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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  Best for the money - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Babydog - June 16 - 11:51 am

  I have an 09 with the 2.5 and 5 speed manual. I wanted the lowest price and the 6 speed auto is new. I wanted proven reliability and the 5 speed manual shifts very smooth. Good performance and gas mileage combination with the modern 171 horsepower engine and manual transmission. Has an excellent ride and comfortable seats. Nice on the highway and a good handling city car, too. Fun to drive and fun to sit up high. Safer than earlier models. I have the red metallic. Looks great with legal color tinted windows side and rear. Lots of cargo room with the seats down. Has the updates of a Suv from Japan and feels just as good with a lower price.

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  focus converter - 2003 Ford Focus
  By carproblem - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a very impressive wagon for the $. Previously owned a forester and outback vdc. Both were very good vehicles. But its hard to justify the $CDN difference though. The outback was 15k more, the forester 9k. AWD is nice but not worth that money. The ZTW works great in the winter with the proper winter tires. Advance trac excellent. Highly recommend that option. 0% finance, find another wagon with all those features. It does not exist.

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  Awesome Ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Jack P. - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. If you are looking for a mid-priced sports car, this is the one!!!!!! You will be Amazed!!!!!

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  Your money goes a long way - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By DJ2BIG - June 16 - 5:08 am

  My mom says it feels like a magic carpet, she is 71. My dad says the fusion is the best car Ford has ever made, he is 73. This is my second Ford an upgrade from my 2007 Focus. All I can say is the Ford Fusion should be renamed Ford Sweetness! I test drove so many cars, but the formula that Ford used to blend horsepower, comfort, style, entertainment and yes I need to say it, grace have me in ecstasy just enjoying every mile, every street, every highway and the endless road.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Richard Rump - June 16 - 3:46 am

  I was going to buy a 2004 Mustang but my wife told me to wait until this year. Im I glad I listened to my wife. This car is so much fun to drive. I cant believe the room you have in the car. The V6 is more then enough engine. I have been getting about 18 miles per gallon in the city. I have not taken it on a long trip yet but Ill bet you Ill get well over 20 miles per gallon. I have a Screaming Yellow and truly love it. Ford has a winner in this car.

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  dream truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By pasha - June 15 - 5:32 pm

  I have always dreamed of having a ford lightning i always stop and look as one droves past me or if i saw one sitting in the parking lot. After getting a new job i just happen to drive by a BMW dealership where I saw it two days later it was sitting in my drive way with all my friends around it asking me for a test drive .. not in their dreams I work 4 days a week and everyday i cant wait to get home to drive it

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  Super Truck Awesome value!! - 2008 Ford F-150
  By willy47 - June 15 - 2:36 pm

  I had promised myself that I wouldnt buy another American made car (truck). Capital Ford in Raleigh, NC ran an ad at a price I couldnt pass up. After a rocky start on the price negotiations my salesman, (Martin Clark) went above and beyond the call duty, he got the owner of the company involved! The owner showed me the truck and the features and assigned his personal assistant to deal with me if I had any problems. (I was told that never happens). I bought the truck with no test drives and have had no complaints. The folks at Capital Ford are as nice as they can be. From what I can tell, they lost money on the deal, even then they are as nice as they can be.

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  Tough and Reliable - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By mepo2ner - June 15 - 7:11 am

  I bought our Expedition used in 03 with 70,000 miles. It has been a fantastic vehicle for us. The versatility of taking eight people or hauling things has been great. It has just the 4.6 engine and I have put it though the mill. We haul a 5,500 lbs camper around each summer and I have a piano service business and move pianos all over the midwest in a 3,000 lbs enclosed trailer. This old girl now has 190,000 miles with no major breakdowns. It was our main family vehicle for 5 years and we couldnt have been happier with it.

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  Love my Stang - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Montstang98 - June 15 - 2:54 am

  I have owned a few Mustangs over the years, but the 96-98s are my favorite. This is my first GT and I love the 4.6 liter powerhouse. It has a nice rumbling exhaust and is very quick! This Mustang GT gets 24 in town and close to 30 mpg on the hwy... not sure why edmunds only says 15 cty and 24hwy... any way the car handles great accelerates quickly and is just fun, fun, fun!!!

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  Grand Everyday Work Truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Kevin Schappacher - June 15 - 2:46 am