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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  Excellent car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By bobsorel - January 20 - 1:46 am

  I thought that Id never buy another American car, as the build quality has been lacking. I wanted to take advantage of the clunkers program, but waited until the last weekend to make up my mind. I was pretty sure that wed like the Prius as several friends love theirs. When we arrived at two Toyota dealers the lots were cleaned out and no Priuses anywhere in 100 miles. No Civic hybrids either. Id read great reviews on the Fusion so decided to check it out. I was immediately impressed. This is a GREAT car. Terrific build quality, very solid and stable. Average 38.5 mpg even with a 10 mi. climb to our home. A 49.9 mi. trip on cruise at 72 mph gave 48.9 mpg. Were happy that we bought it.

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  Good potential if not for the bugs - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ed - January 19 - 9:30 am

  Bought a year and a half ago now with 30k miles. Beautiful riding truck, quiet, handles well, very comfortable. Traction control works seamlessly. Have had lots of problems with 6 speed tranny (bangs into gear really hard). Ford reprogrammed module with no improvement. Basically told thats the way it is. I am afraid that rather than fixing it, they are just sticking a band aid on the problem with the knowledge that by the time it falls off it will be off warranty. Have looked into trading in but the resale value is so poor Im not willing to take the loss. Some quirky interior features (door releases) but you know this going in. Would love this truck if not for the seemingly unfixable transmission.

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  Perfect Car For Me!!! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By cheergal91a - January 19 - 2:00 am

  It was perect!!I LOVED it it is the best car i ever had My son wants one too!!!

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  F150 Reg Flareside 2wd 4.2(v6) - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Paparoach - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle! Will be buying a new Ford Truck when this one is 10 years old.

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  fast car - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By boneybunion - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car at 18 and loved it. The only thing is that its a little plain and square. The one thing that i do know is that you can burn rubber quite easy with it and it can go 130. I would also reccomend getting a better stero. This is a great teen age guy car and will get the ladys.

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  Good Car - Great Handling - 2000 Ford Contour
  By JE - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for about 6 months. I never had any problems with it and liked it. I got in an accident and was hit on the front passenger side door. Fortunately, everyone was perfectly fine (including the front passenger) - maybe that is a testament to the safetiness (the car was considered totalled - yet still drivable).

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  I like my Taurus! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By goldenbeauty - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I was apprehensive about buying an American made car but the Taurus has performed beautifully and there has not been any problems with it, even considering the fact that I bought it used-a 1999 in 2003. A very comfortable car and a smooth ride. I would highly recommend, with any used car, to buy a warranty. I did just in case and so far havent had to use it. Id rather be safe than sorry. This is a good car with a lot of features with out the insanely high price tag. Feel good about buying this car.

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  Mixed Bag - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By SH - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I have all the toys and the 4.0L V-6. The truck looks great and the extra doors is a great feature. Dont plan on having people sit in the jump seats on a regular basis. Plenty of power but very bad on gas 18mpg on the hiway is pushing it. The ride quality is poor and handling/braking is just OK. Build quality is just OK and Im glad I bought the extended warranty. Dont buy this truck if you want to do serious off-roading- there are much better choices out there.

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  2000 Ranger XL Sport - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By ctcoogan - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had a wonderful experience with my Ford Ranger. In my nearly 3 years of ownership I have only needed a fuel pump replaced, which was covered under the warrenty. This truck gets decent fuel economy too. I would highly recommend this vehicle for anyone who needs a basic truck to do just about any non-commercial task you throw at it.

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  Work Horse - 1991 Ford F-250
  By mb - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 1991 F250HD for 12 years now. I use it primarily for hauling building supplies & firewood, and winter (snow) driving. I take this work horse back on the logging trails deep within the forest in the mountainous regions of the Sierra Nevadas. The engine is so powerful you dont realize you have an extremely heavy load. The brakes are undersized for this capacity, especially if you are decending from the higher elevations and using the brakes regularly.