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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  the best - 1996 Ford Escort
  By patas - March 19 - 10:50 pm

  this car are the best on gas,cheap parts easy to fix i love my ford escort i dont need i new car

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  2005 Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By big_big_jon - March 19 - 1:53 pm

  I never really liked Fords but this Taurus is great the only way it could be better would be if it had the DOHC 24 valve. it gets great gas milage. Im gettig about 26 mpg which is better than I expected out of it. Ive had no major problems with it. I love the car.

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  Great Family Hauler - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By mschooly - March 18 - 11:29 pm

  Our Expedition has done my family great over the last six years. It has survived three young children and a lot of driving vacations. It was a great family hauler with the fold flat third row, DVD system, and the heated and cooled front seats. Followed all recommended services done by dealer. Had problems with premature front tire wear until I took it to an independent tire shop to do alignment and balance every 5000. Interior rattles became a problem on rough roads after a few years of use. Gas mileage is bad around town, but better than expected on highway, as long as you go 65.

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  Bought an American Car! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Mike Klaber - March 18 - 7:31 pm

  After 32 years I thought it was time to try another American car. Ive been driving Toyota, Honda, and Lexus all these years. Since Fords quality has improved significantly over the past few years, I thought I would take a serious look and drive one. Well, I was impressed and bought the SEL pretty well loaded including 18 inch wheels. The V6 and 6-speed auto are very smooth and Im averaging 22 MPG after six weeks of driving half city, half freeway. The sport tuned suspension makes handling very acceptable and the car has a very solid feel. In summary, this is a very nice car and a great value. It also feels good to drive a car made by an American company.

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  Great CUV - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Oklaoma Edge - March 18 - 2:56 pm

  I like the way this car handles, rides and looks. Great for someone like me commuting in from the Burbs every day.

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  nothing touches the excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By jackhart - March 18 - 2:29 pm

  I traded in an 06 Tahoe at the end of my lease for a used 05 Excursion turbodiesel. It has more room for my kids, dogs and luggage, and the diesel option sealed the deal, since it can tow anything and gets better mileage than the gas version. If you need the room, nothing beats the Excursion. I am more than pleased with this vehicle, and even with 50K on the odometer, it still runs and looks like new. Too bad they dont make this truck anymore, because even a few years old, the truck is still a winner.

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  Two thumbs up. - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By gtman - March 18 - 1:43 pm

  This is my first brand new mustang since my 1967 fastback. This GT is great. Diffinetly the most bang for your buck.

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  Best Truck I have owned - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Scott K - March 18 - 8:14 am

  I traded a GMC for the new Ford Platnium. This truck has the style of european road sedan and tough truck features you need also. I have been impressed with the new F150. It pulls a boat and trailer like its not even there and the large backseat makes it nice for 3 large adults to sit.

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  Update - Cheaper than 1995 - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By back to cars - March 18 - 8:09 am

  Originally reviewed after one month. So thought I might give a 6 month update to let people know what I thought after the "newness" has wore off. Currently have 8000 miles and have not had to take the vehicle in for warranty work, but I do have a few rattles and one clunk that will probably be warranty repairs at some point. My "clunk/rattle" sound is the most annoying at this point and only happens when going over somewhat larger bumps/humps in the road and seems to originate from the passenger front when I do hear it(my wife calls me a freak for rattles). Other than that the vehicle is still fun to drive and Im getting 27mpg with 50/50 highway/city driving. I still get excited to drive it

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  Great car value - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Fusionator - March 18 - 6:23 am

  This care is absolutely one of the best deals around for the price. The rebates Ford gives right now are amazing, I got $3500 back. It may not have the interior of a BMW, but it doesnt have the sticker either. The car is absolutely wonderful, shifting is very easy and smooth. Looks like a luxury car, drives like one too.