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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  Amazing Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Brad - September 3 - 3:03 pm

  We purchased the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid in September 2009. Weve been a Honda family since 1991 and were initially leaning toward a 2009 Honda Accord EX-L. The Honda dealership was across the street from Ford so we decided to check out the Fusion Hybrid since we heard it was nice car. Once we drove it we were sold. Great ride--super handling, quiet, solid feel. The biggest advantages over the Accord were the high tech features. The navigation system, SYNC, and blind spot awareness system are fantastic and either werent offered or simply were nicer than Hondas. Mileage has come in at 38.5 so far in combined driving. Im really impressed by Ford now. Amazing car...

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  2011 Fiesta HB SE-Great Car! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By dawndjs - September 3 - 2:03 pm

  I have had my car for 3 weeks today and have gone 3000 miles thus far. This car exceeds my expectations in gas mileage, handling and features. Fiesta is quiet (no road noise) and the auto volume adjustment is great when you open/close the window and change speeds. Living in the mountains I needed a car that could handle the climb and has good cornering: this car does it and still gets good mileage. Fiesta is able to maintain its speed going up steep terrain without a problem. Ford has outdone itself with this little gem. It is very affordable with all the features added as well as feels like youre in a higher class car.

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  Two years of ownership, still loving it! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mary - September 3 - 7:57 am

  I purchased my Fusion new in August 2006. It currently has 17,025 miles on it and I average 25.6 City and 28.4 Hwy MPG. It is a far better car than I had expected. My friends call it my baby Cadillac. It sure rides like one! Best car investment I had made so far!

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  My Ford 500 Limited - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jasons Dawgs - September 2 - 11:46 pm

  My wife and I traded in our TrailBlazer and bought our Ford 500 in April of 2007. I have taken several trips from Charleston South Carolina to Cleveland Ohio with our family. The vehicle is very comforting for long trips, and theres tons of trunk space. Ford definitely kepf safety in mind when they built this car. Five star crash test ratings. I would recomend this vehicle to anyone.

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  I Love My Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By TJTrails - September 2 - 9:26 pm

  I wasnt sure what I wanted when I went looking for a new vehicle, I only knew it had to have enough room for three adult sized people to sit in comfort in the back seat and I really didnt want to settle for another minivan. The Ford SuperCrew cab was better then all the other trucks I looked at for back seat comfort. I got a great deal. It hauls my teenagers and all their related junk. With 4WD I never have to worry about getting stuck. Its comfortable on long journeys and it looks good too. Ive had my truck 8 months and I still smile every time I see it. I love my truck!

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  Nothing else like it - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Redstang - September 2 - 4:47 pm

  I have been wanting a Mustang since I rented twice on business trips over the past few years. The car is just 100% fun to drive and own. People smile when you pass by and my kids think Dad is the coolest. The car handles well for an solid axle performance car. The ride is not rock hard but firm. Gas mileage is actually decent getting between 19-25 mpg if you keep a light foot. Push the pedal and watch the car go! If you need even more power get the 500 HP Shelby GT500. This will do the job on your Hemi Challenger and the new Camaro. The 18" rims and tires are a must, they fill out the wheel wells nicely. Shaker 500 audio is almost audiophile quality. Have fun!

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  Perfect First Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By doubleblack - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the Ford ZX2 for 3 years and have had zero problems. It combines great highway fuel economy with surpising performance. No other car in this price range/age match it cornering ablities on dry roads.

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  Sport Trac takes you in style - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By David T - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the vehicle and it rides smooth. I am a 4 time jeep owner now making the switch. The practicality of this vehicle is unmatched. All the comforts of a explorer with a pickup bed.

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  Its more than big! - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Chris - September 1 - 10:16 pm

  This is my third Expedition and I still love the vehicle. Every time we compare to other SUVs and minivans. For the price and size, you cant beat it. Our last was the 4.6L 2002 model so this was a change for us. While I miss the better gas mileage, we are still getting 17 mpg. With kids, we pack heavy. Theres always plenty of room. The new design is boxier than the older style. I liked the older styles exterior better. However, the new interior is much better. The stow-away 3rd seat, and the middle bench that folds in three places is a big improvement. And as much as I miss that better MPG of the 4.6L, I love the power when I hit the gas now. Third Expedition, no complaints!

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  Dream car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By jim - September 1 - 6:07 pm

  I wanted a lime 68 as a kid but never could afford one. Now I am 50 and Ford not only brought back the color, but they made it look like what I wanted. I had been looking for a 68 or 69 in that color, which is impossible to find so I saw this 06 on the internet at my local dealer. One test drive made me realize that I didnt want an old one anymore. I got the looks coupled with power handling and a quality in the build that the 68 and 69 were lacking. So far I cant say enough good things about the car and hope to get a grabber orange to add to the 89 convertible, 98 coupe and 06 GT that I have now.