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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  1995 Ford Taurus GL 6 cy 3.8 ltr engine - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Donna Richmond - September 5 - 6:50 pm

  This car is the best car we have ever had! The transmission just recently wont shift out of gear and will only go 25 miles per hour, with over 480,000 miles on it! We had the first transmission replaced at 40,000 miles under warranty and has rode fine ever since. It has had regular maintenence plus, a radiator, water and fuel pump, along with a couple of electric starters since we first got it as a program car with 8,000 miles on it. It is great driving across the country as well as around town. It hugs the curves of a windy road wonderfully, is smooth on a gravel road, and great in rain or snow. It is an extremely reliable car.

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  Its a great car! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By SOLD - September 5 - 12:16 pm

  Swore off buying new cars and went 20 years between them. Ford Fusion had the right combination of options and quality! Those added to the unbeatable price pushed me over the edge. I like the interior, exterior and the gas mileage is great. Super quiet and smooth ride. Ford nailed it with the 2010 Fusion.

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  My Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Ken - September 5 - 8:46 am

  This is my second Ford Focus and I love it. It is fun to drive, great on vacations and a very comfortable small car.

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  Great Stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By KIKI - September 4 - 11:33 pm

  Great car, dollar for dollar the most gratifying car Ive owned. After coming off a slug slow but reliable BMW this is a very fun exciting ride. Wifes Audi which left our world last month feeling like a recovering crack addict, put her in the new 2009 flex. Average mileage 60% city 40% freeway/speedway southern california avg hghwy speed 80 mph overall mileage 21 on the Mustang v-8 quite impressive. Cant say enough about this car plan to hit 300k before retirement then it will still be worth a rebuild for weekend duties and fun.

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  Focus ST - 2.3 Litres of Pure Fun! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By fast07st - September 4 - 12:58 pm

  I have the 2007 ST - a special performance model. The 2.3 L engine delivers good power (151 HP) and great torque (154 lbs) at a low rpm. It is more than adequate, better still can be easily improved. The cars upgraded suspension handles great at high speeds and is still comfortable to drive. Its very stable and responsive (the euro spec ST & SVT heritage helps here). Brakes are also very good with 4 wheel disk and ABS. Winter driving is helped by the traction control, heated seats & mirrors. Summer is fun w/ the sunroof, A/C & the great sounding Sony speakers and tuned stereo with a sub. I found the car very well optioned for the price. I look forward to drive it as much as possible.

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  I love this car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By judy g - September 4 - 11:01 am

  Purchased this car 2 weeks ago and I love it. Test drove many others and kept coming back to the Fusion. I am currently coming out of a Camry and I was afraid that I would be disappointed in the quality of another brand, I couldnt have been more wrong. I am more than impressed with everything about this vehicle. I went with the v6 and glad that I did, for the difference in mileage from a 4 cyl, its nice to know that you have the power if you need it and the engine noise is much more quieter.

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  new buyer - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By fireemt345 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  So far its a good truck have not found any thing to complain about.

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  Explorer XLT_Love It!! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JoJo9870 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our Dodge Durango on the Explorer. What a difference! Even my husband agrees and he really isnt a "Ford" person. I think we made a believer out of him!

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  NICE! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Christine - September 3 - 10:50 pm

  This is as close to heaven as you can possibly get while on this earth! Though I must say that I would have preferred an original ‘64 1/2, this car is just as great to own, drive, and ride in. If you have the means I highly recommend picking one up; even if only for a test drive or as a rental car. This car will make even the biggest nerd feel like a star! I have been in love with these cars for as long as I can remember and this car is the only one that I would even consider categorizing as one of my favorite cars, beside the original ‘64 1/2 red with white wall tires and white leather interior and a white convertible top, with all original parts.

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  Love it! - 2003 Ford Escort
  By wayne - September 3 - 4:15 pm

  I bought my 2003 ZX2 a few months ago because I needed a more reliable and economical vehicle. It more than met my expectations. Its the first 4cyl Ive had and Im suprised by the power. I couldnt find one with a 6 speed option. Thats my only complaint but the mileage is great and the power is suprising. Im sure Ill be driving this car for many years.