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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  First Impression - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By TCB - September 28 - 12:46 am

  Recently purchased the 06 Ford Fusion SEL V6 6-speed and im impressed with the interior and the exterior is so-so. I plan to add ground effects and replace the grille to an aftermarket "net-looking" grille. Has power and handling is great. Bought it with 46k miles and hope to get another 46k without a major repair. Not as responsive as I would like. I went to pass a truck on the interstate and it took 3 seconds or more for the car to downshift and pickup, but when it did it passed the truck without any problems. Ive heard great things about the reliability of the fusions and that is what my rating is based on. After 25k+ miles I will update the post with hopefully good things.

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  has been a great SUV! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MGGDTW - September 27 - 9:02 pm

  Cant believe hearing about all the probs people have been having with these! Very happy owner here. Owned since new,112k miles on my 4 door 2WD 4.0 V6 as of now. Rear axle replaced at 30k under warranty. Front suspension components were all replaced finally at 100k. Some AC components were also replaced. No continuous or nagging problems. Took a 6500 mile road trip from Detroit to Death Valley and back without a lick of probs back in 05. 123 degrees at Furnace Creek and AC kicking ice cold. Great for the long haul!

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  my dearest rose - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By adam roler - September 27 - 10:00 am

  my 1996 crown victoria is by far the best car ive ever had. it is comfortable, reliable, and powerful enough to do whatever i need. i may be biased towards big cars, but my crown vic is one great cruiser!

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  Fun Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Instidude - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Have enjoyed this car. Fun to drive, with a lot of room to haul 2 kids and their stuff. Would have liked slightly higher gas mileage. This car has been very reliable for me, and the only times it has been in the shop was for the minor recalls.

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  One hot car for the price - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By formula79326 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  We traded in a 2000 lx for the 2002 ses deluxe what a difference, Oh and the 24 valve engine puts the ffv motor to shame. That motor was so slow. This one even with the a/c on you dont even notice any power drain.I would give it two thumbs up!!

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  I love my Ford Focus ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ferocus - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had little or no problems with my Focus besides the fact that the seat belts dont return after use...

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  Exellent - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By CHRIS0001 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Expedition is an extreme pleasure to drive, I am encouraging all my friend to take a test drive.

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  BEST EXPLORER IVE HAD - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By RON G - September 27 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY 3RD EXPLORER SINCE INTRODUCTION IN 1990. I HAVE TO SAY FORD HAS COME A LONG WAY WITH THIS PRESENT MODEL. ITS QUIET, SMOOTH AND POWERFUL. THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR IS WELL FIT, AND HAS A RICH UPSCALE LOOK TO IT. BEFORE PURCHASING MY EXPLORER I LOOKED AT THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER, AND WAS NOT IMPRESSED, GLAD I BOUGHT THE EXPLORER

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  2006 Ford Taurus SEL 0 } - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By asces up - September 27 - 12:47 am

  I bought this car used with 26,000 miles in 2007 she now has a 103,000 and the only thing i have done to this car is regular oil changes every 4,000 to 6,000 miles and tune up at 100,000 and tires of corse, this has been almost all high way miles. she averages 24.7 HWY and even in town driving what little i do she averages 21 this has been the most worry free car i have ever owned nothing but regular maintenance and this car runs as good today as the day i bought it.

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  awesome car - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By robinthahood - September 26 - 10:48 pm

  I love this car,crossed shopped it against the competition,the mustang won on price,and the fun to drive experiance.I have two boys who are already fighting who will drive it first,and they have a few years to go.Still early to have a say about fuel milage but you dont get a mustang for the fuel milage.