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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  the corvette killer. - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By kenneth gray - June 25 - 10:00 am

  the mustang has been a dream car of mines since was 10 years old now im going on forty one years old. my uncle had to of them in the early seventies when he came home from the marines.but he didnt appreciate what he had.

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  F-150 - Great Trurk - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Big Dawg - June 25 - 7:46 am

  While shoping for a new truck, I looked at everyones and drove them all. The F-150 has it all, looks, great ride, comfort, heavy duty, and great price. Its overall weight is more than the other half tons; however that weight makes for one tough truck that will translate into years of outstanding service. Great job Ford.

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  Expected Less - Got Much More - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Rick - June 24 - 11:05 am

  Purchased this car because they were offering buyers incentives. I got much much more then I expected. Great pickup and handling smooth ride and safe secure feeling when riding in the vehicle. Although the brakes could feel better, in two separate emergency situations they stopped me very quickly and I averted a collision.

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  Hope shes not totaled! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Christine - June 23 - 7:16 pm

  I bought my 08 Fusion in October of last year and I love it more and more every day. Its an amazing car! I opted for the Sport Appearance Package with the 18" wheels and upgraded suspension. It is such a classy looking car, I have people asking me all the time, "What kind of car is that?" or my favorite, "Thats a Ford???" It handles beautifully, much better than my last two Focuses. Unfortunately, I was broadsided in it this weekend by a driver going at least 40-45 mph. My Fusion kept myself and my passenger from being seriously injured. 10 for Safety! Im hoping my insurance company decides shes a keeper and they opt to repair her! If not, I will definitely pick up an 09 Fusion!

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  I like my Focus better than my Civic! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Bob - June 22 - 3:09 pm

  I gave my daughter my standard Civic and planned to get new Civic. I test drove the automatic Civic and I remembered why I got the standard. During acceleration, Civics bog at low speeds, and it is less noticeable in the standard. I test drove a Focus, and it was quicker to start (the 0-60 specs are equal but the Focus has more low- end torque). The FocusÂ’s cloth seats arenÂ’t as nice, but you can get Focus heated leather heated seats for the same price as Civic cloth seats! Also, the Focus has less road noise the headlights are better (Consumer Reports backs this up) the reliability and safety are the same it comes with Bluetooth phone (very cool!) and it is less expensive! Try a Focus!

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  Good American Car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jane Johnson - June 22 - 11:51 am

  I first saw the Escape when it first arrived on the scene. I told my husband then that I wanted that car when I was ready to get another car. In 2002 I bought my first Escape. I have never had a sorry day. I love this car. It has 105000 miles on it now and its never been in the shop for more than the usual oil changes. I am older and therefore have a problem climbing out of most cars. With my Escape I can climb up and hop down. That is the main reason I wanted a small SUV. I also have a horse so this great car can carry all my horse equipment with no problem. I think American cars get a bum rap. I get 21 miles to the gallon highway (I drive 30 miles to work each way). luv it

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  Excellent Escort Wagon LX - 1995 Ford Escort
  By lonewlf118 - June 22 - 7:52 am

  The escort was one of the best and most reliable cars I have ever owned. It is a great utility car and rides equally as well.

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  Great truck but weak A/C in AZ - 2006 Ford F-150
  By wm link - June 21 - 11:06 pm

  I am really impressed with nearly all of this vehicle in first 100 miles. Interior design is SHARP and beyond comparison...but how did Ford goof up the air conditioning (2004-06 design) over prior models? Ford A/C had been ICE cold...nearly meat locker rated for years. I rated the truck as 9 over 10 under the comfort, build design and reliability due to the disappointing A/C. The drive is quiet but performance seems lacking over my 1998 model with same 5.4 engine...yet has more HP, that I cannot feel. Is it a numbers game? So far I am recommending this truck with reservations on the A/C. I hold out optimism that the A/C can be massaged a few degrees cooler.

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  My Dream! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By 98GT - June 21 - 9:51 pm

  im currently 16 years old. i have wanted a mustang since i was 8 years old. i never even considered anything else. and im glad i didnt.. i originally was looking at a 2006 black mustang V6 with an automatic transmission and leather seats but i ended up buying almost the exact opposite. i have a white 1998 mustang with a V8, a manual tranny, and cloth seats and i still love it. this car is everything a teenage boy probably shouldnt have. but i honestly believe that u can get yourself just as dead in a V6 as u can in a V8. this car is what i always dreamt of. i love the smooth shifts, the mach audio, and how i can spin tires by barely giving it any gas at all. this car has the power!

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  OUTSTANDING - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By KevinDK - June 21 - 7:35 am

  The car just seems to fit me perfect. It reminds me of a cockpit actually. And man oh man does the car scream. I have loved Mustangs for years, and finally got one. Ford really does a good job with the stangs. A lot of people complain that its pretty "normal" when it comes to features and luxuries.. Well its a MUSCLE CAR, they arent known for being like a Luxury car. They have less gadgets and more power. People who by Mustangs arent concerned with such things, or gas mileage. For what it has, gas mileage is great however.