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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  Great car for the money - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By William - December 24 - 3:43 pm

  I bought my 2005 Ford Taurus in August. When I got in it and started it up, I knew even before I left the dealership for the test drive, I wanted it. When I got out on the open road, it really had pick up, and the ride was so smooth. It has all the options Ive ever seen in a car. This is my first midsize car, as all Ive driven so far are Ford Escorts. I like the Escort too, my wife has a 2002 model. By far the Taurus is a real upgrade from the Escort. Although Ford is making 2006 the last year for the Taurus, Ill probably look into a Fusion, or a Freestyle when my wife is ready to trade her Escort. The gas mileage isnt as good as the Escort, but its great when traveling.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By diares - December 23 - 10:46 pm

  Great Truck

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  Love My Fusion Hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By CDS in LA - December 23 - 3:43 pm

  In two weeks of ownership have driven my Fusion about a thousand miles so far. Still have more than half of the second tank of gas left. The styling, comfort, performance and handling are enough reason to want the car, but it comes with amazing efficiency too. Its fully loaded and the huge number features are simple to use and more useful than I expected. Well placed controls, comfortable Town Car quality interior, great room, ride and handling in a car that looks beautiful. Buy Ford stock now!

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  Im still pinching myself! - 2005 Ford GT
  By wemo - December 23 - 2:29 pm

  This car is truly the most fun! The performance is breathtaking, the quality is wonderful, and I luv my car. I have raced both asphalt and dirt ovals for years (including 360 sprints), and am truly impressed with this vehicles handling and performance. I appreciate the no frills cockpit. Its all business. I have about 1200 miles so far, and keep looking for excuses to go to the store for milk.

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  Reliable and Fun to Drive - 2014 Ford Focus
  By rebelnate - December 23 - 9:31 am

  I bought this car in August of 2014 from the dealer and drove it off the lot with 10 miles on it. I now have around 39,400 miles in 26 months. I also have the 5 speed manual transmission. The only issues I have had with the car were replacing a tail light bulb and then 2 tires because of nails. It is peppy for a small car and has more horsepower than the other cars in its class, (which is something I looked for). On interstates going the speed of traffic on open highways I average 35.5 mpg. On 2 lane highways with a lower speed limit I have averaged between 39 and 44 mpg of 200 mile round trips. It handles well in all types of weather. The AC cools off the car quickly in the hot days of summer. The bluetooth syncs easily with my phone, however I have had to resync it once. The legroom is the back is a little poor but it is a small car. The resale value of the car is poor because of issues with automatic transmission however but the manual transmission editions are reliable and fun to drive. I would easily consider buying one with a manual transmission again.

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  Its the Best Stang Ever! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By JeffL - December 23 - 12:39 am

  Ford outdid themselves. This car is awesome. Ive owned quite a few Stangs since "65" and this is the best looking and performing. It turns heads and is a blast to drive. Its a little crowded for carpooling, but my carpoolers love it. I cant wait to drive it everyday. The only thing I would suggest is an inside trunk release and optional fog lights for the V6. The cars got some serious power for a six and gas mileage is pretty good. The auto tranny slips on occasion, but dealership told me thats normal. Ill get it checked at a different dealer. You got get yourself one of these!

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  Red Hot Horse - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Red Horse - December 22 - 8:33 pm

  Own 06 GT in Redfire Metallic with parchment leather interior. Surpassed my expectations. Real head turner. Zero to scary in 5.5 seconds @ 24.5MPG. A real road or drag racer right out of the showroom. Corners and drives tight. Rides firm.

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  The Best - 2002 Ford F-150
  By fastro - December 22 - 6:26 pm

  This is by far the best truck I have ever owned.With Unsurpassed Quality !

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  My First Ford ---From a MBZ buyer - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Marlena - December 22 - 6:03 am

  My last vehicle was a Land Rover Discovery. I was actually looking for a Hybrid and went to look at the Escape. The Hybrid tacks on an additional $10K, and I want to help the environment, but is it all up to me? I wont save $10K in fuel, and the Expedition came close in price, with so much more luxury. I drove it and decided, I always do for other, and do without. As a boomer, I decided it is time to spoil me for a change. It drives like a dream. You sit in comfort and luxury. And I dont have kids, but the DVD PLAYER in the back will be perfect for when I take my Mom to Las Vegas. She can watch a movie and stop asking "are we there yet?" Sometimes the Seniors are worse than the kids. Enjoy!

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  05 MUSTANG GT AFTER 1 YEAR - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By B MARTIN - December 20 - 4:38 pm

  After having my Mustang for a year, the only complaint I have is the weather in Ohio. I would love to live somewhere I could drive my Mustang all year. Every little jaunt is fun because this car is so fun to drive. The Shaker 1000 rocks! The looks are awesome. Nobody will mistake a Mustang for a jellybean clone Grand Am.