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:

• 

  Type S Slayer - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - October 23 - 5:43 pm

  We traded in a 2008 Acrua TL Type S for the 2010 Fusion Sport. No regrets, its a better value. Love the Sport. It runs and shifts smoother, is more quiet, is much more comfortable, and drives better. We liked the Acura a lot but this Fusion Sport is a much better car. This Sport has all the features the Type S had like Navi, back-up camera, plus, blind spot info and back- up warning sensors.

• 

  THE BEST EVER! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MARE MCGILL - October 23 - 4:03 am

  I have driven Expeditions since 1997, in fact I have owned 3. I replaced my last Expedition with the Freestyle. What a great car! The performance with the CVT transmission is unbelievable. Fuel economy is better than I expected. I just cant say enough about how wonderful this car is.

• 

  Try and Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By KCmade - October 22 - 10:16 am

  The new style 2008 Ford Escape is much more masculine than the past designs. It looks rugged and feels solid, however it clearly is much quieter than the ones in the past. Theres plenty of room all around but entry seems about an inch or two too high for my bad knees. I can deal with that because overall, for the most part, this is a winner. Dont give up on Ford yet.

• 

  GREAT VEHICLE !! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rkirk - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE LESS THEN 3000 MILES ON MY NEW EDDIE BAUER 2003 EXPEDITION AND SO FAR I HAVE BEEN PLEASENTLY SURPRISED! HANDLING IS VERY GOOD FOR ITS SIZE ,EASY TO PARK,AND IT HANDLES WELL ON THE TURNPIKE. ITS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE AND HAS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR THE GRANDCHILDREN WITH ALL THEIR FISHING EQUIPMENT.

• 

  Still the SUV King - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By undrae - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded in a 2002 CRV for a Ford Explorer. Some may question this decision however after driving the explorer, you would make the same choice. The Honda was a good car but not truck. The Explorer fits my lifestyle and gives me a comfortable smooth ride. The only question I had was reliability. Well thats still up in the air. I also made the decision base on all of the world wide turmoil. I guess I rather be putting money into a company that is American, not to say I would purchase a quality foreign car. The bottom line is I am extremely happy with my Explorer.

• 

  Love the Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By D35C35 - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my Explorer. Have had no problems, and will buy a new one when I drive this one into the ground.

• 

  So far, so good! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Kyle - October 22 - 4:50 am

  For all those who are looking to buy a 2003, this is a quality SUV. The mileage isnt great, but if youre in the market for an mid-sized SUV, you know what youre getting into. I bought my Explorer used and it was kept very well. It has no history of any repairs in its first 46,000 miles. The tires were replaced at 20,000 and it had frequent detailing. I bought a gem and I love it.

• 

  What happened to the other guy? - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By John - October 21 - 8:53 pm

  In all honesty it isnt easy buying a car now days! Its hard to decide if you want a new muscle car which really ony gives you the option of the Mustang, or to go with a foriegn to get the mileage. Ive got 1500 miles and am extremely happy. The car gives you a road race ready experience. The automatic has virtually no problems. The shifts are so quick its unbelievable, and once you get those tires smokin you better hope youre in a parking lot because its all over the place.

• 

  Worth the wait - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jim B - October 21 - 8:10 pm

  I had a 2001 Sport Trac and I really loved it; however, my new 2007 is even greater than my old one. I like how the new ones are on the Explorer frame now instead of the Rangers. The exterior design is a lot better as well as the ride. I am glad Ford made the wheel base longer and added a V8 as an optional engine.

• 

  Great car - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Mark - October 21 - 6:43 pm

  This vehicle is outstanding for the family. Second row room is uncanny. The fuel economy is excellent for such a large vehicle. I recorded 25 MPG on a road trip and averaged about 21 total MPG so far in my travels. The inside of this vehicle is so quiet, it is like driving a Lexus. I wasnt completely sold on it until I drove it. And it can tow my boat (4500 lbs)