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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  Happy so far - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Dr.JB - March 10 - 10:26 pm

  Rides well, very comfortable. Not much different than a non-hybrid. The dash display is helpful and not distracting. Have driven approximately 100 miles and averaging about 35 mpg (mostly city driving). Only problem has been with the SYNC- it wont recognize my ipod- so back to the dealer. Overall very happy after the first few days of ownership.

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  My First Hybrid - 2013 Fusion SE - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ga_ashby - March 10 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this car primarily because of its gas mileage and style. Over the past three weeks I have been averaging 53 MPG in my daily 42 mile commute in Atlanta traffic. I have had to learn how to drive this car to maximize its mileage. No I dont do 75 MPH in the left lane, but I do usually cruise between 60 and 70 MPH depending on traffic conditions. The car is comfortable, runs very quite and smooth. I really like the gauge layout on the dash and the Sync works reasonably well - my issue was that the IOS 7.0.4 update broke the Bluetooth interface which is causing me to have to reboot my iPhone at least once a day so it will sync correctly.

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  Great truck - 2018 Ford F-150
  By Glenn Remillard - March 9 - 2:40 pm

  Only had it for a month still learning how to use it

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  My New Ford Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Suzanne R. Cronin - March 8 - 6:10 am

  I had a Mercury SUV prior to this purchase. Due to unforseen circumstances, I had the opportunity to drive a sedan for a few weeks. When we were deciding to purchase a new vehicle, I had seen the Ford 500 and thought I would like a sedan as opposed to another SUV. It is a beautiful car. We chose Black Clearcoat with Pebble interior...what a beautiful color. We are definitely a Ford Family, now more than ever.

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  Vibrations! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Disappointed - March 7 - 8:36 pm

  There are some nice features on this truck that caused me to buy it over a GM. Styling is nice, the assisted tailgate is a great idea and the extra space behind the seats on the regular cab was a big selling point. The problem is that the truck has a vibration between 40-55mph that they just cant seem to fix. After lots of time in the shop and thousands of dollars in warranty labor and parts its still not fixed. Based on comments on the forum this is a fairly common problem on these trucks. If you buy one, test drive it carefully to make sure you dont have the vibration. Its easily felt in the steering wheel and seat. If it has it walk away and try another one.

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  excellent - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mark hopper - March 7 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive, comfortable, safe, reliable

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  My Ford - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rob54 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  runs great, very solid, good pickup, nice styling. Gas mileage not so great, but good for a v-8. Runs great on the highway

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  Blazing Yellow FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By PLACEysup - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I agree about the sluggish engine. It doesnt seem to want to get up and go when accelerating from 50 mph and above. The gauges for the FX4 have red needles. Hard to see in daylight with sunglasses on. Lose the suicide doors on extended cabs. Hard to load cargo in parking spaces next to other cars.

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  15 miles to the gallon? - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Marty Richie - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I am a dealer and bought my Focus the year they came out so I have no one to blame but me for buying it. First off it is very noisy and the belt squeaks every time i start it. The doors lock while the motor is running(Not good with kids in the car seats) and last but not least 200 miles to the tank! That is horrible considering it is rated in the 30s on highway. I am a sales manager at Honda now and everytime I look at it i just want to set it on fire and call my agent. buyer be ware.

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  svt focus european edition(comp. orange) - 2004 Ford Focus
  By stingerjk - March 7 - 2:00 am

  My svt focus is a treat to drive.It fares well in the handling/cornering department.Brakes seem to have little fade during normal use.Power could be better with more torque,but it is plenty powerful for the street.Interior amenities are good with nice side bolstering on seats for hard cornering.Radio/cd player are decent in sound quality as are the speakers and sub.The wheel and tire package sports a great look with performance to match.All in all, this is a cool ride to run around in.