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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  Solid - Quick - Smooth - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Dave - September 2 - 7:00 pm

  When I test drove my Focus I was surprised at how well it drove. It accelerates well and the automatic transmission is one of the smoothest Ive ever felt. I drove a Mazda 3 automatic and the downshift was quite abrupt. The Focus downshift is controlled and smooth. Also, this car handles curves excellently. You can keep pushing the throttle on a curve and the car stays on it without body roll. Because of the performance, options and rebate I think it was a good purchase. If you are looking for an inexpensive, fuel efficient, zippy and solid vehicle I recommend this car.

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  Great Little Family Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Pastor Gadget - September 2 - 10:00 am

  We area typical family, two adults and two kids. Our ZX5 is our only car and it is not a minivan but it us comfortable for all of us. The car handles well with great power for this class. for the 17 months we have had the car it has had no problems or recalls. We have not had the expected fuel economy but we always have a full load and live in Texas so the air is always. I have been very surprised how much space there is in the hatch with the seats down. Very flexible wth to 60/40 split rear seat.

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  This car is amazing - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By impy - September 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best SUV i have ever driven. I have had a GMC Envoy and a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but neither of those measures up to this car. It handles well, it gets pretty good mileage for an SUV, it has great power, and can race with the best of them. My favorite car ever, and should be yours too.

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  Happy camper!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ANDO - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Man, I love this car. Only had one hickup with it, car wash screwed up headlight, water got in, took it back to Ford, replaced it no questions. First week we had it we drove to Vegas, there were six of us in the car. Man, this thing gets along for its size, that much I can tell you. I get to go in lots of new trucks, Im a photographer and everyone I know has Yukons, Tahoes or Escalades and they are all as impressed with my car as I am. LOVE IT!!!

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  Ford has stepped it up - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By maxpower220 - September 2 - 9:00 am

  Traded in a Volvo S60R. The FFH has at least as good fit and finish. The FFH is definately more quiet on the road. Sync is awesome, easy to use. Navigation is great. Gas milage is very good. My wife is a home health nurse who drives everywhere for work. Hwy mileage so far is 34 and city has been 36. She does a lot of paperwork in her car sitting still with the A/C on in FL. With "carefull" driving, we get well over 45 in the city. Best short trip (10 miles,city) was just over 51. Short trip info is from car computer. Avg mpg is based on miles/tank. Overall extremely happy with the car. We havent missed the Volvo at all. As gas prices increase, it seems like a better deal everyday.

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  Doesnt feel as large as it is - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Lisa - September 1 - 11:02 pm

  I love the Expedition. The 2007 redesign is great looking on the outside and very comfortable inside. You get many of the features in the high end SUVs such as the Escalade and Denali for much lower cost. It does not feel like a large SUV upon steering, parking, braking etc. Wind noise is minimal at freeway speeds interior cabin is quiet. Tires on the 20" wheels have a nice ride. Towing feels sturdy and safe. This is a solid truck for the cost.

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  I Love My Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By hondagirl - September 1 - 3:02 pm

  I just purchased the Taurus about 5 days ago, I was in an Explorer. I just cant get over how big the interior is on this car, it seems like its bigger than the explorer. I also had a camry prior to the explorer and this car beats the Camry, the ride, the comfort, the roomy backseat. I would recommend this car to everyone thats looking for a sedan. This car is just an outstanding vehicle.

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  Great work car - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By Steve - September 1 - 8:51 am

  I bought this car with 150k mniles on it, and have put over 150k more miles on it. The motor is strong and gets great gas mileage - 27+ mpg on the highway. The paint is pretty rough due to all the miles on it. Preventive maintenance keeps the car running. I drive it daily to work and I get funny looks from everybody because the car doesnt look very good anymore, but I pass everyone, both on the highway and the gas station. I am not planning to restore this one, I have another 94 with over 400k miles that I am restoring to showroom perfect. If you want a reliable car, buy a Tbird with the 4.6 ltr V-8.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By SAL - September 1 - 12:36 am

  I went from a SUV to the 500, all around best car I have ever owned. I added a spoiler and a billet grill and pin stripped. Everyone thinks it a $60,000 car. Ford did it right. good performace and mileage. Really having fun with it. Spend the extra dollars and get all the bells and whistles as I did. Enjoy

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  The Best Compact Car Ive Known - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mike - August 31 - 7:13 pm

  Ive been driving Civic for 6 years and kind of tired of driving no-character car. Finally I was hooked up by the new Focus, especially the cool design. Unexpectedly, the interior was also neat and clean. Very quiet, too. I traded in my Civic with no regret. Frankly, I didnt know Ford has come this far matching, actually exceeding Japanese sedans. Great work, Ford!