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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  Mach 1, a retro dream. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By kryslarry - November 10 - 10:00 am

  In true Ford fashion, the Mustang Mach 1 has been reborn. It is everything the original was, if it were to be made today. A working shaker hood, 17" heritage wheels, "comfort weave" seats and a 305hp (45 more than the GT) 4.6L engine to power it. This is a retro muscle car lovers dream. I have loved mine since the first mile I test drove it, and with every mile thereafter. It is a thing of beauty with a hint of beast lurking underneath!

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  J.F.S Review Of The Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By J.F. - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I must say this is a great car. The Ford Focus is a very reliable car. It runs so smooth even on the bumpiest roads. The comfort level of this car is unbelievable!

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  A LOT of car for the money! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Brian - November 10 - 8:10 am

  We love this car! After trading in our 3rd Explorer, we were a bit worried about winter traction up here on our New England mountain but after experiencing two snow storms, were convinced that we did the right move. Compared to the 2002 V8 Explorer we traded-in, we doubled the "in town" fuel mileage and are close to 30 mpg in the right situations "on highway"(steady 70 mph). Quality is better than my friends 05 Maxima which seems to be constantly at the dealer for parts falling off or failing. Cant believe the room and comfort. This is one sedan I can brag about. Nice job, Ford!

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  Happy with my Ford Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By chris s - November 10 - 3:16 am

  I went from a Toyota Camry XLE to the Ford Escape XLT. It was a little bit of an adjustment going from a luxury vehicle to a rugged one. However, pleased with the style, color and overall design. The pickup on my 4 cyl Escape could be a little better, since the Camry was also 4 cyl and never felt the difference with acceleration. The interior is a nice Stone color and I love how the cupholders are positioned. Almost like I have 4 of them to use.The purchase of the Escape was wonderful. The best process I have ever encountered purchasing an SUV. I received below invoice pricing based on my company discount and was treated like anyone else. The Escape does suit my needs at this time.

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  My car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By webnoc - November 10 - 1:00 am

  This car is everything I had hoped it would be. The transmission is so smooth - you dont notice that it never shifts, power is constant.

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  And so it begins - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Richard A - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Im coming up on my year anniversary with my Fusion Hybrid. I like the car, but am beginning to have some problems. I have my display set on providing the most information possible. It has begun resetting itself to another setting. And, I got in the car the other day and an alarm went off saying to start the car to disable the alarm. Hmm. I got out of the car, hit the lock button, and opened the door. I took it to the dealer and the door handle on the inside HAS BROKEN! Shouldnt the way you get out of the car be one of the most dependable parts? I would have expected it to be a hard metal, not plastic. I was afraid of buying domestic, I hope it wasnt a mistake.

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  This is no toy car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Don Casey - November 9 - 6:33 am

  This is a car for driving enthusiasts who enjoy quiet comfort in a performance car. This is a car for experienced drivers. When you hit the gas you can burn rubber to your hearts delight. Acceleration is fast, very fast. Passing other cars is a breeze. Road noise is non-existent below 40 MPH or so. Over 40 MPH and you only get the tires bumping over road defects. If not for those there would be no noise. The car is simply beautiful. Fit and trim inside and out is perfect. The interior is stylish (not the same old plastic imitation burled walnut) and the doors and dash are a unique leather design. The Monsoon stereo with the 6 CD in dash in is simply awesome. To drive it is to buy.

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  The Edge is a Blast! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Bruce - November 9 - 4:43 am

  After waiting 4 weeks for our Edge to come, we are totally thrilled by the ride, comfort, and the powerful V6. Ford, job well done!

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  Rear End Scrapes! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert K Weidner - November 8 - 9:23 pm

  The 500 is a disaster for Ford. The rear end on my car even when unloaded, scrapes pavement on every speed bump and rain gutter road indentation. I am always wary of high centering this car. The huge trunk is oversized at the expense of basic sound engineering. This is very disappointing!

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  Dissapointed - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Zapataro - November 8 - 7:25 pm

  I do a lot of car research. I rather enjoy it. So when I bought my 13 fusion I was fairly confidant. I hate to say that Ive been rather disappointed. I bought the fusion because I drove long distances and needed good fuel economy, comfortable ride and good connectivity. One out of three is not good enough for me. Ive never reached over 27mpg on the highway. My V8 Genesis would do over 30! The sync system is incredibly aggravating. Ive spent hours in the car trying to get it to work with my phone and I dont know how many times Ive just given up trying to use the voice control. And then there are the noises. The rattles, the tapping and the creaks. I think it might be worse then my old Jeep Cherokee. I would have expected that if the car had 150k but I bought it with only 4k! I will say that the ride and handling are quite good, it goes nicely through the canyons. But the power is only meh. Maybe my expectations are to high but Im ok with that. I will be trading this in as soon as I can. Too bad its not worth much.