantee at Firestone comes in handy. 94,000 and starts everytime I turn the key. The most dependable vehicle a person could ask for. when I finish driving this one into the ground, I could only be so lucky to find something as ole faithful. All in all, a great truck.

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  Best SUV out there - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Nick Burns - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I am attached to my Explorer. It has tons of room, a solid feel, great looks, reliability, and versatility. I have 92,000 miles on the car and it runs strong. Great in snow, and has never burned a drop of oil. No electronic glitches or pointless repairs. Easy to work under the hood, and cheap to fix. Lots of torque in the engine, and has a nice jump off the line. Nice sound system, and barrage of features all for a nice price. Needed few repairs, a starter at 85,000, and alternator at 89,000...but that was my fault (dont use power washer under hood). Awesome car, good work Ford!

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  Great car for the $ - 1995 Ford Probe
  By astonmrtn - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I have put over 60,000 miles on my car with no problems what so ever. The doors shut tight, the engine purrs to the point I try to restart it at intersections. Performance and driving are wonderful for the price. I would highly recomend....

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  Fun to drive, great mileage! - 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mari - January 30 - 1:53 am

  I am almost at 5,000 miles with my 10 Escape Hybrid. I love this truck! Im averaging between 31.2 - 31.8 mpg so far. I love the Sirius radio, the back- up camera, the chrome, the comfort, the moonroof, the handling, the get-up and go, the leather, I love it all. I traded in a Tribeca Subaru for this. I wished I had done it sooner, but I saw this truck on the lot and was able to negotiate with the kind folks at the dealership. My son had purchased a regular Escape from them back in 05 and has enjoyed his truck and working with the same nice sales staff. This truck is fun to drive, looks sporty, carries more than you can imagine, and saves me $$$ on gas. Whats NOT to like?

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  bye bye ford - 1999 Ford Escort
  By unhappy with FORD - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This car has been nothing but trouble. My sister has an eight year old escort in better shape. After taking it for repairs every few months, and it is EXPENSIVE now that it is off warranty, I am getting rid of this piece of junk! Honda here I come

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  great - 1999 Ford Escort
  By scott wamsley - January 29 - 10:00 am

  great car reliable good on gas

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  Failing Ford Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By tootnguyen - January 29 - 10:00 am

  The focus has proven rather disappointing to own. Mechanical problems and failing interior parts quickly became apparent. The A/C and transmission failed at 4200 miles. Discovery of numerous recalls on a vehicle relatively new to the market is disconcerning. This model is setting automotive records for the most recalls since its intro. The Ford dealers were rude and overworked fixing other focus recalls. More Focus models were in their garage than on the dealers lot. Interestingly, The true test of a the build quality is how a car holds up after the warranty expires even if you dont plan to hang on to a car that long.

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  No Fords - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By No Fords - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Trouble from 60 days after delivery. Passenger door would not open, sliding door would not stay closed. Electrical issue with door locks. Sliding doors would open after locking. Return from shopping,doors would be open. Spark knocking in engine for 3 years. Ford replaced the engine. Knocking persisted in new engine. Another dealer found the issue after "check engine" light came on. The computer airflow sensor. Now Ford refuses to reimburse me for the fix that started under warranty. This vehicle has been in the shop for electrical, engine and computer issues since delivery no less than 31 times.