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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  I love this car! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By John Coseglia - July 8 - 10:09 am

  I didnt realize how much I was going to love this car. It is so comfortable, even for a small person, and I can see out the windows. I feel like I need a booster seat in most cars. We rent a lot of cars on vacation and that is how we discovered the Escape.

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  I took the Fusion Challenge - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By VACOAST - July 7 - 1:20 pm

  I had my heart set on a new Camry until I saw the Fusion challenge commercial. I test drove the Camry, the Accord and even the G35. I chose the Fusion over all of them. The Camry and Accord lose outright and the G didnt blow my socks off for the price. Weve taken it on a trip and love it. The handling, pick-up, six speed transmission, and comfort are all huge pluses. The downfalls are: No Navigation. No AUX input to stereo. No shifter for the transmission. I have allowed everyone in my family to drive it and they all have loved driving it. I took the challenge and am now a believer that the Fusion beats the Camry and Accord hands down. Finally, I traded my Toyota in on this Fusion.

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  Best car on the road---the 05 Stang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Back in the saddle - July 7 - 1:10 pm

  From the moment I slide into my Stang through the easy access door into the comfortable interior, the smile begins! & the smiles continue all around me as I drive down the road! Its a de-ja-vu into the past for me. The Stangs were invented when I first began driving. Ford has given us all a wonderful re- birth of the original Stangs. The roar of the engine when you turn the key. The original air vents, speedometer & tach. Normally a stick driver & tired of shifting in city driving, I didnt think Id like a Stang with an automatic. I LOVE it! & I still downshift when needed. The Stang holds the road like it was meant for curves & the best brakes ever.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Bob - July 6 - 1:27 pm

  Ford has hit a homerun with this redesigned and renamed vehicle. Owned a 2005 Expedition prior to the 2008 Taurus and do not have one regret.

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  Head And Shoulders Above Previous Model - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ginungagap42 - July 5 - 12:20 pm

  I owned a 1999 Mustang GT convertible. It was the most fun car I have ever owned. Until now. The 2005 is ten times better in virtually every aspect I can think of: style, performance, comfort, ride. While Ive only got 1100 miles on this car, I absolutely love it! Differences between the 1999 and 2005 are as follows: Power - I am having to learn how to drive slowly, so as not to get ticketed. Build - there was a decent amount of torsion in the 1999 convertibles body. The 2005 is solid. It feels like driving a hardtop. Head-turning ability: off the scale! Handling - like a dream. The rear axle is solidly planted pretty much all the time.

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  Grand has a new toy - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jeanie - July 5 - 12:30 am

  Wow! I was going to get an 05 but waited and am I glad. This is the most fun Ive had since I was in college. It is great to drive and gets looks from everyone, especially when they see the driver is not exactly a youngster. I love everything about this car. I have perfect strangers tell me how cool it is.

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  I love the Contour - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Innocence32 - July 4 - 8:43 pm

  This is my second Contour, currenty I own the 1999 LX. My first contour was the 1996 GE. After I crashed my 1996 contour I did not want to own any other car but a Contour. I can honestly say that car saved my life. The 1999 is a better year than the 1996. Overall I have had no problems with my car and I just love her! I have owned this car for a few years now and bought it with about 50,000 miles. I have taken it on many road trips & have never had any problems. I drive about 100 miles round trip to work daily and get about 30MPG. I have 111,500 miles on the car and plan to replace the engine when the time comes. I would suggest to anyone who is intrested in buying a used car to get the Contour.

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  1996 Crown Victoria - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Easley - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Good solid car. Watch the plastic intake manifold (it splits and sprays water on the alternator). Also, the transmission can be faulty on shifting (it stutters between gears due to bad shift timing and faulty fluid).

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  THE BEST - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ford #1Tough - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I am extremly pleased with the ride, quality and performance. Fuel economy is poor. Overall an excellent vehicle

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  my F- 150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By sky222 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  this is a great truck. nothing else can compare. I ve this truck since the first day i test drove. once i drove i knew that this is the truck for me. my 1998 F-150 is a great truck and i was sorry that i was leting it go, but now that i have this one it seemed to wipe all the sorrow away. i cant wait to see what ford has in store for the next F-150.