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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  Proven - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Scape2 - July 29 - 12:13 pm

  This is a great car. Great handling, fit/finish/quality. Love to drive this car. The car feels confident in handling and manuvering. Styling is standout.

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  Replaced my german ML - 2013 Ford Escape
  By cwpbup - July 29 - 6:34 am

  I have had this vehicle for only a week, but it is so much fun to drive and it has everything you might need on a vehicle. I especially love the blis which tells me who is in my blind spot. The engine is so peppy you might think your in a sports car. Ford has a surefire winner in the new escape.

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  What a car! - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Bruce - July 28 - 12:47 pm

  For basic cheap transport this car just cannot be beaten. It behaves like a large go cart on the road, so Id like to think I could avoid accidents in it, but I wouldnt like to be hit by a large vehicle. It gets outstanding gas mileage (35-45 mpg) even with an automatic transmission. Ford doesnt support it well (It is 14 years old after all). It is a cult car of sorts, because it has a small(er) carbon footprint, is cheap and yet is acceptable all weather transport. If more of these were produced I would buy several. It would be nice to have more luxury features. It is basically a "hybrid" car at 1/10th the price.

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  Beautiful Car 4 last yr. of high school - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By stlcap5 - July 28 - 8:54 am

  I havent had it for that long but the car is just awesome. Gets off the line real quick. Also, once it hits 2nd and 3rd gear the car just takes off. Rides smooth and no complaints at all so far.

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  King of the Road! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By SEL V6 2WD - July 27 - 11:13 am

  Ford has a winner. This is a well built car. Fit and finish are excellent. No wind/road noise. Great ride. Comfortable. 3.0 V6 has plenty of power. Transmission is smooth. Safety features front to back! Please give the Fusion a test drive before you buy. Im glad I did. I replaced a 07 honda with my 2010 Fusion.

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  Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Van - July 27 - 8:54 am

  This is probably the best vehicle I have ever owned. Handles great, good steering, stable for type, gets excellent gas mileage, tows travel trailer easly with outstanding towing mileage @ 12.5 and plenty of power to pull up long steep grades. Has never been a problem, comfortable seats even with long days, have driven as much as 750 miles in a day and still going strong. Outstanding!

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  LOVE IT! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By hokeez - July 27 - 2:00 am

  It reminds a little more of a truck than an SUV, but with all the comfort features, its the best of both. Plenty of room for loading and moving things!

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  Simply the Best - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Tigertetruena - July 27 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 F-150 super-crew lariat is simply the best from its great looks to it excellent performance. The engine has an increadible power pulling a 6000 lbs horse trailer not including 5 horses. Ford is by far the best trucks out in the market. keep it up ford

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  caution in rain! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By vj - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It gets a lot of looks. Guys love a girl in a Mustang. I love the styling. I HATE THE RIDE IN THE RAIN! Ive hydroplaned many a time. On a wet day, you cant pull out in traffic (even with the get-up-and-go of this car) because you cant get any traction in the rain. If fact, on the way out of my neighborhood, I slid around the corner because the subdivision sprinklers were on! Now thats sad! A Mustang-owner friend of mine did a complete 360 on the highway in the rain. Needless to say, both of us are considering trade-ins. It gets old.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Ji m - July 27 - 2:00 am

  The Escape has a very powerful engine and it handles very well. Even for a compact SUV, it has a decent sized cargo space even with the back seats upright.