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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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2005 Ford GT
  By SurfnUSA - December 24 - 12:00 pm

  Instant celebrity status while driving the car like no other I have owned (over 250). Runs the quarter in 11.5 @ 128, top end of 210 (track only). It costs more than twice as much as a performance comparable Z06 but twice the looks and curbside appeal. Total build is 4038, 300 totaled to date. Will increase in value as years go by and the number on the road are reduced. As of this post, only 50-75 are still on the dealers floor. After they are gone, no new ones will ever be available again. A new one will never be cheaper. My children will inherit a wonderful classic.

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  From One to Another... - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Mike - December 24 - 7:51 am

  I traded a 2001 ZX3 for this 2006 SES. After driving this car for a year now, I think overall I wish I would have kept my ZX3! The build quality was MUCH better on the ZX3 but the SES has more power. There are some annoying squeaks and rattles that were a non factor on the ZX3. I dont know why Ford would not make the seats that are standard on the ZX3/ZX5 standard on the SES. These have much better side bolsters. Dont get me wrong, I like the SES. The steering feel and handling are great. The ride is not too firm. The Sony Audiophile system has great sound and the auto transmission is smooth shifting.

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  Happy customer! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Grguy - December 24 - 4:36 am

  I wanted to write this review to let others know that i am pleased with this car. I have driven other midsized cars and i have to admit Ford did a good job on this one. I do a lot of highway miles and this car is DRIVERS CAR. Comfort, smooth shifting 6 speed automatic, 8 way power seat, and more! all these features tailor to the driver and even the passenger gets a power seat on the SEL. Fuel is good on a midsized, electric steering is easy to steer in parking lots, but still feels good on highway as well. Highly recommended. The SEL trim is worth the extra $1,200 to upgrade from the SE. GO FORD!!

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  2006 Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jeff - December 24 - 3:26 am

  Very nice vehicle that regularly garners complements on its appearance. Those considering an import should give this Ford a try! I test drove the 4 and 6, and liked the way the four cylinder handled--it felt more sporty vs. the heavier, bigger care feel of the six cylinder. I have no regrets, especially since the 4 gets better gas mileage, too. (23 MPG with all city driving; it shows 33 on the computer for those rare instances that I get it on a highway).

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  LOVE IT! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By C. - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The Premium ZX3 Ford Focus 2001, is the car that I picked out. It drives like a mini sports car, take the curves and hauls up the hills. I have a 5 speed and it runs like a top. Have had nothing wrong. Only thing were the windows had some bad film on them from the shipping and had to have the front and back replaced. Other than that, just the oil change, rotate the tires and go. I highly recommend my Focus. I have gone camping with it and it just drives great. Love the handling, visability, and the suspension is such that you hardly feel the road!!! The only thing is I wish that it would get better mpg. Only 25 city and freeway and plus 32 on the open road.

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  Still the best bang for the buck!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 03blkgt - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I can honestly say that I will never purchase a GM product again. The performance, options and quality that Ford has built into these vehicles is unbelievable. Ive already added a pro 5.0 shifter, bullit s.s. pedals, roush cold air and flow mufflers. The true duals really like to irritate the neighbors too. Love pulling up to the ricers sounding like weed eaters and opening up a can of v8. My insurance is less than a 4cyl celica, gas mileage averages around 19/20 combo. Love this car and plan on keeping this one for a very long time. Previous car 96 TA

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  02 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By sav-v - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been a pleasure to drive size/safety feature very assuring woiuld like better gas mileage and not as firm a ride.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Hellraiser5d - December 24 - 2:00 am

  fun, good, excellent great to drive. i lkie the way that it looks too.

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  Fun - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Tim - December 24 - 12:10 am

  The car is everything I thought it would be and more. I was surprised by the amount over invoice I had to pay. Horsepower, handling, 0-60 its all good. No remorse whatsoever about the car.

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  Great car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By klazterp - December 23 - 1:56 pm

  Great car, just had it delivered, and I just love it! Great styling, especially up front, and super dynamics. Excellent all around.