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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  Follow-up at 9 months - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By GPalmer - May 18 - 7:25 pm

  Now the car has 12K miles. Hasnt seen a shop, still quiet as day one, still a really great car! Now car- pooling with 4 adults: all are comfy and comment on how roomy and the quite ride. Really cant say how impressed I am with Ford for making a great car! This is a company car provided me if they tried to recall it, Id fight like mad to buy it!

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  Great pony - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By darryl Filiatrault - May 18 - 4:07 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned. CA to Toronto, CA to Vancouver 34 mpg great. Lots less in town because I dont spare the horses lots of fun to drive. Im a large guy and find the seats guite comfy. Mine is windvail blue. Lots of aftermarket parts. Looks great .

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  I am in love with my car - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By rfranks - May 18 - 2:00 pm

  I have always wanted another Mustang since the 69 I had and I finally got it. It is everything I hoped it would be. So much fun to drive. When Im out with the top down, years and wrinkles melt away and Im young again. All my friends want one now.

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  Great for a smaller car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Robin - May 18 - 11:50 am

  After driving a GMC Jimmy, the ride is much different and cant really be compared. For a small car, it is very fun to drive and it lets me pass the gas pumps giving good gas mileage. This models standard features are great with its leather seats, 6-CD stereo pkg with controls on the steering column and cruise as well as a sunroof. Telescopic steering wheel is great especially if you and your spouse are going to drive the vehicle - saves a lot of arguments! It has great handling and when I drive this car I feel like Mario Andretti! I would recommend this car to anyone looking to save dollars on gas and is a fun to drive car.

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  Its about time domestic - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Marco - May 18 - 11:03 am

  Tried the Fusion after my bad experience with my 04 GM SUV and also for better gas mileage. I was hesitant in purchasing used but was good value for the money. It had 59k on it but runs and feels like new. This is a gas saver with a full size ride and feel. I have cut my gas bill in half. So far the best used car I have ever purchased. Ford finally got one right. Dont be afraid to at least test drive one. Things are finally getting better for us die hard north american suporters. Remember build it and they will come. Thanks for restoring my faith in North American!

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  Fusion I-4 SE - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By mikeyda17 - May 18 - 7:32 am

  I love my Ford Fusion. Car is comfortable and fun to drive. Plenty of room inside front and back, huge trunk. Im getting 30 MPG on the highway. The only drawback on this car that I can see is that the initial pick up is slow. Once you hit 40-50 mph pick up improves but initial pick up from a stop position is lacking.

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  1998 Ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ron - May 17 - 10:01 am

  I bought this truck new in 1998 and put 150,000 miles on it over the first 5 years. Overall the truck has been quite reliable. The two problem areas have been the interior light staying on and multiple issues with the air conditioning. Other than that the vehicle has never left me stranded. In fact, I have a 4 cylinder/5 speed stick and have never even replaced any part of the drivetrain in cluding the clutch. The truck currently has over 175,000 miles and continues to run like new.

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  Neat little car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Patricia OFlaherty - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I did own a 1999 Ford Escort and was involved in a serious triple roll over accident. We were told that people do not survive such accidents. My car was totaled but my 83 yo mother and I survived with minor injuries. Since the Escort is no longer made, I chose the replacement for Escort, the Focus. It is a fun car, easy to handle, and sits higher making it easier to exit it!

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  KLW REVIEW - 2003 Ford Focus
  By KLW - May 17 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICALE FOR THE PRICE.

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  eddie B all the way - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By vinny bauer - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by the expedition , ride power comfort style its all there only thing missing is better gas mileage 12 or 13 mpg is a little weak but it does run on regular ENJOY