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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  Mach won - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Shaun Fisher - July 25 - 8:47 pm

  Great vehicle since purchase, enjoyable drive from dealership to home (700mi.). Truly the best all around vehicle. Use it for drag racing, daily driving, crusin, sunday drive & etc.

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  Impressive given its import competition - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By John Cain - July 25 - 3:33 pm

  I came off of a 2005 F150 Supercrew lease and had been looking at several vehicles. They included the Camry, Accord and Sonata. I also looked at the new Taurus. All fine cars. The Taurus is just huge when compared to the rest. I found the Fusion to be well priced given its features and reviews. Its quiet, well mannered, and generally a pleasure to drive. The gas mileage is better than rated but then again compared to an F150 almost anything car-like is. The old adage of "have you driven a Ford lately" really drives home the feeling I get with the Fusion. Try one, you just might like it.

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  Still rolling - 1992 Ford F-250
  By tom - July 25 - 8:34 am

  The can be no better vehicle. I drove a Chevy three quarter ton with a 454 engine for just over 125,000 miles. Then I bought my Ford F-250 diesel. Now after more than 223,000 miles I still enjoy it. The only problem I have had is a rough shift from first gear to second gear, so I just manually shift from 2 to Drive. Air conditioner has never had to be charged. I change the oil every three thousand miles. The paint has held up really well (white). All my friends keep asking when I will get me a new truck. I see no need to spend $30,000, when you have a great 1991 Ford F-250.

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  Great car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Gary S. - July 25 - 6:16 am

  This is the first car I have owned in past 15 years. Always drove a pickup. Wanted something that would do well in the snow and be fun to drive. So far have not been disappointed. This car with AWD does great in the snow and is a blast to drive. Love the size of the trunk.

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  FLEX is Awesome! Germans Want Twice Cash - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Marco Palm - July 25 - 12:13 am

  Oh My God, this truck rides like a $100,000 BMW. We just returned from Jacksonville back to Virgina, and could not believe the ride, stability, awesome visibility. Absolutely freaking love this Ford Flex.

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  Short andloves it!! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By slg - July 24 - 11:55 pm

  As a 51 woman, mine is super comfortable! My seat adjusts every which way possible! My car came with Michelins on it, smooth ride with little road noise, less than my Altima! We traded in a 2005 Nissan Altima that I had put 89,000 miles on in 38 months, trust me! The Edge is a good performing car too, has plenty of power. My gas mileage stinks, but that is my fault! Sync is great, although "Debbie" hears what she wants sometimes. Good style and design! I love it! Bought it because my sister has an 07 and loves it too! We knew all baby stuff would fit and we had outgrown my car! Husbands knees no longer hit!

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  A Gem in the Ford SUV Lineup - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By abodao - July 24 - 10:47 pm

  This is the first long road trip weve taken with our new-(bought used), Ford Freestyle, automatic, 3.0 liter engine. We loaded the car with 6 adults, an 18 cubic foot cartop luggage carrier and filled the somewhat cramped luggage space in the back. This car worked flawless. A smooth, effortless ride up the mountain passes and well controlled ride with plenty of brake reserve on the downhill runs. The ride for all passengers was smooth and comfortable. When we did hit those few rough road conditions the car absorbed all but the deepest ruts and bumps. In heavy traffic we were able to accelerate, brake and move with ease in spite of our heavy load. A breeze to park and maneuver.

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  Escape XLT 6 cylinder - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Robert Campbell - July 24 - 9:56 am

  This my first SUV. Checked out all the other SUVs over a two month period, but kept coming back to the Escape. Had it only one week and then took a road trip from Florida to Michigan and put 4000 miles on it on flat highways and mountains and got approximately 26.5 mpg on the flats and 25.5 in the mountains. I think 4,000 miles is a good test drive. I am 6 ft.; have leather seats that were comfortable with great back support that I had no trouble driving for 12 hours (with rest stops every two hours) in one day. I love it and would recommend the Escape XLT V6 auto to anyone.

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  VERY SATISFIED OWNER - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By George Marchini - July 24 - 6:30 am

  I have driven this car 8,500 miles and average gas mileage is 24.2 since day 1. I took a trip to Ohio that was approx 1100 miles. The car was a very comfortable ride. Smooth and quiet.

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  Nice Family Truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By torelico - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We needed a vehicle with four doors, and wanted a truck, and I had wanted an Explorer for years. Voila - Everything we needed/wanted in one vehicle. MPG isnt as good as stated on the sticker, but otherwise, great vehicle!