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:

• 

  Good car more or less - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By JScharlie - November 20 - 9:42 pm

  Planned on a Altima. The selling price gave me more car for my money. Overall quality is very good with the exception of noticable gaps along the door at the main pillar. The traction control has too much lag. It can be kind of irritating when getting started at a green light. The climate controls are set too low so I have to take my eyes off the raod to adjust. The four cylindar cruises very well on the highway. Road noise is very good for a car in this class. Rear visibility is not the best. The car handles very well. Taking a 270 degree off ramp at 50 mph is kind of fun. Overall, I would recommend this car.

• 

  Lovin it! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bill OConnell - November 20 - 7:30 pm

  It is a pleasure to drive. Right after I bought it, I drove it across country and really enjoyed the ride. It handles well and is full of power when you need it. I would like to see a few interior changes. It seems to be a solid and well built, but I would like a few more creature comforts inside. My vehicle before this was a Chrysler Town & Country. Ford should study that interior and copy a few things. I miss not having the temperature and direction display (plus average miles displayed digitally). I wish the rear seats would lift out. I get about 31.8 MPG average. All in all I love it. I plan to buy a second one soon. I rave about to all my friends.

• 

  If you are a doubter then read this - 2009 Ford F-150
  By doug - November 20 - 4:41 pm

  Second F150, first was a 5.4 that I put 170000.00 on. Well now they made it even better! A little more juice from the 5.4 and the 6 speed is a doll and you feel like the truck knows you, and the seats are more comfortable, they werent bad before! Yea others may have more power but they dont have the low end grunt, this beast is a pleasure to drive.

• 

  Tons of fun in the sun - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Dan - November 20 - 3:27 pm

  I have had many convertibles and sports cars and my GT is right up there with the best ever for all around fun and value. I also have not had many vehicles that get so many people coming over to check it out--a real eye pleaser.

• 

  Its a Ford! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Glueman - November 20 - 2:47 pm

  Bought dealer loaner car used with low miles and certified for 6 years. Have driven as a rental. This is the best car we have ever own in 30 years. Looked at all cars that compete with Fusion. This car compares well and is priced lower than anything else except Hyundai on price. Reliability is rated very high and no major recalls. Go easy on gas petal and the Fusion does amazingly well on gas, up to 35mpg on freeway! 4 cyl. more than enough to get this midsized car going. Love it! When its time to replace my 01 VW Golf Ill be looking at the Fusion hybrid in the future.

• 

  TTU Fan - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By drc1 - November 20 - 9:52 am

  I have just traded for an 05 Taurus. First one Ive had. Bought it used with 57,000 miles. Looks like all of the reviews are great. Looks like no one had any transmission problems. That always a concern when buying a used car. It rides great and getting 18mpg so far. Not too bad. Partly in town and out. Got a great trade in deal. Seems like the Taurus does have have a good trade in value. Bought it at the end of the month. Maybe that was the reason.

• 

  Future Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dan Russo - November 20 - 4:46 am

  The Ford Freestyle is an awesome vehicle. The ride and comfort is great. I love not going broke at the gas pump. These crossover vehicles are the future. Theyre less expensive than SUVs and are better on gas. Ford did an excellent job with this vehicle. Perfect!

• 

  great car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By good car - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Roomy, great long distance car, comfortable, powerful, good handing, can sleep in back with seats down,have not had 1 problem.

• 

  2003 Explorer XLT - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 03 Exp XLT - November 20 - 2:00 am

  With this SUV, Ford is delivering quality, equal safety scores and better reliability than many "status- seekers" like MB and BMW. The much more realistic cost of ownership puts this vehicle on top with me. Great solidity and quiet ride.

• 

  Excellant 4x4 in snow - 2004 Ford Escape
  By audreyc - November 20 - 12:11 am

  Our Escape is a great 4x4 in Maine winters. 92,000 miles and no problems. Tires can be noisy when you get over 50 mph. The handling of the Escape is great able to make tight turns when you are in the Wal-mart parking lot.