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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  Chose Fusion Sport over Lincoln MKZ - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By JimHo - September 21 - 4:16 pm

  Oiginally considered a Lincoln MKZ, the same basic car but with fancier options, but it seemed too much like an old man car. Fusion Sport has almost all the same options with a sportier look. Got it with AWD and handling is great. I think I will tear up the factory tires for the next year and then splurge on some nicer ones. Engine has good pickup... doesnt really snarl like a true sports car but acceleration is effortless. In tuxedo black, the car turns some heads and the exterior on the 2010 is a big improvement over the previous Fusions. So far, Im really enjoying it.

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  Impressive power - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By TZ - September 20 - 9:56 pm

  Not only does this car look hot, it handles great and is very fun to drive. The 2.5 4 cylinder is very capable on the highway and not at all depressing around town. In fact I keep finding myself having to back off the gas a little after looking down at the speedo or getting a tap from the wife. Its that kind of a smooth sailing machine, if you know what I mean. Ford hit the mark with this one!

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  Great truck/Watch the gas mileage - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Gray - September 20 - 9:43 pm

  I love this truck. Its comfortable and fun to drive. The gas mileage is lower than I would like. It was only around 17 on the highway when I first bought it. However, driving carefully and using a good synthetic oil, Im able to get about 18 mpg on the highway. Around town, I only get about 14.

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  FORD GOT IT RIGHT - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Team Young - September 20 - 8:16 am

  We trade SUVs every year; have had Yukons, Expeditions, Tahoe & Toyotas. Thought with rising gas prices and one less family member (son at college) we would try a cross over type. Looked at all of them, Chrysler, Subaru, Acura & Nissan. The Freestyle is the best overall bang for the buck. We have already put on 19K and it has been excellent. The Limited is loaded and it is very comfortable to drive on long trips. Small lack in power is not that big of deal. The CVT tranny is great and the room for the 2+2 in the back to rows is great. Good head room in all seats. Ford got it right this time.

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  Love this car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Tims07GT - September 20 - 5:06 am

  This is the most fun I have had driving a car. Good fuel economy for its class and no lack of power. Premium package has great features and very comfortable.

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  2007 Mustang GT Awesome car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Matthew - September 17 - 12:16 pm

  Wow, what an excellent car. I have owned nothing but Dodges in the past, this is my first Ford product ever. The acceleration is great. This car has no rattles, and feels tight, not wet noodle sloppy like some brands do when the road turns from smooth to choppy. I special ordered the GT deluxe, and added the leather seats upgrade which saved me about $600 over the GT premium version. the stock 4 speaker stereo CD player in the GT deluxe is more than enough for me. I felt the shaker 500 stereo standard in the GT premium wasnt worth the extra money. You can buy one off the lot, or special order mix n match options or colors to your liking. plus theres many aftermarket parts to make it your own.

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  euro-drive built in the USA - 2004 Ford Escape
  By chasp2 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Escape for the last six months with some 11000 milesw on the odometer. It is a very good car for two senior citizens. Easy to enter and quick on the freeway. We could just contain enough equipment for three months in Florida. We could easily climb western mountains in the rockies as well.Themilage on the west was 27 mpg.

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  ouch - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By john murray - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Brake pad dust terrible. Too much plastic. Throttle whistle irritating. MPG poor. Wind noise bad. Side rear visibility not good. Insufficient horse power 5.4 engine. Noisy interior. Insufficient ground clearance compared to previous models. Memory system defective and cant be fixed.

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  Very Satisfied! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Azariah - September 17 - 2:03 am

  I love my Ford Focus! One of the best features is the SecureLock Anti-Theft system- without a programmed key, no key will work in the ignition switch! I love the look, feel, and the way that the car drives. My gas mileage for right now is a bit sluggish. Im averaging between 290 and 330 miles per tank, which isnt very much with my automatic. But I have less than 5000 miles on it so I believe it will improve. This car is certainly worth the money, and for me being a college student, this was the perfect fit for my first new car. This was the perfect upgrade from my 1993 Toyota Camry that was dying out on me. Certainly worth the buy!

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  Revised Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Ian - September 17 - 12:23 am

  After a trying three years of ownership with an 02 Focus, I decided to give it another go with an 07. Ive had the car for a day so far. Performance is good, comfort is good, a very good value for the money. Long range reliability isnt promising, so get an extended warranty that covers more than powertrain - you wont regret it. My 02 was great until it 50k - it was all downhill for the last 22k miles of ownership with that car. With the 07s, the SE and SES are the best values if you want A/C.