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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  FINALLY, IVE FOUND TRUE LOVE! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Nick Marchese - May 7 - 10:06 pm

  I never thought that when I could afford to buy a brand new car, it would be a Ford! I went to my local Ford dealership about a mile from my home to get my cousins 04 Mustang the 15k mile service. A salesman walking by the service area jokingly said, "Good morning, wanna test drive something while youre waiting?" I wanted to drive the 500, but opted for the Fusion. It was love at first sight! I have extensive back/spine deterioration and have to have a seat that is comfortable and adjustable. Add leather, heated seats, one-touch sun roof, 17 inch wheels, a whole lotta pep and six speeds ... WOW! Ive had my Fusion five weeks today, and the odometer has gone from 36 miles to 1,905 miles.

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  We love our Flex!! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By A. Ekstrom - May 7 - 7:36 pm

  We were about to have our third boy and I did not want a minivan, thankfully we found the Flex! We absolutely love it!! It has so much room, the two big boys love their spots in the third row, they have their own cup holders and compartments! The second row has about 47 inches of leg room, sometimes Ill sit back there just because. I love the front heated seats, even living in Arizona I use them all the time. We love the look of it, ours is all black with black leather inside. Next time we buy one I want two colors, Im think red and black. We also love the navigation system and back up camera, the boys call it the Flexs iPad. Its easy to use and navigate and all buttons and such are perfect. The few cons: We received a new big sit and stand stroller after the baby was born and it doesnt fit just in the back. We have to move one of the boys to the second row by the baby, flip down one side of the third row and put it there. Our Flex had almost 100,000 miles on it when we bought it and it was beautiful inside and out, the only its started doing is hesitating when shifting at slower speeds. After looking this up it seems to be a common problem. Overall we will definitely be buying another Flex, we love how comfy it it, how it looks, the technology and that its unique!!

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  Impressive Safety - 2003 Ford Focus
  By geo50000 - May 7 - 1:23 am

  My ex wife totaled our 2003 Focus at 55 mph on a mountain road; Every corner of the car was demolished - but she walked away with only a small bump on her head. The cabin was completely intact. I recently bought another one just like it. A good, solid car for the money.

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  Excellent Value for a V6 Family Sedan - 2016 Ford Taurus
  By AlChip - May 6 - 1:41 pm

  I shopped a variety of sedans with V6 engines before deciding on our 2016 Taurus SE. We could not be happier with the initial quality and features relative to the excellent price. With sedans somewhat out of fashion, we found that it was a great time to get one.

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  Fusion is a great buy - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Hot Wheels - May 6 - 10:46 am

  This is my first Ford and I am glad I purchased this car. Looks better than Accord, Camry or Sonata. Nice power, handling is responsive and fuel economy is great. Makes my commute to work every day a blast. Have gotten many compliments on this vehicle. Very roomy interior especially in the rear. Just wished they offered AWD in the 06. That would be sweet.

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  Focus 2005 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Liz Glascom - May 6 - 10:40 am

  I purchased my Ford Focus after getting into a horrible car accident, in another Ford Focus. I would have been seriously injured if I was not in a Focus. My 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 has helped me continue to feel safe. My only problem with the vehicle was my transmission. About 11,000 miles later, my transmission blew. With my warranty I was able to get a brand new one. I am pleased with my Focus.

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  The car is good but the dealer is BAD - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Nanjihu - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The most impressive if fuel economy: I drived 200 miles and only used 5-6 gallon gas with 5 people in the car.

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  Its A Fun Ride - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By sjs - May 6 - 10:00 am

  It is a good ride with good power that just needs some fine tuning.

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  Great Multipurpose Vehicle - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Driver8 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I have driven 60k miles in the past 3 years and have experienced no problems with my focus other than having the brake pads replaced at 50k miles. I have driven a great deal on every terrain imaginable from ice and snow to sand, mud, gravel and pavement in my quest for adventure, and the focus has been a real trooper. Actually, my last car was a Trooper, and had nothing over the focus except a penchant for gas and oil. The wagon bed is big enough for sleeping, too. My only complaint is that fuel economy is surprisingly low for such a small vehicle (avg. 26 mpg in the past 3 years, 50/50 hwy and city)

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  AWESOME - 2001 Ford F-150
  By senko - May 6 - 10:00 am

  awesome truck whats left to say :)