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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  Ponys in Snow - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Pittsburgh - March 19 - 4:50 pm

  My wife and I special ordered this Mustang, and I have to admit that is the way to go. Ford offers the same price whether you buy off the lot or get it custom, so why not get what you want? We live in Pittsburgh, and I have had to drive the car several times in snowy and icy conditions. It handles as well as a rear wheel drive sports car can (with a few cinder blocks in the trunk). The dealer told me the 8 cylinder will not - I definitely believe him now. I love to drive this car, and it looks great in Grabber Orange with the Pony Package added. We also got the ambient lighting, MobileEaze, and interior upgrade package. The accessories are well worth the price. Enjoy!

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  After a few months - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Captain - March 19 - 10:35 am

  I like everything about the car. The Microsoft Sync (iPod hook-up, phone integration, voice recognition, etc.) is awesome. The navagation system is easy to use, and works great. I drive a good mix of highway and city (will average 15,000+ miles per year), and average between 20-21 MPG. If I am on the highway for a longer distance, I have averaged about 24-26 MPG.

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  Good car for the price - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Faith - March 19 - 8:44 am

  I had a 1996 Contour and bought this car 9 months ago as a replacement and already have put 10k in miles on it. I have not been disappointed. The car gets great gas mileage. I drove from Raleigh to DC on 7.5 gallons! You can seriously get 36mpg if you stay around 65mph. I found you get around 30mpg 70mph+. I love the way this car handles and the smoothness of it when I drive. I seriously feel like Im driving a car that is worth 2x as much as I paid. The only downside I have is the interior leg room. Im 59" and I have the set pushed all the way back. There is no way Ill ever be able to push those rear seats down for extra cargo space and be able to drive.

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  Good Times - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Virginia 2008 GT - March 19 - 1:06 am

  In the year 1999 I bought my first Mustang GT. After installing the K & N air filter and the Tornado I enjoyed the many days of burn outs that I would do. In February 2008 I traded the 1999 GT for the 2008 GT. I also put the same set up on the 2008. The 2008 rides smooth, it quiet on the inside and fast. I get about 19 mpg in the city and about 28 mpg on the highway. I am proud to be a Mustang owner.

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  Love my Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Della - March 19 - 12:36 am

  Have had it only one month. Love everything about it. A lot of car.

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  2004 Ford 150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Larry Travers - March 19 - 12:00 am

  This is the finest truck I have ever owned. It rides like a car and has great styling.

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  The Best Escort they ever made - 1997 Ford Escort
  By HELLO - March 18 - 8:45 pm

  I have a metalic green (love the color) 1997 Ford Escort LX and it has been the best investment I have ever made. I have owned this car over 11 1/2 years and have had only small issues with the vehicle outside the routine maintanance up until recently 145,000 miles(starting to burn oil). First of all the cup holders were to shallow to hold big cups which triggered spilled drinks if making quick turns. The rear stock springs cracked shortly after I had the car but drove it for 9 years anyway. The front tie rods are a stress point which wear out quick if you do a lot of quick radius turning. I guess I cant complain about 40,000 miles when the replacement parts are less than $100.00.

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  Reliable, durable vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By waterseh - March 18 - 5:47 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 7 and a half years and have never had a problem with it. I have done all the regularly scheduled maintainance and the car now has 140,000 miles on it and still runs like we first bought it. We have towed trailers, hauled lumber and taken it on some fairly easy trails (it is not 4WD) and it has always performed admirably. It even survived a rear-ending on the interstate and the subsequent $7,500 worth of damage. The only thing I would change about it is better fuel economy (22 city, 25 interstate), and that isnt even too bad for a SUV. I highly recommend this vehicle and it has been a pleasure to own and drive.

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  Best Car Ive owned - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By 2lman - March 18 - 2:34 pm

  I originally had a 2006 Fusion but traded it in on the 07 because I wanted the side airbags and more features. I drive 80 miles (mostly hwy) a day to work doing 75mph. In the warm months Ive been getting 27-29 mpg 90%hwy, in the winter it drops around 24 mpg. It had a rattle in the dash doing 40-50mph at1600rpm. The dealer fixed it, they said there was a Ford service bulletin something on the firewall was the cause of the rattle. If you are in the market for this size car, I highly recommend it, good reliable, fun to drive, huge trunk, and plenty of power.

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  Better than a Mustang! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By RedHoncho - March 17 - 8:33 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. I was undecided until I test drove the Edge and Taurus X back to back. The Edge is a far superior vehicle. It is quiet, has excellent handling characteristics and the SYNC system is awesome. I love the White Sand Tricoat color too.