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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  WOW!!! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Erin - May 7 - 8:23 pm

  Bought mine last weekend and already have 400 miles on it. Just love the way this car handles. Interior is luxurious, and has great quality materials. Thought about Camry, Accord, and Altima. This car is 10 times more fun to drive, and has a distinct look unlike any of those. First domestic car Ive had in 8 years and WOW! Ford has dramatically increased quality, fit and finish, and performance.

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  06 Eddie Bauer loaded - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By SWW - May 7 - 8:00 pm

  We just bought our 3rd Eddie Bauer Explorer loaded with lots of great features: new Nav system, luxurious interior, memory seats (heated), fantastic smoother quieter ride. But the key selling point for me is the door number unlock panel! Never do I look for my keys. They are locked inside the car. As a gal who frequently changes her purses & often wears skirts without pockets, this door unlock system was just what I needed and the main reason that we keep returning to our Explorer Eddie Bauers. Take a look at the impressive new front grill/headlight design on the new 2006 models, a classy SUV. Only negative is a no brainer, wed all like to see better gas mileage.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By dallas - May 7 - 4:00 pm

  I was originally thinking about an Impala or used Camry. I am very glad I chose the Fusion. I have averaged 32- 34 MPG on two lane highway, 29-30 MPG on interstate and overall about 27 MPG. We have one young child under a year old and have plenty of room for everything during our long trips home (~400 miles). The only drawback is turning radius which I was aware of before buying the car, but it does not turn on a dime, more like a nickel. I have 13,000 miles on it already and have enjoyed them all. I drove several late model Dakotas previously and this car is just as fun and enjoyable to drive. I recommend it fully.

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  I think Im in LOVE - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Cat - May 7 - 11:56 am

  Ive been in love with the Mustang since I was 16 (and learned that you cant insure a 16 year old on a Mustang with my parents income). Twenty years later, and I finally got my dream car. Redfire metallic, pony package, V6 because I still cant afford insurance on a GT. Since most of my cars have been 4 cylinders, Im not missing any power. The price was surprisingly low. The car is kind of huge considering its a SPORTS car, but I love it. Its heavy and has an excellent safety rating. It turns corners like its on rails. It gets up to the speed limit way before any other car Ive ever owned.

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  Great Little Ford - 2006 Ford Focus
  By bluedoctor - May 7 - 9:04 am

  Works for my family. Fills any hauling needs except for extra large stuff. Fuel economy is excellent. Fun to drive with good performance. Great price.

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  F-150 is Excellent - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DJ88RYR - May 5 - 8:40 pm

  This vehicle is by far the best truck in class. After using the other makes of truck including the imports, F-150 is #1. I run a decent trapline every fall and winter, and use it for everyday driving as well couldnt ask for better in any category. The truck has not let me down yet, and I dont expect it will. After two years I am still as thrilled as I was the day I bought it.

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  The Best! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By G - May 5 - 9:20 am

  My Ford ranger is built in Edison NJ. The Truck was put together very well. Have had no problems at all with it. The rear window is solid. The 5sp. manual works very well, if your towing things around, like in upstate NY. This is my first ranger, and I will keep on buying. My Ranger came with Goodyear RT/S tires on. Good tires. Also in the interior, there is almost NO noise. Unlike in the other Manuf, you get alot or road noise.

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  Whatta beast - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Matt M. - May 5 - 3:30 am

  I got a mineral grey auto 2001 mustang and it has all the toys and leather. Whew that all black interior looks bad!!!! Just waxed the car with Zymoil and put chrome polish on the rims and put wheel wax on the tires.. and that car shines!! Man. to count the endless number of looks and complements. This car is off da heeze fo sheeze

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  Chevy and Others Bow To THE KING - 2004 Ford F-150
  By FordMan - May 4 - 6:12 pm

  I bought a red SuperCrew with tan interior, tow package, two-tone lower gold and of course the 5.4 3-valve with the 3.73 gears. The truck has performed superbly. Originally it was a rental and had 12,000 miles which tells you it wasnt used with the most care, but the interior, exterior etc. showed almost no signs of wear. The truck has never let me down. The only thing "bad" that happened was it needed a new starter. The interior has top-notch quality and design much better than other trucks. The exterior is muscular and tough. The 5.4 performs with awesome power. The brakes had to be replaced at about 30,000 miles but I drive mostly city, unfortunately. It does get 13-15 miles in town.

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  Focus st - 2006 Ford Focus
  By engineer - May 4 - 5:50 pm

  As an engineer I try to select based on quality and price. I researched and drove a lot of cars before deciding on the Focus ST. Power to spare and handles like a sports car. 30+ mpg even with the more powerful engine. If this came as a two door coupe it would be a perfect car.