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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  Great SUV,, Rides and Handles Well - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Derek - February 2 - 9:35 pm

  Very good ride and very quiet. Tight turning radius, reverse obstacle sensor, large side mirrors, adj. pedals and seats all make it easy to drive. Very comfortable seats and Im already glad I opted for climate controlled ones. Third row is comfortable for adults. Lots of storage spaces and cup holders. DVD entertainment system is great but takes a while to master because it has so many features and optional settings. I definitely recommend the 07 Eddie Bauer Expedition. It has surpassed my expectations. I previously owned a 2000 Mountaineer and prior to that a 1995 Explorer.

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  Who doesnt want twin-turbos in their family car? - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Nate Jenkins - February 1 - 3:15 pm

  Excellent vehicle. This is our second Explorer since the major changes and redesign in 2011. Our first was the limited model with every option. The car pretty much could drive its self, just keep your eyes open. We test drove the Durango and the Acadia, but neither had as much technology and features to make it easy to load and unload 3 kids daily. Now we just purchased a 2017 Sport model, with the same features as our previous Explorer plus the addition of the twin-turbo engine. My Father-in-law traded his 2013 Corvette for a 2016 Platinum model and still doesnt regret it. So that is 3 reviews in one for you!

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  Head Turner "Is that a Cadillac?" - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By FUSION FUN - January 31 - 2:20 pm

  I bought the Fusion from a Ford dealer that sold it to me based on the invoice price and not the MSRP, which was $2000 more dollars. I got a top of the line silver SEL minus some features. The only features mine didnt come with is the ABS with traction assist and side safety airbags. Though, it does have the leather and moonroof along with seat warmers. The car is exceptional to drive. It handles very sporty and holds hard cornering great. It has a potent 221 horsepower v-6 that has good start out power but better midrange passing. It does all of this without compromising a nice and quiet ride. It beats my buddies 2004 Toyota Solara in all categories. Definitely worth a test drive.

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  2010 Car of the year for a reason - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By 68jcode_stang - January 31 - 7:23 am

  I had been researching family sedans with manual transmissions and this one is it. The gear ratios are perfectly spaced. Its a blast to drive and is beating the EPA estimates by 3-4 MPG. My wife drives it 90% of the time and loves it. Its only getting 1-2 MPG less than a 2004 Corolla we had before. Its amazingly quiet. If you cant find a comfortable position with the 8 way drivers seat, then youll not be comfortable in any car. The criteria that led us to this car is the Consumer Reports review of the Fusion. It has been on par with all the benchmark cars...Camry, Accord, etc. Plus with the "Sun and Sync" package, it was $4000 less than Accord and $1400 less than Camry.

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  Too much fun - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By quimbysr - January 31 - 5:33 am

  I had always wanted a GT, so when they were running some rebates I went for it. No regrets since. The only problem Ive had with it is a nut coming loose on one of the top drive cylinders which I was able to fix myself. I cant get enough of the power and sound even in stock form. After leaving it with my Dad for a year while I was overseas, I wasnt out of the driveway before I said to myself, "This is a fast car!" I also think its better looking than the new one, but thats just me. Its no wonder Chevy couldnt sell Camaros, the Mustang is just about perfect. No frills, just fun.

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  My stang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Lord Syrux - January 31 - 2:00 am

  everyone told me this was a bad car to get but i love it. reliability is great and not many cars are faster on the road. it also is good with traction control in the snow.

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  GREAT CAR FOR A TRAVELING FAMILY - 2001 Ford Focus
  By my zx3 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the best for your buck.Being in the military we wanted a car to travel with us both overseas and in the states and the Focus is it. Being 23years old and over 6 foot tall I hate small cars and minivans, but the interior room is huge and inviting, I can even sit comfortably in the back seat with my child and his carseat! Everything is set up without having to manuver or stretch for cupholders and heater controls.I drive mostly on the highway and my Focus has no loss of power passing or just cruising I definetly would tell people about this vehicle, it has been an awesome investment for my family

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  97 Crown Victoria - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Pgodio1 - January 31 - 12:20 am

  These cars are built to last! You can beat them and they run forever. They last ten times longer than any civilian vehicle. I had a 94 CVPI that I sold with 250,000 miles on it. still running strong. The Crown vic is a beast, a bear in the winter!

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  GREAT car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By PSPTom - January 30 - 10:26 pm

  After reviewing and test driving small and midsized wagons for nearly a year, the summer 2005 sale price on this vehicle finally tipped the scale. I couldnt be happier. This car is fun to drive, very peppy with good road feel and still more economical to drive than most of the competition. It has more actual cargo room than many larger SUVs and wagons.

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  This has been a solidly reliable car - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Dave - January 30 - 10:05 pm

  This car has required only 2 minor repairs in 76,000 miles. We drive it daily and have taken a number of long trips with it. It handles well. It is a great size for driving in traffic and the visibility is good all around. Its not over-powered, but there are slower cars out there for the price. Too bad they stopped making this car --- I would buy another one.