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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  fun car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By JMS61 - December 30 - 10:29 pm

  I just bought my Fusion and I absolutely love it. I had a Jeep and its great to have a little luxury again. Comfortable car except for the head rest. Was almost a deal breaker but found a way to tilt seat back so it is comfortable now. My young adult child also loved driving it.

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  so far so good - 2007 Ford F-150
  By vinnie - December 30 - 8:19 pm

  no problems so far just wish i had gotten xlt model for the better seats xl vinyl seats seem to sit too low to floor and slide off at times

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  Fantastic car! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Jeanne - December 30 - 7:36 pm

  I have never been so happy. Ive driven in the mountains of NC twice and was suprised at the handling and the gas consumption. I feared giving out in the middle of nowhere but it did not happen. I love the way it handles. It does well in the wind and in heavy rain. Good breaking and great speed. I have actuall driven up to 90mph and the handling was still terrific. Up and down mountain (steep) roads was a breeze. The gas milage is so great that if $4.00 gas comes back I wont care. In town I get about 36 mpg and up to 44 on the highway. I check my log at each fillup.

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  Escape XLT 6 cyl - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Jay in LA - December 30 - 1:00 pm

  I got the 6 cyl, Front wheel drive (that choice isnt on the menu here). Im coming from a 07 Mercedes GL350 and I have to say, this aint bad at all. Its peppy, manageable, smooth, comfortable and pretty quiet. Easy to drive, easy to park. Still am working out the SYNC audio, but it seems pretty cool. Though I have my reservations about anything Microsoft since Im a Mac guy. It doesnt seem very synergistic with my iPod and iPhone yet. Ive only had it for 2 days so time will tell, but so far, so great!

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  disappointed - 2006 Ford F-150
  By ted johnson - December 30 - 11:40 am

  I had always been a GM guy till the bailout, thought I would try Ford. Reviews, awards, Consumer Reports, all stated Ford where the better vehicle. Mine is not. Although happy with the interior and overall ride of the truck, the reliability is not there. I have had it to the dealer 4 times in 9 months. Nothing major but you do the math. I want to like this truck but the veridct is still out.

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  Outstanding Choice - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Huron - December 30 - 10:27 am

  Without a doubt, this is the best vehicle of about 75 that we have owned or leased over the years -- including our other vehicle which is a Honda. The Edge has a great ride, a very smooth and responsive engine, a nice and easy-to-use interior layout and controls, comfortable seats (and that is from someone who has had major back problems for many years), very quiet, and all the luxury items that you would expect from a much more expensive vehicle. It is just the right size for driving around town, parking is a breeze, and it has very adequate luggage space for trips plus excellent space when the rear seat is folded down. From our perspective, we couldnt be happier with this vehicle.

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  Escape to LA - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Escape owner - December 30 - 5:05 am

  This car has been a joy to own: it looks great, the driving experience and handling give you confidence, is roomy, and is very reliable. It still runs like a charm after 50k miles.

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  Would I Buy It Again? Maybe - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Windstar Sport - December 29 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car used in Oct,03.It had only 7600 miles on it. I have driven it up & down the I-5 probably at least 12(roundtrip) times. It has yet to fail me on the road. I love the versatility of using it for people, animals, & camping. However, I have spent at least $6,000 on repairs transmission went out at 89,000 miles. Alternator went out last year. Some computer stuff, too. My brake light & parking brake stays on all the time. Cost 1700 to fix & still cant get the light to turn off. I just paid the car off in Sept/09. Cant afford a new car at this time, so I take good care of it. People still tell me it looks brand new. Next van I get I want seats that go into the floor,

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  Ford Fusion = A great car! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Wes - December 29 - 10:38 pm

  I got my Ford Fusion in May of 2009 and so far no problems. I think the car needs a little more horsepower, but I got the 4 cylinder for better fuel economy. Its a really nice looking car and the seats are comfortable. The Sun and SYNC package is great, and I love the Bluetooth hands free phone system, though Ive often had to reboot my phone to make it work, but when it works its great. Its not the fastest car, but it is comfortable. Im 64" and I fit comfortably in the backseat with the front seat pushed all the way back.

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  Great car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By stangdude - December 29 - 7:51 pm

  I bought my 01 Stang in 2003. I love my Stang. Ive taken many road trips and every time I get 30 mpg. I have taken care of my Stang, getting the regular maintenance. I do not race the car, but this thing will get up and go. I will be a Stang man for life.