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 vehicle - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Jeremy81 - December 30 - 1:08 pm

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owened, very reliable, very economical, fun to drive. Very sharp looking car. Six star rating. I will be trading it in next year for a newer one. I like the way the 2010 models look.

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  Its a good solid Car. - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Imsassy - December 30 - 10:36 am

  Bought the car used. Drove it for 2 years and put 48,000 miles on it. Sold it to my son as his first car. Now has 150,000 miles. Replaced the trans and timing belt. Its a great car for a first time driver. Maintenance is key, change the oil every 3months and monitor the fluids. Its not A piece of junk like others have said. Its a good solid car, and yes when the miles add up it will need repair, but show me a car with 150K on it that doesnt need repair.

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  Beauty and the Beast...All in one - 2004 Ford F-150
  By "Commish" - December 29 - 9:33 pm

  Bought this 04 SVT used. No regrets! This truck is a beast! You want a rush? Mash the pedal and if you can, hold on! You had better be ready! I get tons of looks and complements every time that I drive this beauty. Respectable MPG for such power (13/18.) Had it for 7 months now and no problems. The only complaint I have is that I dont have enough time to drive it more. I have only put 1000 miles on it.

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  99 to 08 - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By eileen - December 29 - 8:31 pm

  Got rid of my 1999 Expedition and looking to upgrade to a new SUV. My new Expedition is so much better than my 1999. The indepenent suspension is like night and day. The wood dash and leather seats tie together like a high end luxury car. This vehicle is my best by far! Price was 10 grand less then the Acadia and vehicle 10 times nicer!

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  I never thought Id own or love a Ford! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Happy Customer - December 29 - 12:50 am

  This is an amazing car that I almost passed up just because its a Ford! All model years came up in "Most Reliable Car" lists during my research on other cars, so I took it for a test drive and love how smoothly it handles-like a Subaru with the appearance of a Lexus and the inside comfort of a much more expensive car (large,comfy seats). It feels sturdy and safe, and is very quiet. Id never heard of Sync but love it-- I tell my car to "Call Home" and it does. I would definitely consider another Fusion. Best car in its class w/more features at a cheaper price than a Toyota. A lot of car for the money! I never thought I could afford something so nice brand new.

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  Nice Car or SUV or Station Wagon - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By tazman - December 28 - 10:43 pm

  We just got our Freestyle and no matter what you want to call it, it is a great car. Lots of room, smooth ride, great gas mileage and a good price for a very well equipped car. I never even heard of a Freestyle prior to hitting the Ford dealer. We were looking at the Pacifica and decided on this instead (better gas and less of a blind spot).

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  Great Truck! - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Terry - December 28 - 9:34 pm

  I love the little truck. With a 4 cylinder engine, I can only wish that it had more torque. I shouldnt complain when Im getting about 29 miles to a gallon on the highway.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By floridadriver - December 28 - 8:04 pm

  We bought our Expedition brand new and it has been great to us. Love everything about it. We had an Explorer before that we also liked but we needed a bigger car with the dogs and the boat. It is great for towing and long trips- so comfortable. I hope to drive it as long as it lasts- but I would not hesitate about getting another Expedition down the road.

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  A great truck - 2008 Ford Edge
  By BlairWitch749 - December 28 - 4:58 pm

  We wanted a family vehichle that would be versitile and thats what we got. Comfortably has 2 car seats and we got an 8 foot Christmas tree inside. Its very comfy to drive and it did well in the recent snow storm

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  2006 Mustang GT Fastback - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By peckinpaugh - December 27 - 2:16 pm

  Driving the Fastback is an experience like no other. I love it! We now have 2500 miles on the car and IÂ’ve never enjoyed a car more. Mine is black with red and black interior. We have the fancy dash you get with the leather interior. Ive had the windows tinted black and the cops follow me to the grocery store. Are they surprised when a grey haired lady steps out. Ive had Mustangs before, but they were 64s, 65s and 66s. The gas mileage is better then we had expected, although it really didnt matter to us at the time we ordered it in June, 05 I would tell anyone thinking about buying a stang, that they better do it fast, so as not to waste time. Love it, love it, love it!