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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  Blue Oval Rules! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Blue Oval Rules! - June 16 - 4:33 am

  After many months of research and driving other vehicles, I finally found the car that fit me! I have a modified 91 Mustang GT 5.0, so I like fast cars that handle great. The V6 SEL AWD Fusion does both! The 221 HP is great, and not near as sluggish as the Buick Lucerne V6 that I drove. Not to mention the racey grille and spoiler! The interior is awesome- I got the Med. Light Stone leather interior and the Audiophile stereo system which rocks! The exterior is black. Only change I plan to do is to have the windows tinted. I get stares and comments (good ones) from Chevy owners. Ford did a great job with this car! Blue Oval Proud!

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  1995 Ford Mustang 2Dr STD Coupe - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Soccerdefense00 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I like my Mustang. I bought it used with 42,500 miles. It was only 5000 dollars.

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  No Contest - 2002 Ford Escort
  By 2002ZX2man - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Focus SE Comfort and the ZX2 Premium, and walked out with the ZX2. Great for single men after college-turns a lot of chicks heads. Im not sure why its getting such bad reviews. Handles great, economically sound, eye-catching. All-around the best car I could ever have bought.

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  I can drive for miles and miles...... - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Ross69 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I have a 65,000 square mile sales territory in the southwest and have had excellent service from this vehicle. It has no rattles or squeaks. It has never let me down, I change the oil every 3- 4,000 miles and it does not burn any oil. The timing belt ( give me a steel chain please) was replaced at 90,000 miles. The spark plugs have never been replaced. I have been looking for a replacement vehicle but am very reluctant to give up this reliable workhorse.

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  Bad Star - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Amiga - June 16 - 2:00 am

  We have had to replace the transmission and engine ALREADY! Brakes 4 times!

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  Electric Escapism - 2005 Ford Escape
  By dw438 - June 15 - 2:03 am

  So far, so good. After taking test drives at autoshows and with dealers, and really needing a replacement this years for my 01 Escape, I took the plunge with an all-wheel-drive Hybrid. Smooth city driving, with enough pep to take on the interstates with ease. Has speed like a six-cylinder. Its new CVT transmission is as smooth as silk! And its quieter than previous Escapes. Still cant get over the no engine noise feeling at a stop light, or in bumper-to-bumper city traffic!

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  Floyd F-150 - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Floyd - June 15 - 2:00 am

  For an inexpensive vehicle this one has performed well, over 200,000 miles with an inline 6. A/C has never quit, easy to maintain. Manual Tranmission however does not allow for quick accelaration.

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  Impressed with my F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By scomo72 - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my F150 FX4. I was a little concerned with the MPG, but it is better than what I expected at arounnd 15 and that is even with my heavy foot. Also, I recommend the FX4 model if you are looking for a business look. I have received numerous complements from my colleagues, who fully anticipated the interior having a truck look, but when they got in they thought it had a luxury car look to it.

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  No regrets - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Gregg - June 14 - 7:03 am

  After 4 months of ownership, I still look forward to getting behind the wheel of the Fusion SEL V6. Ive found the car meets or exceeds the EPA mileage ratings of 21/29. The interior is tight and quiet and the V6 produces plenty of acceleration. The rear deck is rather high like a lot of the newer cars which obscures anything close and the turning radius (not tight) is something to get used to. The Fusions a good value compared to the Accord and Camry and exceeds my expectations.

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  Almost Perfect - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Bill A - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck new, and now have about 82K miles on it. It Drives, and rides well, and is still tight after all these miles. I have the 4.6 with a 5 speed manual. The transmission needed main bearings at around 70K. This was the only problem Ive ever had with this truck, but it was expensive to fix. Gas mileage averages around 17mpg with a mix of highway and country road driving. There are no rattles, the steering is tight, the brakes are smooth, and the transmission shifts well. The build quality is very good, materials seem of high quality. This truck was screwed together in the Norfolk Va plant which is know for its assembly quality.