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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  One of the Best! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Darryl - March 9 - 8:23 pm

  This car is one of the best vehicles I have driven. Over the past 27 years I have owned a large number of automobiles, and this one is outstanding in many ways. It is very comfortable, handles very well, and has good power. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a reliable and stylish ride.

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  25+ years in auto buisness - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By wyomack - March 9 - 8:16 pm

  I have bought three of these, based off the old Ranger platform they have been very reliable and sturdy, after putting Michelin tires on they get better mileage and ride tremendously better. The rear seating arangement is better than all the other 4dr pickup suts, comfortable for 4 people with thier junk as well, always stable and very well mannered on the road. It is not a sports car or hot rod--buy a Lightning or a 2008 v-8 Sport Trac, gets good mileage. Always over 20 hwy and very capable even 2wd in snow and ice, also is a flex fuel vehicle and easy to maintain for the owner. Best SUV buy out there

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  love my Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Linda - March 9 - 4:13 pm

  I am absolutely in love with my Ford Fusion. People cant quite figure out what Im driving, Cadillac, 500? It handles well, is so comfortable and is absolutely georgeous! Im in love :)

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  2005 Mustang GT premium - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jonathan - March 9 - 1:44 pm

  If Ford makes all future Mustangs live up to this one, you will always find me in the drivers seat of one. I fell in love with this design when I saw it unveiled in numerous magazines and auto shows. From an interior that leaves you feeling swaddled in comfort to the retro gauges that seem to smile when you take a seat and a beautiful body design, this car catches the very elements that an American muscle car should have attitude and appeal. The car is affordable and the performance is great. Space could be better, but works for a muscle car. Gas mileage is good considering V8 power and curb weight. Overall, kudos to FMC. This car has punched its ticket in the automotive hall of fame.

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  2002 Ford Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By nunzie mollicone - March 9 - 11:04 am

  Car is garaged. Drive about7000 mi per year. Never been in any accidents. Had to relace alternator and battery last year. Handles beautiful, very smooth ride.

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  No Problems Here - 2002 Ford Focus
  By JoshWMU - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I got my Focus as my second car, first new car. I fell in love with it from the day I saw it in 99 at an auto show. Finally bought one in 2002 and never looked back. I have nearly 10,000 miles on it now, and not a problem with it. The car has absolutely superb handing, and with the Zetec engine, plenty of power. There is also a growing aftermarket for the car, so if you arent satisfied with handling and power, there are things that can be done. If you are like me, you are thinking about the Focus and the Civic. I chose the Focus because its so original, and everyone drives a civic.

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  Probe GT Good Choice - 1995 Ford Probe
  By golden2husky - March 9 - 9:37 am

  The GT is clearly biased toward handling over absolute comfort. That said, the ride is acceptable. Corner carving potential is awesome for a FWD car. More is easily obtainable by changing the rear sway bar. Steering is precise, brakes have good feel and are effective. Build quality is very good as is reliability. Overall power is down by todays standards, but rolling starts from 20 mph are quick. Mileage is decent, but the gearing keeps too many revs for 30 plus MPG to happen. 27 MPG on the highway is obtainable. Shifter is nice and accurate. Car came with high performance summer tires which are essential to handling.

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  Best SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By uglyflamm - March 9 - 5:41 am

  I bought this SUV for the wife, she never gets to drive it. I love this thing. I drive the heck out of it, it already almost have 50,000 miles. We live in Germany everyone told me not to buy a Ford because the engines cant take it. I drive it over 100 mph almost everyday the engine has held on great have had no problems at all not even a leak the engine still looks like the day I picked it up at the port. I get an oil change almost every other month. The only issue is a speaker in the passenger side rear door blew a few months ago. Other than that everythings great! Plenty of room and comfortable. If the computer is right I get about 17.8 mpg.

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  White Platinum Tri-Coat Georgia Gem - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By wilcox - March 9 - 3:51 am

  Built in June 2010. Bought 4 months later. A high priced left-over. Had everything for MSRP 33.4k. Paid 29k(tax incl.)out the door, so gave it a star for Year-End Value! It is almost perfect. Absolutely no regrets...~so far~. Mileage, comfort, handling, suspension, brakes, dual zone climate controls, electrochromic rear view mirror, reliability, all great. Several persons asked if it was a Mercedes or an Audi? We own a 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid AWD and knew that the Fusion Hybrid could be our family sedan and wed like it. So two Ford Hybrid products in the garage. Goodby to a great 96 Camry and well let son use the 06 Accord for college.

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  Best of the Hosses - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By cruiser - March 8 - 10:15 pm

  My first Excursion. Traded my F350 Superduty 7.3. My Excrusion has all of the towing power of the truck but beats the pants off every other aspect. Great ride, 17-18 city mpg. Haven taken long trip yet. Has 90000 miles and purrs like a kitten. No major repairs since new. Cant wait to hit the road with my 37 camper. My 350 did great and I expect the Excursion to be that and more. Love. My wife has taken it over to use in her business. I am relagated to driving her sedan for now.