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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  Best Mustang Ever - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Bob - March 17 - 1:33 pm

  My new Mustang is the GT with an automatic tranny. It is a great looker and an even better performer. The back seat is too small for anyone to sit in except for children, but the front seats are very comfortable. I only have a few hundred miles on my Mustang and everything was and is working just fine. No complaints. There was a long wait for the car (3 1/2 months). It was worth the wait!

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  Fusion SEL 2.5 - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By hackattack - March 16 - 6:26 am

  Just picked up my wifes 2010 Fusion SEL today. I traded a 2008 Honda Accord in because of the rear brake problems that Honda would not take care of. This Fusion rides soo much better than the Accord did. The microsoft Sync system is much better than anything on the market. You get the feel of a much more expensive car when you drive this machine. Beechmont Ford in Cincinnati did a great job. For once in my life all my money numbers from the research I did on Edmunds matched the truth in lending form in the dealers finance office on this car, no hidden fees.

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  Love the Taurus X crossover - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By seumit - March 16 - 12:46 am

  Owned the T-X for almost three months and it is a great crossover. I bought it for my growing family and it does its job perfectly. Runs very quiet and handling is like a car which is much better than a minivan. However the interior space is much less than a minivan. 6 speed transmission is very smooth. Have 2500miles on it and got 21~22 mixed average MPG. Tested highway MPG is about 28 at 70MPH. 3rd leg room is among the best. Unless you need minivan space, otherwise this is a great family vehicle.

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  Bills 2006 GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Bill - March 15 - 8:30 pm

  I am 58 years old and I recently purchased my first ever Ford Mustang. I built my GT on Ford Direct online with the exact options that I had to have. My local Ford dealer located my GT at another dealer with my options and we made a deal, below MSRP I might add. My absolute beauty is tungsten grey, black leather seats, 5 speed manual, 18" polished aluminum wheels, interior upgrade package with the anti-theft kit. My friends cant stop talking about how beautiful it is. Imagine, a 300 HP muscle car for under $30K. You will not find a better combination of style, power, handling & value anywhere. This GT reminds me of the 65 Fastback I dreamed of in high school but could not afford.

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  Driven from Florida - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jim Bledsoe - March 15 - 5:06 pm

  Brand new car. Ran into a snowstorm all the way from Ky to Chicago. Saw at least 50 cars in ditches but not us. A great, stable car.

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  Love This Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By LoveThis Car - March 15 - 7:13 am

  502A package. Had 2 weeks. Joy to drive. First hybrid Ive owned but have driven a Prius rental. Chose Ford to buy because of style and roomier interior. The lower mileage was a good trade-off for me. Playing the "mileage" game has changed my driving habits quite a bit. This car is incredibly quite and fun to drive so I dont mind cranking up the Sony stereo and driving slower. No hurray any more. Finding that my mpg keeps improving. Up to 40-44 pmg in moderate city traffic. Driving style impacts mpg a lot so heavy footed drivers may be disappointed. Seat support/adjustments with adjustable steering wheel make for a comfortable ride.

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  Great design - glad I test drove! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By David Klein MD - March 14 - 9:40 pm

  I had previously owned (2) Accords. Was gonna purchase a 3rd Accord or Mazda 6 sedan when I decided to test drive new Ford 500 after seeing some at dealer & hearing positive feedback from media. I test drove on a Saturday afternoon & purchased the car on the spot! Much better ride quality than Accord or Mazda6. Ford feels as well built as those with much more character, not to mention options for the price. I have no complaints so far with 2k miles. Look forward to a long drive to Nevada in Jan. Give this car a try - you might be as surprised as i was!

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  Love my car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Rockends - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Plain and simple it rocks, built with quality parts and is a pure joy to drive.

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  Best Stang ever.. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Shaun B. - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have driven and owned many different mustangs in the past 15 years. The Cobra I just bought surpasses them all by leaps and bounds. No its not a BMW or Mercedes. However, it is a very fun car and not necessarily for the faint of heart or light of foot. If you can, go buy one today! Its a blast!

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  Fun Muscle Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By thedutt - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over a year now, and absolutely love it. There is no feeling like watching the expressions on the faces of your passengers when you step on the gas for the first time. Do you research, as with any high performance car, dont expect it to be as easy to maintain as a Honda. As well, take into account the cost of Gas and Insurance (this car is rated higher that a 911 by insurance companies!)