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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  Get this car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By aarondhead - May 21 - 1:31 am

  I have had my Fusion for 3 months now and I absolutly love it! Even with the 4 banger I have to pay attention or I will look down and see that I am cruising at high speed. I ave 22-26 mpg (depending on how much I am paying attention). I even stepped up and got the Sport edition, 18 inch wheels, spoiler, leather trim, moon and tune (sun and sound whatever you want to call it) with the 6 disc indash and the sound system that you can hear no matter what speed you are going. I am a Mustang guy but could not get one because of the size (I need 4 doors) but I am in no way ashamed of this car. I have had 5 grown (6 ft+) men in it and we were comfortable. Just drive it I know that you will love it!

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  Ford Has A Winner - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By kwc - May 20 - 6:51 pm

  For the price this is a hard car to beat in the sedan category. Nice ride, well laid out interior, I can listen to my ipod, plenty of room and a huge trunk. For the size mpg is not bad either, but if you have a heavy foot the mpg goes down quickly.

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  Just had to Share - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Ivanna Drivitt - May 20 - 4:46 pm

  Looking for a car that was safe, comfortable with better than average gas mileage? This is it. This car is the most effortless driving experience I have ever had and I do 30k per year. The ride is quiet, compfortable and a joy for drive and passenger. I was used to driving big cars and never thought I could get used to a vehicle this size. Was I wrong. When I test drove this car I just wanted to keep going. If you are in the market for a car you must consider this one. Mileage is never bad. If you are looking for a superior value in an automobile, you just found it. This is a car that can be driven for a long time and then passed down to kids without them complaining. Drive safe.

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  Good car for a great price - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ODay - May 20 - 4:31 pm

  For never being a Ford person I was very skeptical even test driving this vehicle. After test driving the fusion and seeing all of the extras available I became a believer. I did my research and found this to be the best car for the price I wanted. After having this car for a while I have absolutely no regrets. I am just as happy as the day I bought it. I was suprisingly happy with the highway gas milleage as I am getting on average 31 MPG. Adding in city driving I got just under 27 MPG average.

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  This is the best vehicle ever!!!! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By cctuck - May 20 - 3:53 pm

  I looked and drove all of the full size trucks in the full four door category. The F150 Super Crew is second to none. This truck rides better than any car I have ever owned. You get a car like ride, and then have the toughness of a truck. Please stop by your Ford dealer and ask for the DVD on the 2010 Truck models and watch before you make any decisions. You will see the difference, both inside and out.

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  Problem-free - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Van - May 20 - 1:11 pm

  Love it! Have owned for 12 years, and have not experienced even a single problem. 3L engine is a bit wimpy, but willing to give up squeeling tires for good fuel economy. 4-speed auto. transmission is wonderfully smooth. Has never been tuned in 50,000+ miles, but pops right off on first try in sub- zero weather.

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  The Best of All Worlds - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Amy Mooney - May 19 - 7:10 pm

  I love my Freestyle. Its AWD, sporty, and has all the best interior qualities of a minivan. The gas mileage is about 24 mpg highway. It looks like an SUV, handles like a car, and the interior is roomy like a minivan. Its the best of all worlds.

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  My 3rd. Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Mustangman - May 18 - 10:44 pm

  My first was a 1967 coupe, after that I was hooked. Then came the 2001 Bullet, then the 2007 GT/CS. I have loved them all. Driving this new one is a blast if your in town or on the highway or at the drag strip. It handles very well. The fit and finish inside and out are above avg. The Shaker 500 stereo is awesome.(wish I would have got the 1000 though) I have done a few minor mods and am pleased with the results. This 3 valve motor responds well to modifications.

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  Great Value - The Best 7 Passanger AWD - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By John I - May 18 - 9:09 pm

  Just turned 49,900 miles on my 2007 Freestyle Limited AWD. This is the best 7 passenger vehicle AWD out there. It has been through mud, sand and snow and is unstoppable. Consistently gets 20-22 mpg in combined driving in New Jersey. Back and forth Florida to New Jersey a couple of times, and the vehicle is very easy to handle. Much better in crosswinds than any SUV and just as comfortable inside. The AWD drive system from Volvo in this thing is the best, and at a much lower price than a Volvo.

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  An Almost Luxury SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By SneakyE - May 18 - 8:03 pm

  I have owned my 2006 Explorer for 2 months now. I was impressed from the first time I drove the car. I was amazed that a body on frame "truck" could be so quiet, smooth and effortless to drive. This rides better and is quieter that the Lexus SUVs I have tried. Yet there is plenty of power with a nice growl from the V8 when needed. I have had seven adults fit comfortable in it. Even the 6 foot guy in the 3rd row said it was surprisingly roomy. I was aware of the unusual door pulls before I looked at the car and despite my concerns I dont even notice them now. I have had no problems with the fit, finish and quality of the construction so far. This is by far the best SUV I have owned.