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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  Best car ever... will only ever buy ford - 2000 Ford Focus
  By FORDFOCUSLUVR - January 1 - 11:50 am

  I love my focus, i have had it for a few months and it has been nothing but good. I have heard of all the problems but so far none of them. And I think i may have some electrical problems going on with the radio.. Road noise there isnt much. All around perfect car.

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  Accelerator - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Bert - January 1 - 10:41 am

  The accelerator position is THE MOST unconfortable in ALL cars Ive owned I suggest it should be "hinged" on the floor board

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  Another stang to the corral - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By stang68cs - December 31 - 10:32 pm

  Opted for a basic model so I can build it the way I want. Great gas mileage-- been averaging 27mpg on highway! Very cheap interior--too much plastic and broken parts already!!! But you get what you paid for. Great acceleration for a V6.

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  08 Bullitt - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Rusty - December 31 - 5:55 pm

  Looks and sounds great. Got the Ford end-of-year discount and the X-plan discount. Overall saved about 7K off MSRP!! Very fun to drive, but wish it had a few more ponies under the hood to compete with the new Camaros and Dodges. Fifth Mustang Ive owned and by far my favorite.

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  great suv - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By explorer - December 31 - 4:42 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 56k and it now has 62k and so far no problems. The thrid row seat is actually usable and provides more room than a family members 04 tahoe. Great handling and mpg on the hwy and decent city milage. I take very good care of my explorer and I also expect nothing less than great reliablity, I am not rough but not easy on my explorer. As long as you follow the recomended services then the explorer will provide you with a long life.

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  No Bull About It! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By dirtbroker - December 31 - 4:29 pm

  Purchased 2001 SEL 24valve DOHC w/ 41K...now 108k...not a bad ride...reliable...expect to rack up another 30k...hopefully, Ill make it and then dump it...I hate cars...it gets me from Pt. A to Pt. B...simply its transportation...I might treat myself to a better car...because Ive earned it....Lexus LS 460 or BMW 535 xi or MB E350.

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  I cant believe I bought a Ford! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - December 31 - 9:54 am

  I typically bought Audis, Bmws, VWs, I havent bought a US car for quite a few years. I test drived a couple of US cars and decieded to by this Fusion. I now have had it for 2 months and I am still impressed with it. I like the looks, the power, and the options it has. It handles very good. Even in the snow. Ford makes a nice car in the fusion. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Edmunds - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Bart Mormino - December 31 - 9:04 am

  Reliable,clean looking,functional. Poor fuel mileage,tires were to small, constantly losing traction,235-75-15 work better than 215-70-15. Rough ride. Transmission always tries to find itself.

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  Does what you need it to without issue - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Joe - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Bought this to replace a leased 06 GMC Sierra (family works @ Ford dealer). Very good truck without much issues, only 3 problems that were fixed and not re-occurring...1 the hood latch and release broke..2 radio button stuck..3 door sill tab broke. Rides very well, has decent acceleration (with 3.73 gears) for size of truck, interior laid out well - minor gripe outer edge of radio a little out of easy reach, brakes haul this heavy truck down well, but its a very nice packaged vehicle. Have the extended trailer mirrors which work very well in multi-lane traffic, practically no blind spots. One weird thing, the cruise control is optional (which mine doesnt have) it should have been included.

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  Meets most expectations except MPG - 2010 Ford Escape
  By John O - December 31 - 1:43 am

  Just purchased this vehicle and took it on its maiden highway voyage of 250 miles. The V6 3.0L engine was advertised at 21 mpg city/ 25 mpg Hwy, but I got only 23 mpg on my trip. The interior is roomy enough for 2 kids in the back. Yes, I know theres a 3rd rear seat, but its hardly a full seat. And with fighting boys, I dont think all 3 would survive together in the back. Still, around town and to the baseball fields, they can sit comfortably for a while. SYNC is lots of fun but works sporadically with the iPhone 3G S. The blue-tooth wants to override the USB connection. In summary, great car with plenty of comfort, visibility, and power. MPG was lacking on my highway test.