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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  owner - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Linda Hancock - November 10 - 6:36 am

  The interior of this vehicle is done nicely and all comforts are provided for, i.e. heated seats, moon roof, cd, etc. One design flaw I do not like is having to turn OFF the overdrive instead of turning it ON. By this method, you drive a lot for awhile around town before you remember you should have turned it off. Also, the gauges on the dash are somewhat hard to view while driving, especially the dark panel during the day - doesnt show up but most new cars are like this. Other than those, Im am very happy.

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  Concerned about brakes - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Tammy - November 9 - 3:17 pm

  I got my Freestyle last year as a Christmas gift after my van was totaled. I absolutely love it. It is so comfortable and easy to get in and out of. I have 2 kids so the third row seat is a blessing. We can travel and the boys each have their own space. Every trip we have taken has been great. I have back and hip trouble and I havent had to stop and stretch or take any breaks it is so comfy to ride in.

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  Ford Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Greg Ploof - November 9 - 2:20 pm

  I traded my 05 Chrysler Sebring for this Ford Fusion and its the best trade I ever made! This car is awesome! You can really tell the quality, handles great, lots of room, trunk has more space then any other car Ive owned. Most of all is comfort and the great looks of this 08 Fusion. I would recommend this to anyone needing room for a mid size car. Hopefully as I go along here I can update this in time, give more updates on this Fusion.

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  Love at first drive - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By jt - November 9 - 2:11 pm

  I got my bird with only 7,000 miles on it in 96. V-8. Perform routine maintenance and have had no major problems. If you dont perform routine maintenance then any car, foreign or domestic will have problems. If you take care of this car it will go the miles. I have over 100,000 miles on mine. I cannot find another car that comes close to my bird in comfort or styling (and I haved looked, cause I love that new car smell). I wont be letting it go anytime soon. I am actually saving to get it painted and getting new rims.

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  Heck of a truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By rvcbiomed - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Best truck on the market

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Buckeye - November 8 - 6:35 pm

  Got a excellent deal on a great vehicle. Test drove many brands, but came back to the Fusion. This car rides beautifully and the interior with Black Leather is gorgeous. Thought about waiting until the 2010 model came out, but the deal was too good to pass. Car is still brand new so hopefully Ill feel good about my choice a year from now. The bonus is that CR rated 6 family sedans as reliable and 2 of them were the Fusion & Milan. Also, stated that Ford as a Brand was on par with the Japanese brands.

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  So far so good - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Yemats - November 8 - 11:10 am

  This car performs better than I expected for the cost. The mileage is somewhat disappointing with the automatic -- only about 25, mostly highway. It has plenty of power and handles great, very smooth and quiet. The only problem I have experienced is a malfunctioning hatch release.

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  Best car ever owned - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Momasauras44 - November 7 - 9:59 am

  My Contour was bought for 2,500 with 97,000 miles. I really enjoy my car. I drive it all over town for my job. Ive been told its a cute little get around car. I agree. It now has 127,000 and needing some minor repairs. The timing belt, alternator and steering pulley. All in all, a really great little car.

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  God I Just Love It! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mr. Lincoln - November 6 - 7:43 pm

  I knew exactly what I wanted when I ordered mine. After a brief comparison of similar vehicles on the web, I found that there are no other vehicles in its class or price range that can be equipped with so many options. I have an SE with about every option you can put on it, this means it is nicer and cheaper than an SES. I didnt buy the car for its looks, but now that I have tinted the window and added molded mud flaps, it is a darn good looking car. Gray of course makes the car, especially when considering that color is not available for an SES. Basically, anyone who wants a nice focus, dont go for the SES because the same features standard on that model are more expensive. I am so happy!

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  I love this car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By chris - November 6 - 4:49 pm

  I bought this car with 165k on it in jan of 08. It now has 200k on it. I have replaced the wheel bearings, the serpentine belt, and tires. It is by far the cheapest and most reliable car I have ever owned. I would recommend it to anyone. Im kinda upset they stopped making them. When or if this one dies I will be buying another one.