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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  I thought is was a FORD - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mitch - June 6 - 11:43 am

  Recently purchased my Fusion and I absolutely love it. I needed a commuter car and got a luxury car instead. The SEL V-6 is well put together and seems to love being on the road.

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  Not like the "Good Old Days"... better! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By DrFed - June 6 - 10:24 am

  Ive just turned 30,000 miles and have enjoyed each one of them. No reliability issues. Have only seen the dealer for routine service. This car is my daily-driver, rain, shine or snow. It has never failed to get me home, even in the snow! Ive added a strut tower brace and a more-efficient (louder) exhaust. The exhaust seems to have helped the gas-mileage (avg 21- 22mpg mixed city/freeway). It is a comfortable car to take a trip in and the 500 watt stereo is fine. No squeaks or rattles.

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  More than enough power, best mpg - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ward - June 6 - 10:06 am

  This car hit the mark, great mpg, great comfort and practical performance at a great price. I have had the E500 and everything in between. Fords 500 is the best, period. As gas prices hit $2.20 I laughed to the bank getting 31+ hwy. Avg is 26.7 during my 45 mile commute to work.

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  Bad To The Bone - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By gypsy - June 6 - 9:17 am

  I bought my 06 Silver GT brand new, and only have 7,100 miles on it. Have the 5 speed manual trans. which is the only way to go. Have added lots of goodies to it to pump up the HPs, and replaced the stock mufflers with MAC. Sounds totally awesome. Added louvers, hood scoop & blackout panel on the trunk lid. I totally love this car, and the way I feel right now, will keep it for as long as Im around. I still get a thrill when I get behind the wheel, and never have a shortage of people telling me how great it looks.

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  Loving my new Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Sarah M - June 5 - 1:23 pm

  I have had my Flex for 2 weeks now. It rides very smoothly and plush. The interior is nicely appointed. It drives nicely in the city and on the highway. The SYNC system was easy to set up -- dont know how I ever lived with out it. I will never ever buy a vehicle without SYNC -- I am hooked! Industry leading technology. We are able to load up the kids, their friends and all their gear with no problems. Gas mileage so far has been averaging 23 mpg (mixture of highway and city driving)

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  2008 Mustang GT California Special - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By L. Archambeault - June 5 - 11:52 am

  I use my GT/CS as a toy, just for special occasions or just to cruise in good weather. I owned a Blue 1965 Mustang 2+2 fastback in 1969, got my orders for Vietnam, then sold the car. I ordered my car due to the retro look, I love it. Vista Blue with all the goodies. I am disappointed in the lack of a quality clear coat on the paint. I have less than 1200 miles on the car, with 2 paint chips on the hood, plus a pebble put a ding in my windshield. I love the 2-tone charcoal and parchment interior. I feel 19 years old again, she is a keeper !

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  Ford has a Winner! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By jmcneer - June 5 - 9:23 am

  Ford has neatly blended the key engineering features of an SUV and a family sedan to provide a unique vehicle that has the handling, surefootedness, and road visibility to provide a comfortable and confident ride in any weather. The incorporation of Volvos frame, AWD system, and safety awareness combined with Fords V6 3L engine and the CVT should make this sedan an attractive vehicle to a variety of consumers. All of this combined with a variety of useful instrumentation features gives this car the feel of a luxury sedan for an affordable price!! Gas mileage has been impressive so far- only driven 1000 miles but have averaged 19/28mpg. Not bad for an AWD with adequate power.

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  Good car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Gris - June 5 - 7:39 am

  This car has down every thing it is supposed to, run without any trouble. Change the oil and put gas in it and maybe air up the tires that is all I have done to it. Its comfortable and handles like a dream. I test drove the Camry...I should say, rented one in FL it was brand new and I was pretty inpressed with it unit I went to close the door an the side panel fell out. It just popped out in my hands with almost no effort. Not my idea of quality. The new Accord is ugly and expensive so off to the Ford dealer I went.

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  Top Notch Ride - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jeremy Kutz - June 5 - 6:23 am

  What a great car! As a loyal Ford owner for over 20 years of my life this is by far the best vehicle Ive owned. Although Ive never owned a luxury car before it sure does feel like I do now. The car handles like it is on rails and has features I never dreamed Id have in a vehicle. I constantly get compliments on the car and observe frequent rubber necking while driving. Regardless of your preference for vehicle manufacturers, this vehicle is a must test drive for anyone serious about purchasing a performance sedan.

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  Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mimi - June 5 - 12:13 am

  I am a Ford person. I have owned six and I have to say I love this car. It is fun to drive and great on gas. I have the sync and the Siruis radio. Cant get better than that.