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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  HOME RUN - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By LEE - December 10 - 12:00 pm

  Ford has finally listened to the people and built a very competitive car.The car is beutiful and drives great. I bought the I4 with the 2.5 engine and I believe it has plenty of pep with good gas mileage.

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  Worst Mistake I ever made - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jamie - December 10 - 7:20 am

  I bought my focus brand 2014 new and have had nothing but problems with it, 4 times in the shop over the shutter issue the last time I was waiting over 3 months for the clutch to be replaced due to back order part. I was scared driving this car the way it jerked when trying to take off. I finally got FMC on the phone and told them i do not feel safe at all driving this car. With in 2 weeks my part was sent to the dealer and the new clutch was installed. I am not holding my breath that it will not happen again from what I have been seeing from other owners.

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  Love This Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gerald - December 9 - 12:10 pm

  Traded an 03 Acura TL which was a great car on the highway, but was not ergonomically suited to less than agile youngsters entering and exiting. And even youth found the back seat less than comfortable. The 500 is just the opposite, and while the 6-speed hunts a lot at around 45-55, it is a a good driving car that is, for a sedan, very responsive.

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  Almost 2 tons of fun - 2010 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Brad - December 9 - 11:37 am

  This car is large yet nimble and the performance police interceptor is fun to drive. got no problems passing people on the freeway, this is where she likes to stretch those legs. The cost for repairs is pretty cheap for a 2010 which I havent had to do other then the blower motor easy to work on. To much to list about why I am happy with this car all I have to say is full frame and rear wheel drive, what else could you ask for.

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  06 Windveil blue GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Randy Smith - December 9 - 8:16 am

  My first Mustang. It is incredible. The classic styling of it reminds my wife of her first car, which was a 65 Mustang! We are incredibly happy. ItÂ’s been washed and waxed truly detailed. Its beautiful.

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  Fusion Summary - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Arthur on the Bay - December 9 - 2:50 am

  Im a person who buys a lot of cars to try them out and compare. Ive found that the Fusion hits a sweet spot for me with a combination of performance, handling, and economy thats hard to beat. I like to drive hard and the Fusion is very responsive. The inline four winds out nicely, the understeer is predicable, and the brakes are good. Its truly a hoot to push on a country road. Fuel economy in evenly mixed city and highway driving is 23 mpg when pushed and 25 at normal acceleration. The comfort level is high; its essentially a Mazda6 in American clothes. Only the Accord is better and its slightly higher refinement is not worth the higher price to me.

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  WHY DOESNT FORD GET RID OF SYNC? - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By daveahc - December 8 - 7:35 pm

  I bought a C-Max SEL in October. I drive a lot miles (average 35,000 per year) and I have 9000 on it already. The My Sync radio is a flop. So much so that I have had it at the dealer more than 4 times and they say they cannot fix it now for a month. Even though I love everything else about the car (except that I can never get more than 40 mpg), now I have decided to ask for a Ford to repurchase the car under my states Lemon Law because the Sync system cannot be fixed.

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  Great Family Car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Geo - December 7 - 3:34 pm

  Mpg 30 highway, 25 around town, really nice for a comfortable family car

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  Luxury Vehicle With A Bed - 2005 Ford F-150
  By MIKE - December 7 - 12:00 am

  I didnÂ’t go to buy a King Ranch but when I sat in it I knew it was all over! Such a great ride and the attention to detail was just overwhelming! When you open all the windows and moon roof along with "power" rear window its like a rag top! Every thing gets a "10" with the exception of the gas mileage, but I knew that going in and itÂ’s really no problem because this truck is a dream to drive. And I have never heard a better sound system! If you want to turn heads and feel like a "king" then try and find a Ford f150 King Ranch and buy it!

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  Good reliable car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Jack Driscoll - December 6 - 4:37 pm

  Overall a good car for past 4 years. Disappointed in the resale value.