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:

• 

  very pleased - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sam - November 12 - 7:36 pm

  Surprised and pleased is an understatement. The only complaint is the hum at lower speed from the CVT transmission. Above 45 though you cant hear it. So called fancy clock is poorly designed. It could be a classy addition but is difficult to read.

• 

  Ford Escape Hybrid is a Plus - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Barry - November 12 - 7:13 pm

  I purchased the Ford Escape Hybrid one month ago and the mpg has been about what Ford said it would be. 33 on the highway and about 37 mpg in the city. It handles well and is a pleasure to drive. As gas prices continue to soar, my decision to purchase the Hybrid looks better and better!

• 

  97 Ex EB 4x4 - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By jfogle01 - November 12 - 3:14 pm

  Well, Ive had this truck for just over 3 years now and have tickled pink since day one. Dont get me wrong, there have been a few issues such as having to replace 4 spark-pugs and their respective ignition coils (250 a pop really stinks for the coils!), 2 tires back in 06, and most recently had to replace the right head on the motor because the #5 plug blew out of the head damaging the head to the point that it could not be repaired - only replaced! Boy that was fun! Other than that, I couldnt ask for a better truck. Yes, fuel economy stinks. 11.6 m/g avg since I bought it, but I still love it. Just turned 150,000 and hope to get anothre 150,000 out of it, if not more!

• 

  I survived and so will you - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Adrienne - November 12 - 2:59 pm

  I bought my car for travel, commuting, and the large cargo space. I never thought it would save my life. After performing above industry spec for four years my car was hit head on and broadsided. Both air bags deployed, crumple zones crumpled and center bars held. I was able to climb out of my car the other to cars did not hold up as well. While searching for a new car there was only one car to look at the Ford Focus, now I just have to decide which model I want. I highly recommend it for teenagers and mothers with young kids. Trips to home depot and the grocery store in this car never left me wondering where things might fit.

• 

  New and Blue - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By cdlytle69 - November 12 - 4:50 am

  2006 Vista Blue, light graphite cloth, auto., interior upgrade package, 18" polished aluminum, front side airbags, active anti-theft, locking lug nuts, unfortunately basic stereo, working on changing that. Basic isnt bad, but Ive heard too much about the Shakers and now I want one. Still breaking it in, but its sweeeeet (to borrow a Dodge phrase).

• 

  Ford Fusion is the best. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Lee - November 11 - 2:20 pm

  I have owned many many cars in my 46 years of driving. The 2007 Ford Fusion is the best. You cant best it for the price as well as performance and comfort.

• 

  Love it! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Karen - November 11 - 2:13 pm

  Love the car. Great ride and comfort on trips to Jersey and back to Virginia. Trunk fits all my daughters softball gear and all of our chairs and coolers with room to spare. Mileage on the highway to and from is 29 or so. Make it from Virginia to Jersey on half a tank. Wow!

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By JoeCool - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I considered buying the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima; however I found all three of those to offer shortcomings. The Honda Accords styling I found odd and ugly, the Toyota Camrys responses I found to be dull and slothful, and the Nissan Altimas ride was harsh and its styling looking too much like something a boy-racer would want. Then I saw the Fusion. It looked classy and sophisticated - a few people on the street thought it was a BMW until they saw the badge on the front. The car handles great, has great pep, and best of all the interior is genuinely useful - great car.

• 

  Great Truck -- My first Ford Product - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Steve - November 10 - 6:36 pm

  Ford has finally built the best truck on the market, period. This truck was built for people who drive trucks. The details in the design are great. It rides like a car, drives like my luxury car, and is made like a tank. The only competitor was the Tundra, but it doesnt come close to the quality of this vehicle. The Super Crew has tons of room with the 4 doors. The Triton/5.4L is horse. The LineX bedliner is a must. Great add-on. Ill check back in 10 years when Ive put 200,000 miles on it. Awesome job, Ford.

• 

  A reliable vehicle that saved my life - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Cara - November 10 - 11:20 am

  I got this car in college and used it to drive back and forth to ski races around the northeast. It handled amazingly well on snow, plowed effortlessly through deep snow, and also performed well on the highway. My only gripe at all is the low gas mileage, but thats due to the V8 engine. My main feedback about this vehicle is related to safety. I recently totaled this vehicle in a crash. I skid out of control on a gravel road (went around a curve too fast), launched off an embankment and rolled 7 times. My friend and I walked away with little more than bruises. Anyone who has ever seen photos of the crash is amazed--this vehicle held up like a tank!