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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  MY FORD ESCAPE - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CHEERJB - February 19 - 1:26 pm

  THIS IS A GREAT VEHICLE, IT IS VERY ROOMY, GREAT DRIVING

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  Best Kept Secret - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By John G - February 19 - 1:00 pm

  Traded my 05 Windstar for the AWD Freestyle; first road trip to Green Bay averaged 27.1 mpg, 750 mile round trip averaged 26.2 with 4000 miles on engine. Excellent fit, doors sound expensive when slammed! Fun to drive on stop & go Eisenhower into Chicago, no noticeable shifting up & down.

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  So far so good - 2000 Ford Focus
  By hoos - February 18 - 8:24 pm

  I got this as my first car. Normally I never buy American cars but I needed a car badly. I spent $1100 fix it and I still need to fix the electric and also need to replace the rotors. Aside from all that its very comfy and I really hope it wouldnt leave me stranded. I shouldve gotten a Honda.

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  Great vehicle! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fordlover - February 18 - 8:23 pm

  This has been a great vehicle so far. I think that as long as the routine maintenance is performed that it will last a long time. There have been a few items inside that havent held up. The paint is cheap around the stereo console, the air vents do not always stay open, and the steering wheel cover is very worn.

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  We love it. - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Ed - February 18 - 8:03 pm

  We chose the Fusion hybrid over others after wed decided the other hybrids (esp. trunk capacity) were not spacious enough for our family. We liked the sync tech and the styling over the Camry. Was a little nervous that the Fusion Hybrid was so new, but very happy with it over a month! We can get in the high 40s if we try but overall with mostly city driving were getting about 37 mpg.

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  Fordza - 1995 Ford Probe
  By ford guy - February 17 - 4:23 pm

  This car handles far better than most sports cars,and she loves to run. For those of you who dont know this is a Ford design with the Mazda mx6 engine. For those who want a sports car on a budget, this is it. The GT is the funnest car Ive ever owned.

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  Used to be a good car, but now... - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By lrademac08 - February 17 - 8:52 am

  When I got this car, I opted for all the features I could get. I wanted something with decent mileage, yet good driving. Previously owned two Ford Taurus in past, but the Fusion is not as good as a Taurus. I think the Fusion is built for tiny & skinny people who dont mind shelling out hundreds of dollars after 2yrs of driving. When I got the car new it Looked sharp & styling like a mini Cadillac. But Its interior is small. Overall I wish I would of got the Ford 500. Mileage is not made for anything but City driving. Tires wore out after 24K miles, and recently the driver side car handle broke completely off so cant get in car normally. Have to take to dealer to see what they can do.

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  Bullet Proof Engine! - 1991 Ford Aerostar
  By Mel Turner - February 16 - 9:23 pm

  The only reason I do not have my Aerostar today is because some guy, angry at his wife, totaled it while parked in front of my house. That V6 engine was bulletproof. Buy using only synthetic oil, the engine took a licking and kept on ticking (215000 miles at death) At start up I would hear a ticking sound, but as the engine warmed up the ticking went away and it never interfered with the performance. I loved the interior design. I had to replace the transmission and AC at 70K, but my extended warranty covered that beast. It was absolutely a blast and pleasure to drive on long trips.

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  This Car Is a Blast - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Proud new owner - February 16 - 8:18 pm

  In January 09 I found this 4-door ST with manual 5 speed in like new condition with only 6.5k mi. and have been smiling ever since. This car makes me smile every time I fire it up and head out. Very responsive engine with nice low-end torque for a four cylinder, smooth clutch, great taut steering, tight, rigid feeling chassis, and sweet handling make this car a blast to drive. Feels, sounds, and drives European but for $1000s less. So far getting 25mpg around town and have not taken highway trip, yet.

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  Good Buy - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jay - February 16 - 11:17 am

  Ill be sad to see mine go. Ive had BMWs, Camaros, and Vettes, and this is by far my favorite car to date. Very reliable so far with only one problem (fuel gauge sensor) but otherwise a perfect all around car. Not too fast (yes there is such a thing), but more than fast enough to get you in trouble on any road.