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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  Fast and Fun - 2005 Ford GT
  By David Arthur - August 26 - 2:25 pm

  Car is very fast and handles like a race car. It will fishtail if pushed but is very controlable at all speeds. It gets very good fuel mileage, over 20 mpg at highway speeds, approx 85 mph. We live in AZ. At 85 in 6th gear its turning 2000 rpm. Very smooth power with lots of torque, will accerate in any gear from just over 1000 rpm. A little hard to get in and out but once in a real pleasure yo drive at any speed and a true rocket ship.

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  Ten Years of Reliable Transportation - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Cathy Bruno - August 26 - 1:49 pm

  Very comfortable, reliable transportation. Good body integrity. Any problems have been related to normal wear and tear. Spacious trunk.

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  i love my car/truck - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By brant - August 26 - 9:24 am

  I bought my 97 used at my cousins car lot and I loved it since day 1. Mileage and power was a little low but the k&n high flow air filter does help a lot. The only repairs Ive done are your usual high wear items like brakes, shocks, tune up and 3000 mile oil and filter. I have great power and get around 15-18 mpg. Great interior space. This one is a joy to drive and I must say very safe to own. My dad saw an accident with a newer one that went into the rear of full size car that totalled the car and the suv was still very drivable. Since this accident my dad has finally bought an Explorer and he just loves his 98 explorer sport to death and now is a loyal explorer owner.

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  Awesome car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Andrea - August 26 - 5:52 am

  I bought this car used 5 years ago and have had no issues whatsoever with it. I love this car it has been very reliable. And she is pushing 100k and still no issues. Trunk space is amazing.

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  AWESOME! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Rendi - August 26 - 3:06 am

  This car is awesome. I love it and it is an extreme joy to own and drive. It make me smile every time I drive it.

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  wow - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Chris - August 25 - 10:03 pm

  Just got my Mustang GT less than a week ago. I had no idea people would give it so much attention, but it deserves every bit of it. This car is nothing short of awesome. Had to go through hell to find one being sold for msrp. But like I said, worth every penny and all the effort. Word to the wise though, if youÂ’re planning on getting one of these babies, get the premium package; its a world of difference.

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  One great SVT - 2004 Ford Focus
  By red04svt - August 25 - 1:12 pm

  Ive owned my SVT Focus for about 5 to 6 months now and I love it. I get many compliments around the city when I ride. Ive taken it to the autocross about 3 times and always finish better than 5th place. This car is a great accomplishment for the SVT team.

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  The solution for us! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By very happy w/ it! - August 25 - 8:08 am

  I drove a Volvo wagon for years, thinking it gave us room for our 2.5 kids and a dog on long trips. We were so uncomfortable and the car had no engine power whatsoever, which could be scary at times. We bought a used Freestyle because we wanted a "loaded" car with leather seats, DVD...the sound system is amazing. Best of all, this is the most comfortable car Ive ever been in. We can pick up the childrens friends without feeling like were driving an unnecessarily huge vehicle. When idling, sometimes I have thought the engine died because it is so quiet. As for the interior, remember, I drove a Volvo, and the interior was as susceptible to breaking/falling apart as anything.

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  Blends Economy, Performance, and Luxury! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By HiCarGeek - August 25 - 3:43 am

  3 mos, 1200 mi. My commute is 12 mi, 50 mph freeway in AM (44 mpg) and stop/go gridlock in PM(39 mpg). Short errands bring my average down to 40 mpg. Headlights nice and bright, with good distance and cutoff. Love the standard features - pwr pass seat, electrochromic rear view mirror, 6 CD changer, reverse alarm, drivers lumbar support, alloy wheels with Michelin MXV4 S8s, dual zone A/C, vehicle speed sensistive wipers. Considered G37 Journey (needs premium, too small inside), Genesis V6 (no dealer discount, given $1000 rebate). Still have other car (Camry LE V6). Absolutely happy with my decision on a balanced price/performance/life cycle cost/quality/reliability/USA company basis.

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  Great Family SUV - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By flastylez - August 25 - 2:07 am

  I have the EL and I love it, When driving long trips I wish it had a little bit more umpf when trying to pass. Dont understand Fords color scheme when they designed my truck. Its the pueblo gold with blk/grey interior trim and blk/peanut butter leather seats. Did my homework and there isnt another SUV that can even come close to this SUV.....Go Ford