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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  Ford won me over! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By 2008 Fusion sport SE - January 29 - 4:50 pm

  I test drove 6 cars before making my choice. Mazda 6, Mazda3, Honda Civic Si, Honda Accord, Fusion I4, and Fusion SE V6. The sport package added to the SE version of the V6 Fusion was absolutely smooth and responsive. Granted the Accord is a great car, but the 08 version is just to big for my taste.

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  Versatile family vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By PT - January 29 - 12:00 pm

  Bought a 1 year old rental through a dealer - $20K less than new price. Alternatives considered were mini-vans (domestic and Japanese), other mid size Japanese SUVs. Though reputation was strong for Toyota, I found Highlander was very cheap feeling and felt I was doing better here. After 4 months with the vehicle, I am very happy with it. No problems, good fuel economy (highway) though nasty when driving only short distances in town with a cold engine. Traction and control in Canadian winter is amazing, easily able to take logging roads that left other vehicles stranded - with barely a reaction from the traction control system.

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  2006 SE V6 Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Andrew - January 29 - 10:33 am

  95 % commuter driving - car is very quiet, comfortable and gets 21 mpg in surface street commuting. 5 % highway driving - car handles 80 mph cruising effortlessly, very stable at speed, very responsive when need to pass, and gets 27 mpg

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  Great Truck - 2017 Ford F-150
  By chipkost - January 29 - 5:09 am

  I love my new truck. Great fuel mileage, very quiet interior, 2.7 turbo has some get up and go. Did I say I love my new truck!

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  My 2003 Limited Exp - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ryne - January 28 - 8:51 pm

  I purchased a 2003 Limited Explorer in Feb of 2007. Ive put about 20000 miles on it so far and I am extremely happy with it. I travel a lot and carry a lot of stuff with me and it has plenty or room for everything. I get around 19-22 mpg on the highway using gas and around 15 running ethanol. As far as driving the vehicle, it handles good and rides good as well but if your looking for a fun ride this is not the SUV for you. The AWD limites any attempt get "crazy", although, I did take it off road once in the snow and easily did donuts in 4WD! Overall, i would reccomend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a nice, clean ride that looks and feels classy.

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  Love it - 2001 Ford Escape
  By la1528 - January 28 - 7:47 pm

  I love the Escape. The gas mileage is great. I usually pull about 36mpg on highway and 32 in the city(non-hybrid) The 5 speed is a great option, currently at 114 thou miles.

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  Best value - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By JJ - January 28 - 6:24 pm

  I love this car. Black pony with 18s, leather. Looks great, nice sound system, rides nice, adequate power. It was also relatively inexpensive for a well equiped car. Car had zero defects. Gets 24 highway for real, but averages only about 18-19 combined city/highway. Regular gas though, most performance vehicles use only premium.

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  Ford Explorer the best of the rest - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By LPlaskettsr - January 28 - 10:00 am

  One of the best vehicles Ford ever made

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  Best suv for the bucks - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By G. James - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I did not purchase one but it is the second time that i rent,on a family vacation,and i will rent one on our next this summer .

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  I love my Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By LRojas - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Expedition has no competition.