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:

• 

  Love my Ford 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ford 500 Alabama - February 20 - 8:03 pm

  I bought the 2007 Ford 500 and love it. I am a big guy and this car fits all of my safety and room needs. I just cant believe that this car didnt get a lot of press from Ford. It is the best car that I have ever own.

• 

  Love my Bronx - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Charles Hudgins Jr. - February 20 - 2:56 pm

  I have had this truck for more than 10 years and the only thing I have done was change brakes and tires, oh and one lower ball joint. She starts and runs like no other. I guess I should change the oil more often though. I tell you we started at 45000 miles and are now at 218000 and still runs smooth and hard.

• 

  My Ex isnt around but my Escort ZX2 is - 2001 Ford Escort
  By LJW - February 20 - 2:45 pm

  Mine has 143,000 miles on it. The only thing I have mechanically get fixed was my timing belt and chain shot craps..but that just happened. Been a great little car. Bought it New with 5 miles on it. Planning to get another at least 80,000 out of it. Had an Escort before this one same thing great little car..sorry they stopped making them. It was a cheaper car only cost me $14,000 so you cant really knock it down. Great gas mileage is been worth it today!

• 

  I love this car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By 2666loco - February 20 - 1:33 pm

  It is fun to drive, feels solid, and I would recommend it and would buy another. Im getting 21-22mpg in town and 29 highway but havent put a lot of miles on it. 4 cylinder engine has plenty of power for me, 16 valves move! Lots of standard features that used to cost extra. Standard CD is great system. It did well on ice with FWD. It corners very well at 60mph. I disagree with most nit picks by other reviewers. Prices good now with 2010s out soon. My only option is automatic transmission. Controls good, well placed and easy to use.

• 

  I love this truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Josh Price - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Although the title is different then what I actually own, I own a 1997 and just to put my two cents in, this truck is now 5 years old. There are no words to describe this truck. Everything about it I love! Its equipped with a 5.4L so I have no problem towing trailers and such. The only problem I have is that the Off-Road Package seats are stiff, but then again its an Off- Road Style. You get what you pay for and what I paid for was well worth the time and money!

• 

  A Chevy person bought a Ford! - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By ChevyHuny - February 19 - 3:14 pm

  When I was up for a new car I tested every vehicle on the market. Absolutely nothing compared to the car I ended up buying. The price, all the options you get with it and the color options. I got the Brilliant Silver Metallic and it just shines. I highly recommend the OEM HID headlights equipped from factory. Putting on a after market kit will not compare in the least.

• 

  MY FORD ESCAPE - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CHEERJB - February 19 - 1:26 pm

  THIS IS A GREAT VEHICLE, IT IS VERY ROOMY, GREAT DRIVING

• 

  Best Kept Secret - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By John G - February 19 - 1:00 pm

  Traded my 05 Windstar for the AWD Freestyle; first road trip to Green Bay averaged 27.1 mpg, 750 mile round trip averaged 26.2 with 4000 miles on engine. Excellent fit, doors sound expensive when slammed! Fun to drive on stop & go Eisenhower into Chicago, no noticeable shifting up & down.

• 

  Great vehicle! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fordlover - February 18 - 8:23 pm

  This has been a great vehicle so far. I think that as long as the routine maintenance is performed that it will last a long time. There have been a few items inside that havent held up. The paint is cheap around the stereo console, the air vents do not always stay open, and the steering wheel cover is very worn.

• 

  We love it. - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Ed - February 18 - 8:03 pm

  We chose the Fusion hybrid over others after wed decided the other hybrids (esp. trunk capacity) were not spacious enough for our family. We liked the sync tech and the styling over the Camry. Was a little nervous that the Fusion Hybrid was so new, but very happy with it over a month! We can get in the high 40s if we try but overall with mostly city driving were getting about 37 mpg.