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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  Awesome ride with no regrets - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By rvgalshell - May 8 - 8:03 am

  I have been looking for a sedan for about a year before I saw the Fusion. I am so glad I waited and tested drove this one. It has been an awesome ride for me and my family and I would suggest that anyone looking for a sedan give the Fusion test drive and see for themselves.

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  Fusioniated - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Carmen - May 8 - 4:16 am

  I have been "Fusionated" to the future. Exterior quad-head lights and chrome grill is classy. Interior dash is smooth and space age. It makes other cars look old and outdated as you drive by. Great stereo! What a great feeling to drive a futuristic car.

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  off to a good start - 2009 Ford Escape
  By escapism - May 7 - 10:43 pm

  Have had it for a week now. So far it has exceeded expectations in some areas. After much research I found you really get alot for your money with the Escape. It rides good, has a very tough exterior look, and is loaded with features. Got the XLT w/ Sync, tow pkg and cargo pkg. I would not recommend the charcoal interior, carpet shows every little particle of dirt you have on your shoes. The Sync system is the most outstanding feature to be put in a car since air- conditioning. If you love your IPOD, spend the x-tra money for it, you wont regret it. MPG is 23-24 overall, 27-28 on interstate. That is hard to beat for a v-6 SUV that has lots of pep! Roomy interior for your family.

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  Love my 08 Eddie - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Mary - May 7 - 9:16 pm

  I bought my 08 Eddie Bauer after my 02 Explorer bit the dust. Initially, I wanted the Limited, but chose the Eddie because it had the chrome grille and the Limited did not. I LOVE my new truck! Every time I get into it I remark about the comfort. My husband loves it also. The third row folding seats are a godsend. I will continually buy a Ford. I love this truck. I hope they never stop making it.

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  Great SUV, fun to drive! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Mattysmom - May 7 - 8:05 pm

  After only driving cars, I wanted something bigger, especially since I have a child now. I researched alot of vehicles and liked the reviews on this one. With 5 star crash test ratings, and its reasonable price, you cant go wrong. I feel safe driving, and its alot of fun. The only drawbacks are the noisy ride, and the crappy CD player (it ate 2 of my CDs!). Other than that, great little SUV!

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  Great car - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Sharon - May 6 - 10:15 pm

  I purchased this car about a year ago for 200 dollars, with only 68,000 original miles. Great fuel economy! Turns on a dime. Alot of interior space in front, & back seats. Hugh trunk. Best heater Ive ever had on any car. Starts up well, even on the coldest mornings. This car had sit for about a year, without being started up or run, so I was shocked when I went to get it, and it started up on the first try. The only thing that I think I will have a problem with in the future is the transmission. Its a little sluggish, and with talking to others that have owned, or has this car, they have had some problems, when they get up to 90,000 miles.Ive owned newer cars thats not as reliable.

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  O what a feeling - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Bob46 - May 6 - 4:30 pm

  As a former owner, some25 years ago of a v6 mustangII holly crap. Its been 25 years of boring dependable toyota trucks. 6 be be exact. I finaly had to try one. Took my 20yr old son with me for a test drive. been loving it ever since. needles to say its one car he wont be driving. Its a 2008 left over 4.0 premium with pony package.Im allready having factory cold air induction installed as we speak and will probably go for dual exust. havnt had this much fun in a while. Hope it last a lot longer than my75 did.

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  A smart pick - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Steve - May 6 - 6:39 am

  Just purchased the Ford Flex Ltd FWD and can not be more pleased. Avg MPG is 23 which is 3 miles better than my smaller 2006 Volvo XC70. Fit and finish is wonderful and the interior looks like its from a car costing $10K more. For a large crossover the performance is quite good all things considered. While some do not care for the boxy look I do, as it makes it stand out in a sea of similar looking cars.

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  9 Month and very satisfied. - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By wilcox - May 6 - 2:36 am

  QUIET. Currently avg. 41.0 mpg. Lower numbers in winter, higher in spring. Drives fine - will scoot if asked to. Comfortable and good climate controls. Good stereo. Love blind spot system and dash displays. I drive rather non-aggressively. It has everything on it and it all works great. The triple tri-coat white makes the vehicle look outstanding. Classy looking even if it is a plentiful Ford...

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  the mach - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By komach - May 5 - 10:03 pm

  Simply an awesome automobile. This is the 6th mustang ive owned (still have an 87 gt conv). I drive this car daily and have put 90k on it in 3 years. The ONLY thing thats ever been replaced is one set of tires!! The car is occasionally raced @ the dragstrip and drives 60 miles a day on the interstate. It is as still tight as the day i bought it, no squeaks, rattles, or anything, and on top of that, its lowered. The car is a silent predator. In stock trim (mine has been tuned and a few goodies here and there) a stock C6 vette cant stand it in an 8th mile race. You have to do a little tweaking and good driving to handle him in the quarter. Whoever did their homework @ Ford on this got a raise!