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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  Best for the money right now - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By woooosh - April 26 - 1:30 pm

  I picked up my 2007 hybrid last week and love it. Its a little more noisy that my Mercedes ML320 was but a lot quieter than our Nissan Xterra. I got $500 off the sticker which is rare given the demand for these. The only thing I dont like is the lack of a satellite radio option on the high-end navigation/radio system. Oh well. I think there will be a lot of other SUV hybrids soon so this car is to hold me a few years until something I like comes out. I wasnt going to shell out $60K for the Lexus hybrid.

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  Ford has lead again! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By chooch - April 26 - 6:26 am

  We have the 2010 SEL 4cyl. Mileage has averaged 30.9 after 1000mi. Love the room and seats! Sync is awesome!!! The front seats are very comfortable. The "no gas cap" is a wonderful inovation...everyone should own a Fusion!!

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  Trusty Taurus - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Bob Mc - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 94 GL when a job change required an 80 mile-a-day commute. I was sceptical about buying a car with 74K on it, but am happy to report that Ive added 28K (now 102K) in just over a year and, besides tires & brakes, have spent a total of $150 bucks on repairs for a new tention pully and serpentine belt. The car gives a nice comfortable ride and I get 25MPG back and forth to work, and 30MPG on the highway! Everything on the car still works too.

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  It was okay - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By michaelharvey - April 26 - 2:00 am

  bought my car with 40k it was my first nice car but it had some problems I would just like to name some of them I had problems with the motor mounts was a recall though, also had problems with AC and water pump and blew head gasket and had transmission problems also had some electrical problems also power steering pump had vapor lock one time donÂ’t know what caused that seemed to go away also had things go wrong with it that cant remember at this time just like to say I am glad that I dont have it anymore

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  Good stuff - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Fred by the lake - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with my XL long bed. It has always been reliable, with nice interior, relatively smooth ride. I have also had probs with the dome light and door chime staying on from time, particularly in hot weather. Ditto the check engine light. If someone has a good solution, pls e- mail.

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  Best Truck Ive ever owned - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By John Cato - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Best Truck Ive ever owned--dont need to say more.

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  My Review - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Coureney - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I think this is an awesome SUV!

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  What a car! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Mr. Stone - April 26 - 2:00 am

  By far the best car for under $15,000. Better performance than the Civics that were priced several thousand dollars higher. My only complaint is the relatively small amount of storage space in the glove box, etc.

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  I Love It! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Lonny - April 25 - 8:13 pm

  This car is amazing, It has plenty of power for normal driving and the engine/transmission is super smooth. I have gotten great mileage, if you drive the car normal you will achieve the posted gas ratings if not better, I have. The car is super quiet on the freeway and the ride is smooth as well.

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  SMART CHOICE - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By LOVINTHEFUSION - April 25 - 8:06 pm

  Smooth, zippy, tight, quiet, with great appeal, inside and out. I bought this car for my daughter and she loves it. We looked at/test drove Cobalts and Focuses first and then found that the Fusion is way worth the extra $1,500 we paid. Only driven it 300 miles so far, but it truly is a quality car at a great price. The 5M is gutsy, quick, and feels like a 6-cylinder, not a 4 banger. Visibility is excellent in all directions. Very little road noise. Love the cruise design on the steering wheel.