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:

• 

  Above The Best - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Nicole - December 18 - 6:12 pm

  The power of this outstanding vehicle is unbelievable. I would recommend it to the world, and definitely over the Chev Suburban. Not to mention the incredible space! Too bad they stopped making it.

• 

  Love my second Expedition! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Carrie - December 18 - 5:41 pm

  I had my first Expedition for 7 years and 100,000 miles and I loved it. When it came time for a new car, I considered and tested others but came back to the Expedition. The turning radius is amazing (especially for its size) comfort and smoothness of the ride are fantastic. I have all the bells and whistles of the Navigator but not the high price tag. Couldnt be happier with my new Expedition!

• 

  handsome, fun and a good value - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jonas - December 18 - 12:26 pm

  Got the 2009 Fusion S manual for about two weeks and have put 1000+ miles of conservative higway driving, averaging 40+ mpg. Its a blast to drive, handles very well and doesnt feel underequipped power wise. It is also very quiet. The build quality & reliability is (so far) great, the only imperfections noticed is a glove compartment thats a tad stiff to open/close as well as the air conditioning which smells bad for the first few seconds. I also personally dont care for the cyan back lit dash. The rear window offers a somewhat poor view. Seats are good and roomy both front and back. Stock stereo surprisingly good, but doesnt accept mp3 dvd. paid 17k OTD and I consider it a super value!

• 

  Quality Van, Quality Dealer - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By dferron - December 18 - 4:24 am

  Traded in a 97 Buick LeSabre Limited on this 2003 Windstar. It had been a lease vehicle and is in mint condition. Did a CarFax report, no problems noted, showed regular maintenance. It drives well, is quieter than the Buick, though not quite as comfortable. Fuel economy about 20% less than the Buick @ 18 in town. Has good acceleration, and great braking. So far, quite happy with our purchase. Removed third seat, and wanted to purchased the seat anchor covers. WOW! $26+ each, takes 4. Also, this van has a RECALL for rear seat anchors. It is a free fix by Ford. If you buy used, check the VIN with your dealer. We are in our fifties, kids gone.

• 

  Whats not to love? - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By drthvdr77 - December 17 - 11:46 pm

  What a well built vehicle. The handling is superb and it is about time a car manufacturer designed a sporty looking sedan. I love the color (sport blue) and the interior is modern and roomy. The Sun and Tunes package is awesome. The Sync feature works flawlessly. I was looking at an Audi A4 (great car too but a very expesive Jetta) and I am glad I went in this direction. Go BLUE OVAL!!!!

• 

  Ford F-350 4 Dr XL Crew Cab long bed 7.3 diesel - 1996 Ford F-350
  By josh - December 17 - 5:05 pm

  This is the best truck I have had ever and I would never trade or get rid of it for anything else. This truck is built to last forever.

• 

  2003 280 HP Ford Thunderbird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By JimJet - December 17 - 1:55 pm

  Car was in 1st 100 280HP 2003 cars. At 20,000 miles stuck caliper and bad throttle body. 30,000 miles bad transmission module which gave sluggish performance from beginning in service date. Interior is quiet with soft or hard top. Have no idea what MPG is. Who cares? Truly a gentlemans sports car. Local dealer quick to fix all problems under warranty.

• 

  I finally own one - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mark - December 17 - 10:46 am

  I havent been in the Mustang market for years. After the 60s and early 70s they seem to have lost their appeal (to me anyway). I have the V-6 premium fully loaded, black with red leather interior. The new style brought me back. I am very happy with the purchase -- so reasonably priced.

• 

  2002 Ford Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jsidreid - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I really like this vehicle. Its very comfortable, has good power, and is sharp to look at. I had a problem with the transmission shifting "hard", but took it in for a look and they replaced some parts and it runs fine. I would recommend this vehicle as the best bang for your buck as far as size and usefullness go among its competitors.

• 

  08 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By charmander - December 17 - 1:26 am

  I have had my 08 Escape Hybrid for 2 weeks, and so far I really like it! It is fun to drive and very quiet. I really like the Audiophile sound system, satellite radio and moonroof. I am getting about 29 mpg in mostly highway driving. I had a 2001 Escape that I liked until the transmission went out on it. I hope this one is more reliable. Only time will tell.