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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  Lovin it! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Crystal - January 30 - 12:40 pm

  I just downsized because I travel via hwy extensively and wanted less car expense each month. After too much research, I landed in this Focus and love it! In some of the other downsized cars I test drove, I felt downsized. I wanted to save money, but not comfort. With the Focus SES, I am saving money and have most of the comforts of my previous car plus Sync and Sirius. I love it and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Excellent Choice - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Allan Gardner - January 30 - 8:43 am

  We checked several other possibilities, but kept coming back to the Fusion. We have found that it is very comfortable, it handles well and amongst other things the 2.5 engine has more than adequate power both around town and on the road. It is also a fun car to drive. For us it was an excellent choice!

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  Best stang ever - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Harry Titus - January 30 - 8:30 am

  Being a Mustang owner since 1965 it is much easier for me to offer an accurate view of this new car. We just bout a new 07 coupe with Pony Package. Yes, it is an unsold 07 in 2009! However, because it was two years old we got an unbelieveable deal! Engine is strong, stronger than any six before. Has a powerful throaty exhaust tone. It really scoots too! More power than either of us need. Everything that is good about a Mustang is great in this one. It still has many of the negatives too, like poor winter driving qualities, but, old veteran Mustang guy like me have learned to drive these over the years and I for one, have no trouble driving any Mustang in the winter.

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  just bought a sweet ranger with 83k on it in 2016 - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By chip mcclanahand - January 30 - 6:08 am

  this little truck looks like it has been in a time capsule its perfect and for 2550.00 a steel. what a shame ford make such inferior products these days. this truck doesnt even have door dings. cannot wait for it to snow every single thing works on it and i am stolked (at 52 yrs old thats sayin something)

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  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By VA4WD - January 30 - 6:02 am

  Bought this Explorer in Jan 2004 after looking at Toyota Nissan and Chevy. The 2004 Explorer had the others beat in many categories: excellent handling on curvy roads yet smooth riding over bumps and rough roads, V6 has great oomph in town and on the highway, well laid out dash and interior, very attractive and durable cloth seats on the XLS model. Having owned this Ford for 5 years it has been a very reliable and faithful companion. Warranty repairs included a transmission fix a rear differential leak, no more trouble out of either after the initial repair. After warranty repairs have been to install a starter as the old one was slowing down. Thanks Ford for making a great SUV!

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  Camaro Eat Your Heart Out - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By GoNavy - January 29 - 10:57 pm

  I was going to get a new 2010 Camaro, but the dealers were charging 6-10k dealer markup, pushing the V8 version of the car out of my price range. So, I wanted an American made V8 car, with horsepower and was fun to drive. Not many of those still being made by U.S.auto manufacturers. I decided on the Mustang for its looks, excellent ride quality, horsepower, blazingly fast acceleration in the 5-speed GT version I bought, and Ford had employee pricing on the car. Only thing is the interior, my right knee hits the edge of the dash so in long drives its a little discomforting. Other than that, the car delivers more bang for your buck than the Camaro could ever hope to accomplish.

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  The best car I have ever owned - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By melinda taylor - January 29 - 8:17 pm

  I love this car. It handles get in all weather. It is heavy and holds the road so much better than the 04 Mustang I traded in and I loved that car but this one with the v8 engine rocks. I enjoy every minute I am driving.

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  Whats the word? T-Bird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gary - January 29 - 7:51 pm

  I bought my 96 V8 about two months ago. I love it, wouldnt want any other car in the world. Im getting some BF Goodrich tires tomorrow. Runs like a champ every time I turn that key it makes me grin. The interior is awesome and with some hood scoops on the exterior it looks like a mean car.

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  Nice Car - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By Joe - January 29 - 5:35 pm

  Traded 2000 Sable. Taurus steering requires very little effort - like the old power steering days. Very comfortable. A very quiet car: No tire noise, very little road or wind noise. Love the big trunk. Good engine performance. Transmission pauses a bit when cold. On straight, flat open Interstate - got 28 mpg with AWD. Like position of information center buttons. Sirius radio nice to have.

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  The base model isnt really a "base model" - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Jake - January 29 - 5:11 am

  Ive had my fusion just a little over 2 weeks and Im in love with it. Even though it is a base model, it still has a lot of cool features and it really isnt a "base model"