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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  A US Vehicle Worth The Look - 2009 Ford Escape
  By rjtroodon - January 4 - 2:30 am

  We love this vehicle. We purchased this vehicle because of the great deals and the need for a dependable winter tranport. We previously had a 2001 Tribute(an Escape twin)which we loved. The new Escape is noticably improved. The 6-speed automatic is smooth and accelerates nicely. The fuel economy is beyond my expectations (26 on the highway with our V6 AWD). Around suburbia, 21+ is easily feasible depending on how agressive drive. The handling is truck like but this is desired. Great in the snow which is in part why we have it. The lthr is improved & of good quality. This is an excellent option if you want to buy a quality product made in the USA at a good price.

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  Fun car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JY - January 3 - 11:20 pm

  I bought this car brand new. I love it! I have so much fun driving it. Its a pretty slick looking car too. So, far the only problem I had was with the cd player. It quit working & 2 of my cds got stuck in it.

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  Very happy with this Escape - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Gary - January 3 - 2:43 pm

  Have had just over a week, have 550 miles. Took it to ski for a week at a resort 125 miles away, it handled the slick roads at the resort with no problem (4WD) the v6 is very good,and its nowhere near broken in. The 6 speed tranny is wonderful; smooth shifts, timing is great and will get better as it "learns", Im told. Mileage on first trip, to, from and around the ski resort was 23.4 mpg, all in cold snowy weather. Youre not supposed to love anything that cant love you back, but at this point, Im in serious "like" with this Ford.

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  Long Drives? - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Eric Smith - January 3 - 1:31 am

  Make many 2000-mile round trips for work. At 60 240 lbs., 05 Civic was cramped. Intended to get an Accord, but they werent dealing. Heard Ford was, so checked out Fusion. Have 11000 mi. almost exclusive long highway drives on this Fusion. Great combo of power, comfort, and fuel mileage. Doesnt seem to be geared to be peppy at low speeds (compared to Civic), but going 90 before you know it and handles very well on open highway. Noticeably less road noise than Civic. I cruise between 70 mph and 80 mph and get 31 mpg on trips. Seat adjustable enough to get comfortable with plenty of leg room. Same with steering wheel. Very happy with this vehicle - and wife really likes it too.

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  New 2007 Ford Edge Owner - Fluid Leak! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By stefrz - January 3 - 1:16 am

  We purchased a 2007 Ford Edge SEL Plus on 8/31/07. Had less than 50 miles on it. This car is fast and handles nicely. Being a female, I like that it doesnt drive like a truck. I do have a serious complaint about this new Ford Edge. For the last 3 weeks Ive been seeing red fluid on the ground where Ive parked. My husband brought the car to Ford this week and the repair receipt shows "CK red fluid leak, right center firewall area.A/C drain dripping on exhaust bracket causing red rust". It turns out the bracket is rusted from the A/C.The service guy at Ford said hes never seen anything like it. He told us not to park on inclines on days we use the AC. My driveway is on an incline!

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  New Purchase - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Kevin - January 2 - 11:20 pm

  We use the vehicle for daily transportation to work and routines. It handles well, the options make the car look very nice and it has comfortable leg room for driving long distances. The dash board controls are well organized and easily accessible. Cup placements could be repositioned for easier access and use.

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  Head Turner - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By David - January 2 - 8:49 pm

  I have had Toyota and Honda drivers break their necks to check out my Fusion. 0 to 60 the Honda and Toyota may be a little quicker but, with the 6 speed tranny I would love to see the from 50 to 100 results.

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  gt350shelb - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By gt350shelb - January 2 - 10:00 am

  very happy with my 84th mustang, ford just keeps getting better. cant wait for 2005 mustang.

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  I love my 03 Mach 1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Austyn - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I waited 2 years for them to decide to build this car. Aanother 7 months to build mine. Its my daily driver. I love it. Has had only minor issues which Ford has immediately taken care of. I have an Azure Blue 5 spd and wouldnt trade it for anything (except maybe the 04 Competition Orange Mach 1). The gas mileage isnt bad, it does require premium, but I knew that when I bought it. Shifts smoothly, sounds beautiful. Super comfortable ride.

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  The Musclecar Lives!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By lugnut - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I have loved every minute of owning this vehicle over the last year. SVT and the SVT Owners Association have made it even more enjoyable. The sponsorship by Ford in promoting the SVT community is incredible. This is the Mustang I have waited for Ford to build. The guys at SVT are my heroes.