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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  Very Impressed - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Sergio - February 6 - 3:16 pm

  My wife and I have had the car for about a month and half. No problems whatsoever. Car drives smooth and extremely quite. I honestly feel like Im in a luxury car. We are very impressed w/what Ford has come out with. This is our first American car and we are very happy w/the decision we made. I really hope Ford builds on this generation of technology. We drove the Honda Insight imagine the handles like that of a beat up shopping cart at the market. You pay for what you get. Prius was nice and all but looks like a bad laboratory accident. I will say this MPG on 2010 Prius is better but itÂ’s not a sedan. The Fusion Hybrid looks like a normal car. Congratz Ford on a job well done.

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  Excellent commuter vehicle - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Dog Lover - February 6 - 12:34 pm

  I have the automatic with sport shift option. When the car changes gears in automatic it has the sound and fell of a standard shift. I love this feeling. Fuel economy is almost 32 mpg in the city and nearly 40 on the highway. I chose this vehicle because of the low maintenance cost of a small car. i.e. tires, fuel etc.

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  Its a great Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Mike - February 6 - 8:16 am

  My first Ford in 40 years of buying cars. I am getting 34 MPG on short trips of 3 miles or less. 44 MPG on local trips on roads with 25-55MPH speed limits. Performance is surprisingly good with no problems merging etc. Interior is very comfortable and convenient. Leather heated power adjustable seats are worth the added cost. Voice activated navigation with back up camera (should be standard like air bags on all cars for safety) and screen display features is worth the money as well. Car suspension and handling makes driving enjoyable and close to sporty. These Hybrids are eligible for a 1700 federal tax credit too.

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  Great Family Car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Ford Family - February 6 - 2:06 am

  I recently purchased about the most basic Taurus X with 7 seats. I am amazed at all the features that are standard. Every safety feature I know of is standard and the highest crash test rating. I think these are important to all families with children. I dont feel I need any other features. Car is very comfortable and spacious. I recently went on a 5 hour trip with 4 adults and 2 kids (in car seats). Packed the car full, but enough room all and plenty comfortable. Should be room enough for 6 person family with luggage. Having 7 seats is also useful around town. This was the best vehicle (SUV, Minivan, Crossover) for the money. Paid just over $22k for all I needed and more.

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  Cant go wrong - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Michael - February 5 - 5:30 am

  When a car manufacturer makes a specific model for many years you can be relatively sure it will be problem free; such is the case with the Crown Victoria. The LX is quiet and smooth with decent acceleration, fine handling and semi-sporty looks. Its not a monster V8 with gobs of horsepower but has enough to merge effortlessly into traffic and quickly get up to speed. I bought the car to commute but also because of its FIVE STAR Safety ratings for front AND side impacts(with side air bag option). It also comes with built-in side impact beams on either side. The NHTSA rates it as the safest large sedan available. As a victim of two not-at-fault accidents safety is paramount to me.

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  Great ride - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By as350b2 - February 5 - 3:10 am

  This is a great car that more people should discover. It has all the attributes we were looking for in a vehicle. Stable, handles well, not too small, roomy, good fuel mileage, modern technology, smooth ride, quiet. The CVT transmission is amazing. It is a fun car that is way bigger than it appears.

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  From SUV to CUV - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Whitey - February 4 - 4:46 pm

  Headed down to my Ford garage to buy my third Explorer, but really didnt want to face another 5 years of sub 20 MPG at $4.00 per gallon. Dealer suggested trying the new Edge. After trial, bought one. I have owned it for about one month and I like it. It is the only vehicle I have ever owned that people on the street turn and look at. My neighbors all came over to see the car that can drive on the edge of buildings. Havent tried that yet. The suspension is much softer than the Explorer and other truck-based vehicles. This will take a while to get used to. I am hoping for average mileage North of 20 MPG. Too soon to tell.

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  Not Bad - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dave - February 4 - 4:06 pm

  I had read that Ford did a good job of packing a lot of features into the 500 at a decent price point. I found one at a local dealer that was priced very fair, Love the car, pleanty of pep, nice features, plenty of room for long legs.

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  :( Poor Gas Mileage - 2004 Ford Focus
  By drocksme - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I love the sporty look of this car. Fun to drive, easy to park - I live in the city.

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  Rebadged - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Brian123 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I like the car but there it is little different from my old focus. There are no curtain airbags and no rear head restraints. I dont feel safe driving adults in the back.