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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  Fun Car! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Lisa T - February 5 - 11:10 am

  Ive only put 700 miles on this car since December 05, as its winter in WI, but thus far, its been fun! I was impressed that it will move on SNOW, as my 96 Mustang GT would not. Ford did a good job adding traction control. The plastic interior could have been dressed up better even though I do have the interior upgrade; without it, would be boring. Punching the accelerator, it moves from 0 to 60 in a heartbeat. Have auto transmission; it seems to shift very quickly through the gears. Am keeping an eye on the 500 Shaker as the CD player is already starting to skip. Like the leather seating, but they could have went a bit richer with the leather. At $28,000 getting a hot head turning car, its great!

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  Great car. 120,000 miles and going - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jeffrey - February 5 - 5:37 am

  I was one of the first to buy the Fusion Hybrid in October 2009. So far all it has needed was an oxygen sensor at 92k. I replaced the tires at 62k and the regular battery went at 5 years, typical. I average 42 mpg. To address some of the other reviewers issues, who havent owned theirs as long. 1- mileage. If you live in the cold, dont expect treat mileage. But also consider how bad a regular car would do in that same situation. 2- direction of travel makes a difference on a trip. Ive been all over the country, and wind plays a big part in your mileage. 3 - if your an agressive driver, dont expect miracles from a hybrid. 4- fir some reason the mileage goes way down in the rain. 5 - after sitting in the sun the mileage will be a lot lower than if I just came out of the cool garage. Must be the added use of ac.

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  great car - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Frank - February 5 - 2:09 am

  buy it

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  very nice car! - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By rebelemtp - February 5 - 12:31 am

  read the reviews here before buying this car. bought the car May 2010. Love this car! only had one problem with a sencior in passager seat for the air bag, for the passager side. fixed and no problems. the syc, doesnt work with all phones, not with iPhone, or some droids. the mpg are good real good. like other reviews to get the best mpg, get the car up to the speed posted quick and cruze. trying to speed up real slowly will not increase your mpg. up to 35.8 mpg avg. highest to date was 36.0 mpg. letting the car idle to warm up in the winter will cut your mpg. so no warm ups in the cold days and your mpg will not go down. We are very happy with this car and very glad we got it.

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  Amazing Car! - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By youngelvis - February 4 - 12:21 pm

  I bought my Crown Victoria LX with 84000 on it. Has ALL the options, including Memory Seat! Digital Dash, Premium Sound System, Air Suspension and Digital Climate Controls! What an amazing Car! Now has almost 300K on it! Original Engine, Transmission! Ive only had to change the A/C Compressor and Water Pump! Have gone through almost FOUR Sets of Tires! Driven on 19 Hour One Day Trips with this Car! My Drummer calls it the "Flying Couch"! What a comfortable, yet quiet car. Gets almost 24 MPG. Tows amazingly well! Trailer and Boat!

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  Love Ford C-Max Energi plugin - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By m_b2 - February 3 - 9:32 pm

  The Energi is the first car I have found with significant electric range and a hybrid backup system that is practical. Volt is sporty but the dimensions of the car dont fulfill my everyday needs.

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  Fun little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mkgibbons - February 3 - 7:48 pm

  This is a fun little SUV to drive. I love the look of it and the feel of the wind rushing through my hair when the moonroofs open. Mileage has been pretty good, and the all-wheel drive is helpful in snowy MN winter. Road noise gets a little high when at highway speeds.

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  F150 SUPER DUTY - 2005 Ford F-150
  By TUF2LUV - February 2 - 2:26 pm

  I have been very happy with it so far in overall style and price. I looked at all the other trucks and got a Ford. I was not sure it was a wise investment and have been very happy I did. Only a couple of things I do not like is that the work truck came without a CD player and no running boards standard on the heavy duty equipment package I purchased. I think they should be provided on all the extra payload trucks. Has good pick and go power overall. Not a race horse. Yet a good overall work horse. :]

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  Stang 05 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By nreck - February 1 - 10:53 pm

  The car is an overall disappointment. I wish I could give it back. Not a good buy, definitely just spend the extra money for the GT! The car runs fine now but I wouldnt count on it like a Honda. With all of the other options out there, make sure you do your research first before deciding what car is perfect for you.

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  Im Keeping It Another 6 years - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Richard - February 1 - 10:40 pm

  Ive driven LA to Chicago about 6 times round trip and never had any trouble. Im always amazed after 3 days of 10 hours each at 70 mph how this car shows no sign of fatigue. Its my 2nd Crown Vic.