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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  Inexpensive Wheels? - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Chauncey Townsend - February 10 - 3:17 pm

  Bought our Contour w/85k miles. Loved driving it. Good on gas, one of my favorite cars out of 15+ owned over the years. Only complaint was at 101k miles the head cracked and ended up costing a small bundle to repair notorious Ford 4 cyl. problem. Just be careful of used high mile Contours.

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  Sold on hybrid tech thanks to Fusion - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By drlake53 - February 10 - 3:07 pm

  Loved my three years with the Fusion Hybrid. Great mileage the whole way through averaging about 5.4L/100kms. Its got great power for a car that you dont really expect it from - great on the highway for passing and a bit of fun in the corners too. Had fully loaded model and the tech you get for this price is absolutely unbeatable. This is the best value for a used car out there now if you can find one with all the goodies - The used car market has taken out most of the premium for the hybrid so you can pay nearly the same as any old Fusion and get great power, unmatched amenities, lots of fun, unreal mileage and still not pay much.

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  First Ford in Decades - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By TheStains - February 9 - 2:03 am

  We just purchased our Fusion SEL V6 last night. What a blast to drive - the number of stares we are receiving was totally unexpected. We thought it was a nice looking car but didnt think so many others would agree as well. We havent pressed it too hard (yet) but we know it can fly. What we are enjoying is the quiet ride and tight suspension. We test drove a Camry LE V6 and SE V6 and thought it OK but not great. The Fusion we thought was by far a better ride. I hope Ford has turned the corner and continues to build solid cars.

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  We love the Big Cat - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By newEra - February 8 - 12:26 pm

  We purchased our Eddie Bauer in June of 2005 with only 14k miles on it. We dubbed it the "Big Cat" and we always "take the cat" when we go in it. After purchase, we took off from Ohio to Yellowstone with a family of 5 (3 teens - one of them 63 185) Very comfortable. Now we have 80k+. Only minor things. I bought the 100k warranty. Ready to use it for 2nd time. 18+ mpg on trips - 15+ mpg around home (hilly countryside). Id buy another one in a heartbeat. Watch the Contenential tires - plys go bad. Choose tires wisely. I bought more aggressive ones this time and cost me over 1 mpg.

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  Owner - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Frogman88 - February 8 - 7:23 am

  The car is a little harder to drive on the snow. I had gotten stuck at least 3 times in a month. On dry roads the handles like a dream. I am 6foot 3inches and I have no problems with my leg. On average, I will get 20 or more mpg. Highway mpgs I will get around 25 or more. I was very surprised with the gas mileage I was getting. I have over 200,000miles on the car right now and I am the second owner and have had nearly no problems. The only problem that I have is a minor problem, which will cost about $100 total. I am very mad about Ford is not going to sell the Crown Victoria for civilian use. I would buy this car all over again, only brand new. That will never happen. A must buy

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  DONS BEEF - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By DON KENT - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the little bugger. Its fun to drive and looks great.

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  Improvements - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ronald R. Culler - February 8 - 2:00 am

  more horsepower better ergonomics on dash vynal seats not so many dings in alarms better radio system MORE soundproofing (too much road noise) I will be looking for a new car this Spring, I would like to buy an improved Focus wagon.

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  Ford Explorer 2002 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MargO - February 8 - 2:00 am

  My Explorer is a great family car. I have the third seat and its quite roomy I would recommend this car the only downfall is it is a gas guzzler (since Ive owned the truck gas prices have doubled). The other problem I have is the seat belts they dont fully retract all the time. I would highly recommend this car its wonderful in the snow and its very easy to drive.

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  Good So Far - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By JJU - February 7 - 2:37 pm

  We bought this SUV when our first child was born as the family truckster for taking everyone and everything to the beach, grandmas house, etc. This vehicle is what it is: a giant mover of people and stuff with the aerodynamics of a cinder block. If you dont ask it to be anything other than that, its fine. Has been reliable and comfortable to drive, with good seats, a soft rear independent suspension and a nice tight turning radius. Holds my family (we have since added a 2nd child) and all our stuff. When we get where we are going and the stuff comes out, the rear seats fold up and we can carry more people.

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  Flaw in brake cylinder design - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Israel Barbosa - February 6 - 11:27 pm

  The vehicle is not that good when negotiating a sharp, vehicle leans too much. Rear brake calipers cost me $499.00 they have to be replaced if they extend to far out. Was told by a large reputable brake company, that the caliper is poorly designed and this problem happens frequently with two Ford vans: the Freestar and the Freestyle. the company should address this flaw and replace them with a system that doesnt cost the consumer hundreds to replace Fords poorly designed rear brake system. looking forward to hear something from the Ford company, im tempted to inform consumer report, the media etc, etc. Also had to have my 6 cd player changed the disc were getting jammed.