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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  Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By IM - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The best time of a day is when I drive my Mustang GT convertible. I love it.

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  Ford Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Craig S. Castellana - June 28 - 5:03 pm

  I found the gem of a used truck Thnksgvng 01. A 99 Ranger basic baby A/C, AM/FM Radio, 5 speed, 13k miles, yes 13k. A gift truly to be thankful for. The only problem noted was a vibration in the rear end at 65 mph and as I am a commuter that was a big deal. However, between Ford and Carmax the problem was fixed and I cannot say enough good things about my Ranger. This is a bare bones truck that delivers the goods anywhere any time. She makes me proud and works hard for me w/o any complaints.

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  What a car! - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Luke Houston - June 28 - 5:03 pm

  Im 16, just got it. I know that youll think I only like it because its my first car... that may be partly true, but I asked for this car. I love it; its got a lot of power, acceleration, and interior room. This is a police interceptor I own; it has no carpet, the heater core leaks, and the exterior has some missing trim. However, as far as the car itself.. it still performs very well.

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  Ford 500 has Style and Class - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Olga Lancaster - June 28 - 4:50 pm

  The car has great style and class. The back of the car reminds me of an European model.

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  STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR! WALK AWAY! - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Rebekah - June 28 - 9:38 am

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! Ugh. My husband and I were basically bullied into buying this car. The sales guy kept telling us that they had all these fiestas that needed to go, this should have been the first sign to walk away. But no. We bought the car 6 months ago and I absolutely HATE IT. My husband doesnt mind it but thats because he doesnt drive it. The ONLY nice thing about this car is the fuel economy. Right now Im averaging about 37-38 mpg. However, since DAY ONE the car has been doing this weird jitter/shake any time I try and accelerate out of a light. It really struggles to get out of 1st gear. After having the car for a week I took it back to the dealership to get it looked at for this reason. The mechanic gave it back to me and said everything was fine. I know nothing about cars so I shrugged my shoulders and left. I was back within a week to have it looked at AGAIN for the same issue. This time the mechanic told me that there were THIRTEEN (13) OPEN RECALLS with the vehicle. Like WTF??? So I left it with them for a day, came back and they told me the same thing. Everything was fine. Nope. 5 months later my car STILL shakes. And to make things worse, my car battery died TWICE this morning. The dealership told us that we had a brand new battery in the car when we bought it, so whyyyyy did it die on me...TWICE??? And to add to it, my car is now telling me that it has a TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. My car is not safe AT ALL to drive but I dont have a choice. I still have to get to school and work and how am I going to do that without a car?? So frustrated. I want my money back.

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  My Fusion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Whoever - June 28 - 5:56 am

  Very sensible - sedan but feels like a coupe...very good handling (and I dont prefer front wheel drives) very easy on fuel unless you jump on it, but the power is there when you demand it. Thats because of a very well tuned six speed transmission. Definitely go for the six cylinder six speed auto transmission...smooth power, less hard working engine.

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  MUST test drive this car to believe it! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Ron - June 27 - 4:53 pm

  I was looking for a personal car to zip around in that was cheap on gas. I settled for a 2006 Toyota Corolla with sunroof, but due to a shortage, car was not to be delivered for 3 weeks! For the fun of it, I visited a Ford dealer and checked out the Focus. For less money, I got a boat load of options not planned for the Corolla. After a test drive, there was no turning back. Seats are much more comfortable and overall the car is much more fun to drive. I never thought I would buy a Ford, but so far I love the car + highly recommend you test drive one!

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  The pony is back! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By David - June 27 - 9:10 am

  Ford has finally got something right. The first car I ever owned was a Mustang. Now, I feel like a kid again. The body style and interior are what a Mustang should be.The gauges are big and bold. The added feature of choosing the color light on the gauges is a very nice touch. All the controls are very easy to reach and operate. The sound system is much improved.The horsepower is awesome. By disengaging the "Traction Control", the car will bark when shifting even though mine is an automatic. When traveling at high speeds the car holds the road very well, as it does cornering. The ride is very comfortable, and the driver has ample room. Overall, this car is a blast to drive.

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  My Fusion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By j sha - June 27 - 7:16 am

  Ford really put out a great car to replace the Taurus even though they turned around and brought it back. The Fusion makes everyones heads turn if you know how to fix one up. From the 16 year old Fast and Furious wanna bees to the 70 year old church driver the Fusion is the car to want. Great driving and great looks. I love my Black Beauty!

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  Excellence in measured in a variety of ways... - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By sthkone - June 27 - 2:06 am

  Purchased my 10 FFH as its second owner in July of 2012. The previous owner from elsewhere in Wisconsin had put 68,000 miles + on the vehicle before trading it. My previous car, a 1995 Chrysler Concorde, performed admirably in the 14 years I had it, but I needed something more efficient for the 60 miles a day I commute to work round trip. The Fusion is now up to 90,000 + miles and has not needed more than Oil Changes and had its 90k service performed at the Ford Dealer I purchased it from in Southern WI. The balance on this car, especially in the winter, is the best Ive ever driven. It also handles very well in the dry, very unlike the appliance-like Prius.