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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  My Pony Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ct - September 19 - 3:56 am

  This is my third Mustang. I started with a 6 cylinder. and never looked back. Number two was a GT and now I own the best looking 2005 GT made. White with red stripes. This is the greatest car I have ever owned. Power, performance and personality. From the red stripes to the red leather interior to the dash, this car says power. I recommend only the 5 speed. Why buy a GT then go with the auto transmission. Short shift is very easy, even in traffic. This is an all around great car. I love my pony.

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  Best Hybrid Sedan To Date - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By John W. - September 17 - 9:00 pm

  I loved the sync system and the ipod sync. The built in navigation is great also. I used to fill up twice a week with my old car, now I only fill up the tank once a week. I would never buy a car without a back up camera now. It will help you get into those tight places in the city.

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  Competes with Camry for cost of Corolla - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Don - September 17 - 7:57 pm

  No car can match the features in the same price range. Very pleased. Consistently gets over 35 mpg hwy, 30 city. Best was 40.1 mpg on a trip of 280 miles, fully loaded! Most of car (60% +) is Mazda 6, platform, so this is no recycled Taurus. Very agile at 3100 lbs, brakes stop hard, and 4 banger has same acceleration as a 5 cyl Jetta. Seats are super comfortable, and trunk is large, equal to my midsize cougar. Best bang for the buck.

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  Happy until... - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ken - September 17 - 12:57 pm

  Very pleased with my Fusion for the first 38,00 miles. First problem was the tires that came on the car wore out in 20,000 miles, I normally get around 40,000, next the key could not be removed from the ignition. Dealer replaced button on the shift lever, $206. Now the drivers side door handle broke, unable to open door from inside. Having checked with dealer yet on repair cost.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Doc - September 17 - 1:16 am

  I traded in my Nissan for the Five Hundred SEL and am so happy. I now get up to 30 mpg (hwy), have great visibility and a huge trunk. Although critics have said the engine is underpowered I disagree. When I want to pass I tap the gas and it takes off. My insurance went down due to the cars safety features. Ford got it right with the Five Hundred and I recommend this car to everyone. Go drive one and see for yourself.

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  Almost too well built - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Bones - September 16 - 9:30 pm

  Ive owned two of these cars, the last one I still own. Its almost as if this car was built way before its time. Now with gas what it is, I hear less and less laughing. Its pretty obvious in cars of this size bueracracy is the only thing standing between fuel economy and cars that boast of 23 MPG. This car gets 40 MPG all day long. My buddy and I collected 7 of these cars way before cas went up. We made topless parade vehicles, drove them and parted them. Now, we always have parts and drive like-new 93s. It was dumb luck, but oh-so-sweet. I drive mine around town, he bounces back and forth to Key west in his. They are a dream at 70, but commute like motorcycles.

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  Best Car Ever!! - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By qaguy1982 - September 16 - 11:39 am

  I purchased the 2001 Econoline with the Traveler package and the 5.4L engine when I was a Boy Scout leader with two kids in college. I had blown the shocks on my previous minivan 3 times hauling boys and heavy scout gear. We wanted something equipped similar to a mini van but not a full conversion van. Found the van on a lot with the Traveler package. As others have mentioned it was much cheaper than the larger SUVs and holds more cargo. Nothing but brake pads and tires to replace for the first 10 years. Mileage could be better but try and move the same amount of gear and people with sedans and you will buy a lot more gas since you will need more cars.

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  Best Domestic I Have Owned - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus Owner Indiana - September 16 - 5:28 am

  I purchased a year ago, and 22,000 miles later, this has been one great car. This is a large car, and for the class, the ride and handling are better than expected. It is no barn burner, but acceleration is very good, and the ride is very good. The car is comfortable, quiet and rides well. I almost bought the Avaolon, but I wanted AWD and back up sensors in a large car. The saftey factor and visibility, and the fact that the ride and quietness rival the Avalon won me over. The car has been cheap to own, and trouble free. Coming out of German cars the last 10 years, this is a nice change. I like the bold looks, even with the over the top use of chrome. Mileage on highway is very good, city OK

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  This truck is awesome - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Mike C - September 15 - 4:06 pm

  This truck has it all. Great engine (4L), great looks (flareside bed), great interior (bucket seats), great ride, and great dealer. Metallic Ice Blue paint gets comments everywhere. Fit and finish is superb. 6-CD in dash stereo rocks. This is a REAL truck for people who love trucks. Only negative is gas mileage (17mpg avg) - but hey- its 4WD and was no surprise. Got a great deal too (bought at invoice)!

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  Dream Car or truck it has it all - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Teri - September 15 - 12:16 pm

  Has good acceleration, comfortable to ride in, easy to handle. The side rails are a must have if youre going to use it as a family car. I thought the moonroof was just an extra expense - boy was I wrong. Its great for evening drives. If you open the moonroof on the open road, you need to open the rear windows a little to cut the roar; if you dont the interior is very noisy.