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 car I ever had. - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By joe henricks - January 28 - 11:47 am

  This is my 7th car. I owned mainly Honda accord and Nissan Altima. I dont like American cars, bu I have to say this Mustang really rocks. Better reability and low cost maintenance tha my previous Honda Accord Coupe. Best choice ever!

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  Awesome Vehicle - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Kynan R - January 28 - 3:41 am

  I can pretty say this is the best vehicle I have owned thus far. Ive killed potholes, ran into snowbanks, and this car just wont bend, except for a little exterior damage. Cruise control just went out last week, but for 200k miles, its about time something did. So far, that is the only thing other than routine stuff that Ive had to replace. Stock sound is awesome, road noise is quiet until about 60, suspension is not quite as stiff as many say, and the backseat is just perfect for the poodle. Overall, fantastic racing vehicle, not so great for family time or winter four-wheeling.

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  Not bad for an American Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Foreign Car Buyer - January 27 - 11:43 pm

  The car feels good around me. Comfortable ride, great vision, low noise, responsive handling.

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  Still great after all these years - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Bobby Holden - January 27 - 10:51 pm

  Ive had my Probe GT since 2000 now and its just as reliable as the 89 probe LX I had in the 90s. They always started for me as long as the battery was worth a darn. They dont require any more maintence than any other modern car with O2 sensors and fuel injection. They actually are way less complicated than cars made after 2000 that have crap like O2 sensors built into the catalatic converter and other mergers of components that make repair more expensive and upgrades impossable. The avalible upgrades are endless, from Lambo doors to head- light conversions the only limitation is your wallet. Horsepower is easily beefed up. Most cars wish they had upgrades like this avalible. A++ always!

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  So far so good - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By John - January 27 - 4:55 pm

  Bought my first new car after nearly 40 years behind the wheel to take advantage of bargains. Found the Fusion to be a good fit when gussied up with a moon roof. Very well handling as two deer can testify in my first week of driving it. I expected better gas mileage than 22.5, but it gets 30 on the interstates. Overall, this is a reason I will go to Ford first when buying my next car. My previous experiences with GM and Chrysler had me looking across the ocean for my next car a serious problem for a union man and economic nationalist.

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  First car in 20 years - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By brb923 - January 27 - 4:19 pm

  After 20 years of regular cab 2wd trucks, I could finally buy myself a car. Ink Blue Fusion with the Blue Suede package,4 cyl, 5 speed and Sync. At 1500 miles its fun to drive, laid out well, gets 29 mpg on the hiway and is just plain comfortable to be in. Everything feels tight. It handles well and the suspension is firm enough without being rough. Drove 780 miles in a single day and never hurt anywhere or really had to stop other than for the normal reasons

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  A good clasic truck - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By otoniel - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This truck is one of the best truck you can find. i recomend this truck.

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  focus on fun - 2004 Ford Focus
  By rhbaker1995 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The ford focus is a well built fun to drive inexpensive vehicle and for all you hot rodders there are also an abundance of performance parts for this vehicle I highly recommend the focus for anyone who is looking for inexpensive transportation that is reliable fun to drive and looks good

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  Focus wagon Excellant to the travler - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dthatsme - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I normally drive a C 5 Vette but on the road for work I drive the Focus Loaded wagon interior all leather excellant gas saver and a lot of space for hauling what I need in the work force.Im a Quality Rep. and highly recomend this car.

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  Best Ive Bought - 2004 Ford Escape
  By TJW - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the best and last vehicle I will buy, no problems, great handling, alot of power.