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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  Great price on my ZX3 - 2001 Ford Focus
  By c18vw - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. Its fun to drive and it has alota pep in it for a small car. I got this car 8/04. The dealer was having a big sale but in their add they missprinted the price of my car! I got it for just under $7,000! Its loaded except it doesnt have a sunroof:( Front Brakes sound and feel weird some times but they work when you need them. I have drive 1000 miles on it just this last month lol. The car came with 57,000 miles on it already. When I got the car the bumper had lots of specaly dots of missing paint. But the dealer hooked me up with a free touch up job. Another cool thing they gave me free was keyless entry.

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  wrong purchase - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By micheal livingston - January 30 - 5:19 am

  Ruff ride and excessive noise inside cab of vehicle

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  My First New Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Scott Findley - January 30 - 2:20 am

  This is my first new car, and was the "weekend special" found in the newspaper. Listed at 11,400 in the paper, which included 1400 in rebates. The 400-dollar college rebate did not apply to me, so I got it at 11,800. I was amazed at how easy the sale was. All the staff there were extremely helpful, and went out of their way to make it as painless as possible.

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  My Freestlye - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Shirley Howard - January 29 - 4:36 pm

  I have had a lot of different autos in the last several years. I love my Freestyle; it has so much room and it is fun to drive. It also is a very sharp looking sporty car. I plan on keeping this one awhile.

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  06 GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By bob - January 29 - 12:53 pm

  Ford did a great job with the style of this Mustang, however mine is in the shop for a new engine due to number 7 cylinder. Also, you will notice a piece of tape covering a hole in the firewall under the brake booster. I have contacted Ford about this but never got a reply. Once this tape dry rots and falls off, water and air will be able to come in to the interior. From what I have seen, they all have the tape covering this hole...so beware. Other then these problems, I love the car. Ford: pay attention and answer your emails and phone request for answers please.

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  Not living up to the hype. - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By kzooguy1981 - January 29 - 9:16 am

  I had this vehicle on order since early August and finally picked it up on November 30. Next time, I would rather buy from the lot than go through the hassle of waiting for delivery. The main reason for purchasing the vehicle was the EPA estimated MPG. After nearly 11,000 miles on the vehicle I am struggling to get above 37MPG for a lifetime average. Most of my driving is on the freeway and 95% of that time I have the cruise set at 62MPH so that the battery will engage. I have heard that the temperature and the fuel blend can make a difference but my experience so far has been frustrating. Driving in town at speeds under 45 MPH can certainly attain 47MPG.

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  fun and sporty - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By wesley - January 29 - 5:20 am

  This car is fun to drive and has a great look to it. My 5 speed transmission lets me feel like i am a "speed-racer" and it handles really well. It gets great mpg on both highway and city.

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  Tranny Trouble - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By fordnotfun - January 28 - 7:11 pm

  We pruchased used in June 2011, in August 2012 had to replace the water pump which was costly ($2100) due to the location of the pump, making labor cost HIGH! Then in December 2012 the transmission was replaced, talk about expensive--plus needing to rent a car for the 2 weeks it took to get it back. Since then, the transmission still is not right, jumping all over--now they are thinking the computer is not working correctly. So, $6200 spent in 6 mos, now looking at more problems--would definitely NOT recommend!!!

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  New Car Should Not Have Problems - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Brian - January 27 - 7:11 pm

  Rented this car from Enterprise with only 8,000 miles. Was driving it on the highway when a wrench light came on and the accelerator lost all power. I could only brake and was forced to the side of the rode. I let the car sit awhile and then started it back up without any problems. Unfortunately, the exact same thing happened a day later. This car clearly has an engine problem related to the intake or gas. There is no excuse for a brand new car to have any issues, especially related to the engine. I will never purchase a Ford.

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  Lovin it and only $16,000 for the S - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Schmitty - January 26 - 1:50 pm

  I opted for the Fusion as my first experience away from Toyota. I have owned a 2002 Tacoma, 2004 Matrix, 2006 Corolla, 2006 RAV-4 and 2006 Tundra. The Fusion was an amazing value at $15,977 for the Automatic S. I could not believe all the standard features on this so called "stripped down" model. Great Stereo, and awesome fit & finish. Added 18" Rims and now this car looks like a 25K luxury auto! Could not be happier with the peppy gas sipping 4-cyl. Ford did it right and now we are considering an Edge for the family SUV!