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:

• 

  By Far The Most Fun Ride I Have Ever Had - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Linda Bolzenius - May 11 - 5:23 pm

  This new Mustang out shines them all. Its performance and handling is definitely outstanding. It has tight steering which works very well with the speed factor. Not a thing like the 1995 Mustang I owned. My husband couldnt even fit in that one and is very comfortable in this one. Ford definitely out did themselves this time. They didnt cut any corners on this beautiful and fast machine! Just go take a look at one for yourself and test drive it. I cant imagine anyone thinking any different. By far the best and the price is remarkable for what youre getting.

• 

  Solid and truck-like - 2008 Ford Escape
  By hoagsmokler - May 11 - 12:40 pm

  Ive never driven an older Escape, but I have heard wonderful things about them. I loved this the moment I sat in the drivers seat. I was concerned about the gas mileage on the V6 AWD, but its not too horrible. I wonder why they still have this old 4 speed transmission? That is one of the few downfalls. I have all the goodies, including XM and sunroof, but the standard stereo is absolutely awful! I knew Fords stereos were always poor, but they should realize that many people make a huge buying decision in the stereo. I went from a newer VDub, so maybe I am just being a snob on the stereo aspect.

• 

  I love my new Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Donna - May 11 - 6:56 am

  Very comfortable and very spacious. Lots of leg room in second row seating for my 64" spouse. Love the theater row seating. Captain seats make it easier to get from the second row to the third row of seats. DVD a big plus. Cargo space is great - plenty of room for our dog to travel with us. Sound system is good. Love the exterior look. Rides more like a car than an SUV or minivan. Gets better gas mileage than previously owned SUV and minivans.

• 

  Much Improved Over Older Ones - 2009 Ford Escape
  By David S. - May 9 - 2:46 pm

  I owned a 2001 Escape for eight years and liked it very much. This new 2009 is vastly improved over the originals. The ride is now quiet and smooth, the AWD is much better than the 4X4 I had, the computer controls the car in the Chicago area snows to where I cant really get it to spin the tires in the snow. The stability control system works as described. The Sync system is just wonderful and fun, kudos to Microsoft and Ford, it works flawlessly. It seems bigger, 450 pounds bigger and roomier, has 20 percent more horsepower, yet Im getting about 20 percent better gas mileage. I believe Ford did a great job on this vehicle and I believe it to be a lot of quality vehicle for the money.

• 

  This is number 5 - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Flyboy - May 9 - 12:53 pm

  Was looking for something different after owning 4 Explorers. Had major problem with my 02 to the point Ford gave me a free ESP. After test driving everything else I bought the first 06 sold from my dealership. Over all you cannot beat the styling, ride, room, power, comfort, price or anything about the Explorer. I do have concerns about the service records given my past experiences with Explorers. My last 2 were in the shop more times then I care to mention. I just hope Fords motto lives up to my 06 XLT and their quality was job one when building my 06.

• 

  Fun To Drive Hybrid, Did Not Get The BMW - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By johno626 - May 9 - 3:33 am

  We are on our third week with the FFH and love it, so does my wife who drives a BMW. I was on my way to writing a $50K check for a new BMW for me when I saw and test drove the FFH. The handling is great and the technology well thought out, and I saved about $20K over my other choice. We just did a 1 week drive (>1000) vacation within NYS and averaged well over 37 mpg, with some short trip topping over 50 mpg when mostly on EV. The Sync system is great although I had to purchase a new phone because my old one didnt sync with it. My wife who loves maps and directs our drive trips loves the Nav system. It found the backwoods cottage we rented in the Catskills without a hitch. Great car!

• 

  3,500 miles - ENGINE WONT START - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Fusion_Disappoints - May 8 - 10:46 pm

  Loved this car for exactly 2 months. First new car in 10 years and loved all the upgraded accessories - navigation, SYNC, smart gages. Was averaging >40 mpg combined. One day, it just would not start (the green light wouldnt come on). All other lights were on but the engine would not start. As of today, its been in the Ford service shop for 30 days! They cannot figure out what is wrong. Its incredible that Ford would put this car on the market with this type of hidden defect and without having service mechanics (including corporate mechanical and hybrid experts) able to diagnose the problem. Ford customer service has been unresponsive. Buyers beware of the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

• 

  Its all about value - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Wht/w/blu - May 8 - 5:00 pm

  Having owned a 65 GT350 that was $4906 OTD it was obvious that value was not a concern as that was astronomical then. Fast forward 44 yrs. and being able to get this car for $40k is simply amazing for what it is. There is nothing made on 4 wheels that can compare for the $. Others may nit pick, build quality, mileage, or a miriad of other little things, but it all comes back to bang for the buck. I have an 07 Porsche Turbo that may, or may not be a tick quicker, handles better, and better build but is 3 of these. This car is definitely better and faster than my 65 was, but seeing restored 65s going for $300k its not in the cards. The economy has brought these cars down to $40k new, get 1.

• 

  The Ford No One Saw coming - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Bklue - May 8 - 3:46 am

  I had the Explorer for a year now its still works and looks like new. I added some upgrades like polarized windows, a new Sony stereo, sound system, and a gps system.

• 

  2000 Ford Focus ZTS - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Hanuman - May 8 - 1:03 am

  Well, my Focus ZTS is a very good car performance wise; it has great power and acceleration. Also on the ZTS model, the seats and steering wheel are adjustable so I can customize to my liking. My complaints with it are several: 1. All those darn recalls. 2. The cheapo organic brake pads installed with the front disk brakes. 3. My transmission leaked a little 4. Squeaky OEM windshield wipers