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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  Titanium - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By San B - July 1 - 1:22 am

  What you should know before buying this car is that it has lot of "get up and go" more of a family car than a "first car. I love the back up camera and the customized seat settings, especially the customizable lumbar support.

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  Three Reasons To Buy This Car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By doctor who - June 30 - 8:44 pm

  Ride, room (cabin and trunk), and a quiet cabin! The 2008 Taurus is large! It has the most back seat room and the largest trunk I have ever seen in a six-cylinder car, no contest! The new Taurus is heavier than the 2007 Five Hundred which gives it a smoother ride, but the Five Hundred was a little more nimble. Take it on the highway where it belongs! 3.5L engine is a significant improvement over the Five Hundred but acceleration has only been upgraded to adequate. Rather quiet cabin, turn on the radio and hear almost nothing outside! Glides over bumps in the road. The high seating position is great, and the (front) seats give good support for your back. Very comfortable inside.

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  What a car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Garry M - June 30 - 4:16 pm

  Great ride, handling and roominess. I love the ground clearance as I drive some gravel roads. I thought the CVT would take some getting used to, but after about 50 miles I love it. I do miss the rush of kicking into "passing gear" but Ill get used to it. Got 24 mpg on the first tankful in mixed driving. What a value for the bucks! Well engineered and great build quality.

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  Terrific Car - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By pitt2637 - June 30 - 4:12 am

  We have 1400 miles on the car and that includes a 600 mile trip. Averaging 38 MPG in mixed driving and 36 MPG on the trip while normally driving 70-80MPH. We love the way the car handles, looks, and drives, and are happy every time we get in the car. I have four kids ages 10-16 and they love driving in this car and using all the different seats. However, the navigation voice recognition is not performing well and we intend to take the car in to have it looked at. Our car has almost all the upgrades, which I love, but we expected much better voice recognition from the expensive navigation unit. Certainly we recommend this car as it is fantastic.

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  Definitely a performance tuner - 1994 Ford Probe
  By PrbAdctn - June 28 - 11:26 pm

  One of the best cars IÂ’ve ever had. Definitely a fun tuner. Currently running about 320hp with the KLZE engine, twin turbo with 2.5 intercooler, polished headers and a Borla dual exhaust system (and thatÂ’s the big parts). Not very roomy under the hood but relocating a few things makes up just fine. Great car to have and my gas mileage is still decent (about 23mpg). HavenÂ’t found any problems yet and you wonÂ’t as long as you know how to take care of it. Interior is nice. IÂ’m 62 and IÂ’m never uncomfortable. Highly suggest this car if you come across one thatÂ’s still in good shape. Very fun to drive

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  Luv My Lariat - 2004 Ford F-150
  By WVJim - June 28 - 3:53 pm

  I just bought a used Lariat Crew 4X4. I love it! It handles like a car, much better turning radius than any other truck Ive driven. I feel confident when I buckle my kids in the back seat that they are safe! I think my wife loves it more than I do.

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  I love my Focus SVT - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SunGirlAmber - June 27 - 2:13 pm

  I bought this car used, I am so glad I purchased the extended warranty though. Over all the car is great and fun but repairs and parts are pricey.

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  SVT FOCUS - 2004 Ford Focus
  By firestopper - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I drove the civic Si the same day I drove this SVT. I fell in love with this car the moment I sat in the seat. It beats the Si, hands down. Fun car to drive.

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  Ford Focus 2001 Street Editon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Terrytickles - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoy my Focus so far and have 43,000 miles. I did have to replace the front breaks only. It runs like a champion. Its only been in the shop two times. The tires still looks great after having the vehicle for over 2 years now. I purchase my vehicle in July of 2001.

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  New F-150 is best yet! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Gary222 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my F-150 FX4 Supercrew for about 4 months now. The ONLY thing that I found I dont love about it is the gas mileage. I find that a significant departure from what they claim. Other than that, the truck is a pleasure to drive and I love it inside and out. I topped it off with a rhinoliner and an Access soft cover and it was one great truck of utility. Its comfortable for the family and it can also haul a load of cargo--and it looks and feels great the entire time. Im in love with the truck--go drive one, I think youll be in love with it, too!