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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  lemons n more lemons - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mr Howard - January 18 - 9:26 pm

  Never go to a used car dealer right after dropping off a rental with your kids in tow needing a vehicle immediately, the dealers take advantage therein knowing youre already in a squeeze, these vehicles are plagued with rear end vibrations, obviously during design some technician didnt do his mathematical grams/ounces/lbs correctly nor did he/s calibrate centrifugal force correctly, centrifugal is right, vibration is 55+ mph, Im not buying any ford explorers again.

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  Impressive Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Musikbxs - January 18 - 7:46 am

  The quiet ride of this 4 cyl SEL is impressive. Acceleration is more than adequate and the fuel economy is better than published EPA estimates. The 6- speed automatic transmission is seamless and provides extremely smooth performance. I like the reverse sensing signal/warning and find it a big plus when parallel parking and backing out of tight spaces. The Sony 12-speaker sound system is awesome. I have the Sport Suspension on my Fusion and find it to be a little too stiff for my liking. It definitely magnifies every bump in the road. I opted for the dealer installed remote starter and think it is a fantastic addition. The 1000 ft range is unbelievable.

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  Much nicer than I expected - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I was totally surprised at how well the car handles and how quiet and comfortable it is during normal hi speed . The six speaker sound system with Sirius and Sync sounds great.The controls are perfectly placed (to me).The Michelin 50 series tires are great and the fuel lie-ometer is reasonably accurate. My first tank of fuel hand calculated at 27mpg. I was a little suspicious of the most important performance function (brakes) until the first time I did a hard stop. When you press on the brakes HARD it stops hard and fast. If you buy one, test it out with no one in back of you. An unexpected goodie with the Sync was the ability to use a 16gb thumb drive on the USB port.

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  Bulletproof - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Timothy S. Kingcade - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Bulletproof is the only way to describe this vehicle. It is heavy, safe and drives like a "rig." I have the wife, three kids and parents-in-law all in the truck and we all feel safe. Everyone gets out of the way or does want to be behind you in this truck. It is amazingly smooth and comfortable. The build quality blows away any GM product I have ever owned or rode in. I traded the Expedition for the Excursion and the difference is immense; plastic bumpers on the 2003 Expedition. The bumpers on the Excursion remind me of a 1950s vehicle because they are so solid. You will never be out of room again with this thing.

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  LUV THIS TRUCK - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By hockeynut52 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Ford Trucks in the past, but nothing compares to this truck. Smoothe ride, smoothe engine, smoothe looking. All the attributes of a full size SUV and the convenience of a pick up truck can be found in this truck. The fuel economy could be alittle better, but with a tonneau cover and K&N filter this can be improved a bit. It is worth the trade off on the fuel economy because the truck looks and rides great.

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  I made the move to Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JDonato - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had all the major pickup brands in the past 10 years. I went through them all. This has to be the best pickup I have ever purchased. Its amazing, In and out amazing. I cant even think of what more to say. Power, comfort, pull, style, quality, I mean quality. The 2004 Ford F150 is so tight its tailpipe could pop out diamonds if coal was its fuel. Good Job Ford, I am thinking that the leader in sales is about to go far passed the competitors.. Unreal! Joseph Donato

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  2005 Escape Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Prescott Chartier - January 17 - 9:46 am

  I own the 2005 Escape Hybrid. Ive owned it now for 3 months and have nothing but good things to say about it. Ive averaged approximately 27.8 miles per gallon over 8,050 miles, I drive approximately 36,000 miles a year. I routinely hit the 30 miles per gallon mark in the on-board computer. I have never owned a vehicle that has performed at this level new or used, considering that there isnt a SUV out there that gets anything close to the mileage this vehicle gets. If I had one complaint, its the slight hesitation I get when accelerating real hard from a dead stop. Other than that, it a blast!

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  Freestyle; Home run for Ford! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By mudhen - January 17 - 8:30 am

  Just purchased the Freestyle, what a car! I was truly impressed with the great value it offers. I am not a huge Ford fan, but I was very impressed with the overall quality, comfort, and features this car offered at this price point. Score one for Ford, They did a great job. A terrific "minivan" alternative.

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  Timely Repairs? Come on Ford! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By MamaD - January 17 - 8:00 am

  Purchased this lovely vehicle about a month ago. However, we have now discovered that two valves are leaking and the rotors need repair (@ 18000 mi.). I find it "interesting" that these were not repaired by the original selling dealership and we must now have it repaired under warranty by a Ford dealership! AND it is taking way too long for repair - 3 day repair time! Without even an offer for a loaner! What kind of customer service is that?!

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  Dream Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Michele - January 16 - 11:16 pm

  Having grown up with the Mustang, I fell in love again with this one. Of course I wanted certain things and when my husband called me to say my car was on the lot, I was in heaven. I told him to get a salesman to slap a sold sticker on it, I was getting a check. Pony package a must and of course it had to have a stick. No fun driving a pony unless I can control it. Its a V6 4.0, and moves. Gas mileage is good. Cant believe Ive had it a year already. No, its not a mid-life crisis, just the car Ive always dreamed about, that I finally have. Would recommend this car to anyone.