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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  My Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By bburnett - July 23 - 1:30 pm

  Couldnt be happer with my Fusion. Only con I have found is less than expected rearward vision, which is a deficit because of body shape and design.

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  2007 Ford F-150 FX2 - 2007 Ford F-150
  By switzer87 - July 22 - 6:39 pm

  I just recently purchased the F150 FX2 with crew cab and the 6.5 ft truck bed, its a beast! It drives like a luxury car but will pull 9500 lbs. Interior very comfortable, sirius radio is great, has premium sound system which sounds better than the Chevy Bose. Getting 16 mpg so far. Parking can be difficult with the size but you get used to it. I was comparing a Chevy ext cab to this and in the long run I have a bigger truck, Chevy doesnt offer a 6.5 ft bed with their crew cab. No complaints so far, mileage will improve once broken in and once I add a tonneau cover. Do yourself a favor and get the bigger truck, its there if you need it!

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  Excellent! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By petrified - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is fun to drive and very useful when out of town for the day. It is a great buy, and i am planning on keeping it for a long time!

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  Rivals Foreign Competitors - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Anthony - July 22 - 8:23 am

  I leased my Fusion at the end of April 07. I have driven the car 10,000 miles since I have driven it out of state including two road trips from Detroit to Charlotte, NC. The car has no squeaks or rattles. The headliner near the power sunroof was not finished properly at the factory and the edges of the material were mis cut and has a visible open material edge. That is the only flaw in the entire vehicle. I owned a Cadillac Catera and other luxury vehilcles in the past. This car rivals them for style, performance, quality and features at a much lower price point. This car is an excellent value and a good quality, reliable alternative to buying foreign

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  Wise choice - 2004 Ford F-150
  By murph302 - July 22 - 1:41 am

  I bought my Ford new in 2004 and it is great. Even after 3 years its interior and exterior design has aged well. The powertrain is definitely underpowered when compared to the new trucks but it still holds its own. I have had no problems passing granny on the highway even while towing. The only real issue I have had with my Ford is the wiper cowl. I must have replaced it 3 times because the plastic clips keep breaking causing it to rattle on the highway (under warranty).

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  A Good Car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By James Weidner - July 21 - 9:34 pm

  I have found this car to be a joy. The gas mileage is about 5-6 miles more per gallon than my last 2 Explorers. The car rides very well and is much quieter. I expect it to do well in the New Hampshire winters with the AWD too.

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  Love it! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Gt Razns - July 21 - 6:46 pm

  I bought my Explorer Sport in April 2003. It was a dealer-used vehicle with 24,000 miles on it . It has all the bells and whistles on it since it was ordered for a Ford Co. employee to drive. I love it! I haul everything in it. Girl Scouts, small furniture, you name it. I have taken several long trips with it and never had a problem. I would buy another if they hadnt quit making them. I have kids and it is not a problem. Maybe if they were in car-seats it would be a problem but they are between 11 and 16 so it is not a problem. It is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I love my Explorer Sport!

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  Learn to drive it kick butt on track, - 2014 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Jake - July 21 - 2:18 pm

  This car is very capable track car. The power is there, the basic design is there, very few low cost upgrades such as Watts link, rear torque arm, lower control arms and Ford racing 5300L lowering springs (track pack suspension/821A package shocks) to keep Bilstein shocks working properly and most of what people will bring to the track will not hang with this set up. Plus!!!!! the5,8 Trinity engine entire lower end is made in Germany. Thats right German precision. Search the trinity engine and read what you bought. A new engine alone costs $32,000. Thats what we pay for. And the Shelby name. I like mine. I think the GT 350R will have trouble beating mine.

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  Home Run for Ford - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Josh - July 21 - 12:17 am

  Bought my 02 in 2006 with 17000 miles on it for $4500 its loaded with every option. Now there are 58000 miles on it with nothing other than oil changes. This car cant be beat for the price, performance, and reliability. The lowest mileage I have ever had was 29 and that was in Houston traffic. On the highway 37-40 isnt unusual. Hands down, this is one of the most reliable models Ford has produced. There have been no recalls, yet Ford never really marketed this car at all. If you get the chance at least take it for a test drive. I never thought that I would end up in a four cylinder coupe - I was driving a 79 Bonneville - but I really love my car.

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  Best Mustang Ever - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By edorgon - July 20 - 9:45 am

  First had a 67, and of course regret ever getting rid of it. Bought this as a leftover in December 06 for a steal, loaded with rebates, dealer concessions, etc. Best buy in a car ever. Solid as a rock. Fast, and the sweetest engine rumble. Handles exceptionally well, and goes almost as quick as my supercharged 01 Jag XKR. Rougher, more raw power, but it adds to fun. Amazingly solid for a conv. A truly fantastic value with auto, premium everything, etc. Great car. Tempts me to get rid of my Jag and match this conv with an 08 fully loaded GT coupe!