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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  Great Car! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jim M. - March 11 - 12:20 pm

  I am about to reach the 2,000 mile mark on my Fusion Hybrid and Im very impressed! I drive 2008 Camry Hybrids at work and this car beats the Camry in several areas. The CVT trans is amazing and the car is a pleasure to drive. I love the smooth quiet ride with the sure-footed handling of a performance vehicle. The standard six speaker, six-disc sound system is very nice and I have come to LOVE the Sirius Satelite Radio. I coummute 110 miles per day and average 38 mpg which is oustanding for a vehicle of this size and comfort level. - not to mention the high average freeway speeds of about 75 mph. Ford has really come up with a winner with the Fusion Hybrid.

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  Excellent Car for the Price - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By aesinger - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This car definietly holds true to its name. It is a fast car that can give anyone a run for the money. Anyone that loves pure power and doesnt really care about having a lavish interior this is the car for you.

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  Cobra Owner - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By jrn26 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  For the money were can you find 390hp and a six speed. By the way that 390hp is a little conservative.

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  Just Right! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SevereBeagle - March 11 - 7:33 am

  Before purchasing this vehicle I test drove the Honda Ridgeline. I needed a truck to handle small chores so I checked out an F-150 but it was more than my pocket would allow. The Sport Trac is just what I needed! Great ride,very roomy, and the bed is big enough for the small chores I need to accomplish. The six cylinder engine provides me with enough power. A great value for the money. The Honda Ridgeline is a bit pricey and very hard to see out of the rear window, even though I did like the large compartment in the bed. I was really impressed with the Sport Tracs ride and inside headroom.

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  Ford Edge is a great value - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Tigger - March 11 - 1:01 am

  Ford Edge is a great value for a roomy 5 passanger crossover suv. I have a large carseat in the center backseat, and I can still fit two adults pretty comfortably back there. Good Leg/head room. It is a fun car to drive. It has smooth strong exelleration. Easy to park. Even in tight mall parking lots, its very nible. MPGs are pretty good on the highway, when Im on cruse I get about 25mpg. The crossovers I was considering were: Acadia, Murano, and FX35. I think the Edge is the best looking externally. The interior is not the best of the bunch, but is funtional, comfortable, and well put together.

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  Ridin high on the range. - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By mac26s - March 10 - 10:07 pm

  Maneuvers parking lots like my Mustang. Pulls my 16 RV like its not there. When the goin gets tough in sand or up the mountain switch backs, push the 4x4 button. 2 speed electronic transfer case and locking locking hubs, wow! Room for 5 big guys + their luggage w/ stadium back seat. Commanding view. Up where I can see ahead and out of the collision zone. Stable handling. Consistent 15 mpg, sometimes pushing 16. 150K miles with expected replacements like starter, alternator, water pump, radiator. Drive train and frame strong. I drive it like a train, just pick a lane and cruise. I gave up squirting starts, frequent lane changes and G force turns w/ my Mustang. Florda truck so no rust.

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  I Love My New Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By 423REED - March 10 - 7:49 pm

  I was going to buy a Ford Escape or a Ford Edge, but my son said to try the new Taurus. I bought the Taurus SEL FWD, which is almost 200 lbs lighter than the Limited AWD. The Taurus 3.5L V6 engine with its 263 HP is as fast as my old 2004 Marauder with its V8 and 302 HP, but with 18/28 MPG! Its also just like a baby Lincoln. Probably the best sedan for the money around, considering its roominess, performance, handling, ride quality, quietness, and its build quality. I suffer from partial paralysis in my legs, so I need a car that I can get in&out of more easilty. The new Ford Command Seating allows me easy ingress/egress. I feel like a normal person again when I drive our new Taurus SEL!

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  Fun convertible - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Bob Burns - March 10 - 5:01 pm

  Just purchased this car 2 weeks ago to relieve my mid-life crisis. I was smiling all the way home, driving it with the top down. This car is all I expected and more. Probably not the most comfortable ride for some (its not a Lexus), but this is more of a sports car and I do like the feel of the road coupled with the 5 speed manual transmission. Amazing pickup, very easy to go way over the speed limit, seems to always want to go faster, gas mileage not bad for a GT. Leather buckets are comfy. Have always had good luck with Fords, Im hoping this one will also be as reliable.

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  Fun, Sturdy, Safe truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Michelle - March 10 - 4:40 pm

  I got my F150 in December and last month I got into a bad accident where my truck was totalled. The truck flipped onto its side and skidded down the road for a bit, but i was not injured at all. I walked away from the accident with one little scratch. Even though my F150 flipped, I got another one because i feel very safe in my truck. If i had not been in my F150 who knows what would have happened. I probably would not have walked away. Thank you Ford for building such a sturdy and safe truck that is fun to drive and enjoyable to look at!

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  Fun Times - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Gerald Angerbrandt - March 10 - 1:26 pm

  My car drove very good in the mountains while on vacation. It is very good in the snow. It is a comfortable ride.