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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  Focuss are great - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Nate - March 25 - 7:26 pm

  I like my car.

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  Love the Ford Fusion!! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Gingout - March 25 - 7:20 pm

  I have owned the car for 2 months (3000 miles) and love it. The car is quiet, tight, comfortable and easy to drive which makes my morning commute in the Washington DC area decent. I am averaging 41.5 mpg with 60% highway and 40% city which is better than the combined 38 that is advertised. I have actually obtained as high as 58.9 mpg on some drives. Great car and highly recommended.

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  Great Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By AMM - March 25 - 6:44 pm

  I purchased this car about a year ago and so far, no complaints. I originally test drove a Sentra, Civic, Corolla and a Mazda3 before buying the Focus. The Focus just felt a little more solid and very quiet on the inside. The Focus lacked pep, but after a year of driving, I think its gotten a little quicker now that its broken in. After a year it is still very quiet, no rattles or squeeks. I have had no problems whatsoever and I am definitely glad I purchased the Focus over the competition. It is a well built car, fun to drive, has great features, and was very inexpensive. $16,700 out the door!

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  12 years and still reliable - 1997 Ford Contour
  By mar - March 25 - 2:41 pm

  I bought it new in early 1998 and the first tune-up according to manual was after 10 years. Never had a problem with reliability. I drove it up and down the east coast and into Canada and I must write that it is indeed reliable and low maintenance. The color looks like it is just 3 years old. I am proud of the 97 Ford Contour After 10 years, it still has no rust and the paint is still shiny considering the it is never garaged.

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  garbage on wheels - 2006 Ford Escape
  By 4wdford - March 25 - 9:23 am

  Where to begin? 15 mpg is the best we can get, and thats driving nice. The v6 struggles all the time, and smells like burning oil when parked after a run. Within the past 2 weeks the ABS has failed, the 4WD light has come on, and it pulls to the right under acceleration. The transmission now clunks when shifting. The factory tires are junk and started humming loudly after 15 000 km. To top things off, there are weird clunking noises coming from the back and front end. All this after 45,000 km, not miles!

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  77,000 mile review - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Iceman - March 25 - 9:12 am

  I am writing about my car which is coming up on its 2 year anniversary in April. We have traveled over 77,000 miles together. I have not experienced one mechanical failure during that time. I just replaced the pads & had the rotors turned and we have new tires. Thats it. This is an amazing car as far as reliability. It still hangs corners at twice the limit and looks good in the process. Still comfortable. No squeaks or rattles. I plan on keeping it another year or two and then passing it down to my daughter and picking up something with more HP (300+). Great Car!

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  Happiness is a Three Year Lease - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Barbara Hunter - March 25 - 2:03 am

  Number one was to drive the most suitable (for us) American based (although made in Mexico) sedan. Focus was new, different, very "pretty" inside, had all the extras needed for each of us (power seat, all the power needed functions, very good steering, quiet on the highway). The lease was very reasonable (three years, full disclosure of the future and a very low interest rate). The only negative (and this was quite negative for us smaller people) was the hump on the rear back seat holding a stop light which reduced center rear visibility.This should be eliminated.

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  Gas Saving SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Nette - March 24 - 11:40 pm

  Trouble free so far in its first 2K miles and 12 hour trip to California. Perfect fit and function for an active family. Nice size cargo space and if needed roof rack is ready for extra cargo. The SUV is not a speed demon, but I have been averaging 28 MPG. I love the fact that I climb in and out the SUV vs. crawl in and out. Loading the baby into the car seat is comfortable since I can stay standing while I buckle him into his car seat. I would highly recommend my SUV to anyone.

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  Life Saver - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Susan - March 24 - 9:08 pm

  This is a VERY safe van. I was in an accident and totaled my van this past Saturday. To say the least, the van is a mangled mess and is missing three wheels. The frame is a pretzel, but my children and I were completely safe! We were able to climb out the drivers door (the only working door) and were unharmed. This van did its job...it kept my kids safe. I am looking to purchase this van again because I do feel safe driving my children inside of it.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. - 2009 Ford F-150
  By AmericanCarFan - March 24 - 5:33 pm

  I have owned many vehicles over many years, including many trucks. This new Platinum series F150 is definitely one of the best. Incredibly quiet, comfortable and well built. The new 6 speed automatic with tow/haul works very well. Fuel mileage is on par with what you would expect for a vehicle of this weight and size, but I actually find it to be better than many in this category. This truck is so good, even some of my Chevy truck friends are looking at Ford! The combination of comfort and utility, with 11,100 lbs of towing and high load capacity is unbeatable. Kudos to Ford and Ocala Ford dealer for a superior product!