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:

• 

  2011 Ford Fusion - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By Rita - January 16 - 2:12 pm

• 

  Many stop and ask - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By bob smith - January 16 - 1:43 pm

  I have had at least 15 people stop and ask about the car. Some even asked at stop lights. Others have asked to look inside. I have never said no. My wife and I are extremely pleased with the ride and height of the car. There are many features that would have cost extra on other makes and models. The message board is extremely accurate. When it states that I have used so many gallons of gas, it is accurate to the tenth when I fill up at the gas pump. Gas mileage is also accurate to withing a tenth of the mile. My city driving mpg is over 23+ mpg. This is backed up by dividing miles by gallons used. I have not done much highway driving yet, so I do not know if the top end is accurate.

• 

  whattagreatcar! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By rdunnell0 - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Ford Focus Wagon new in 11/00. After trying a few versions, I selected the 5-speed manual with the Zetec engine (dont believe the reviews that say this is not available!). I also got the "comfort package" which included a number of options tht are nice; I think the cruise control is part of that package. This car holds a full-size concert grand harp and still gets 36 miles per gallon. It is comfortable, fun to drive, and I have had no problems with it. There was one recall for a minor part that had not affected my car at all and it was taken car of easily & promptly. Excellent dealer service. Whattagreatcar!

• 

  The V40 Killer!!!! Ya Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Wealth Guru - January 16 - 10:00 am

  DISCLAIMER: Last car was Volvo S-80 (3 yrs), Volvo 859 wagon bef that (3 yrs). Nice cars, loved them, but WAY overpriced (Note: Ford owns Volvo). Read Millionaire Next Door, then tested S40 Wagon, felt like a sardeen can at $25,000. Bot the Focus SE wagon, Infra- Red(18,190 list) from J Madden for $ 13,799 (500 under, and 3000 rebate). Roomier than S40, same rear end and plenty of power. Handles great, quiet on the highway, well built, not as many frills, but who cares. Its 1/2 the S40 price. Loving It!!(Wanted a Cooper S, but have private school tuition ahead...:(

• 

  awesome - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Glassartgal - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It has everything a Mustang owner could want. Im a new job where my company pays my travel expenses, including winter conditions. I want to give my car to someone that will love it as I have.

• 

  I just LOVE the explorer XLT 03 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By goldterd - January 16 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just fell in love with this suv. Its look and better yet the ride. its smooth ,responsive steering and roomie interior with many options makes this mid size suv a monster package.

• 

  Expedition Review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By JLinn - January 16 - 10:00 am

  The Expedition 5.4V8 is powerful and when towing our 2500 lbs. camper you dont even feel it. The ride solid, quiet and very smooth over rough roads. I really like the interior space, layout and appearence. It blows the competition away. The brakes are very strong and provides great stopping even with the 2500 lbs. camper on the back. I test drove all the other big SUVs prior to our purchace, Toyota, GMC, Chevy, etc. prior to our purchace.

• 

  The Edge is a Range Rover. - 2007 Ford Edge
  By toddthelion - January 16 - 9:10 am

  Dont believe me do you? Most people dont know that Ford owns Range Rover. Many times I rode in my friendd $80k Rover and salivated. Then I drove the Edge and oh my gosh! I felt right back in the Rover. Same wheel, stereo, ride, feel, stiffness, and power. Its even faster than a BMW X5. It is also the first Ford to appear prestigious in all manner of profiles. Nav and XM are also perfect, just lacked Bluetooth. Oh, and the entire back seat reclines so far back that Hulk Hogan could side cross his legs. Folding front seat into a table-esque platform makes it a limo, and the center console can conceal an entire laptop. Perfect, just perfect.

• 

  problem transmission body valve - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By concerned owner - January 16 - 7:13 am

  got this car in Sept 09and loved it, at first. It handles nicely on the road, and is a comfortable drive. Unfortunately, around 10,000 miles I started to have a problem with the car not being able to shift properly. So i took it to the shop and they tell me i have a transmission body valve problem, but unfortunately I cant get the part for 1 1/2months because they are back ordered. They also dont offer me a loaner, but say i can continue to drive the car "but will have problem with quick acceleration, like getting on a highway." this is very disturbing and want to know how other people have done that have had this trans valve problem, b/c it seems to happen to a lot of the 2010 fusion

• 

  An easy choice over the Acura TL - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By BearcatFan - January 16 - 7:06 am

  I had decided on an Acura TL purchase this Spring until I saw a few ads for the Fusion. After a test drive and some internet research, it was an easy decision to purchase the V6 SEL. Not only did I get a car with comparable options, I saved over $11,000.00. So the Ford nameplate isnt an Acura - so what!