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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  2016 Fusion SE - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Don L. - November 29 - 4:54 am

  The 1st Fusion I bought new was the 2010 SEL and the car never gave me a issue 1 in 130,000 miles. I used it to commute back and forth to work 100 plus miles a day. Kept the oil changed when the car said to change it at 0% on the oil life tracking meter. Traded it for a 2016 Fusion SE and it will do the commute as the old one did 100 miles plus per day. I thought the trading-in value was very poor on my the 2010 since it was in excellent condition with not even a door ding, but you know the dealers always screw you on your trade anyway. I went ahead and traded up for the 2016 Fusion since Ford was advertising 0% for 72 months cause cant beat 0% interest. If the 2016 is as good as the 2010 model then Ill be back for another review in about 5 years. My old Fusion was a excellent car and the over all mpg on the 2010 all highway driving at 65 to 75 mph was 28.7 to 30.7. So far only have 1000 miles on the new 2016 and it is at 32.2 mpg so far as of this morning, so a little better than the old model. Hope it is as good a Fusion as my 2010 was.

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  My Trucks my best friend - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Collin Stoddard - November 29 - 1:17 am

  This truck has been awesome. I wish it had more power sometimes, but it is unstoppable. I pull two horses with it and it has a hard time with that sometimes, and I have spoken to other F 150 owners and they have seen a similar trait of exhaust leaks in the exhaust manifold. I have yet to fix mine, but it hasnt effected performance at all. I have had to fix nothing on this thing in the three years that I have owned it and it has 160,000 miles on it now.

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  Love it! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Moe - November 28 - 11:40 pm

  Its a beauty. Young and old admire this car. I left work one day and found a crowd gathered around it. All fans. For the buck its a blast. Fun to look at, fun to drive and easy on the pocketbook.

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  Great Value, Great Drive - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JasonT1978 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, quiet and handles great. Solid thunk to doors, and Volvo based construction makes the car feel VERY solid and safe! Awesome interior, huge inside and very comfortable.

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  A bit too early to tell, but here goes.. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By johnclineii - November 28 - 10:00 am

  What other AWD full size sedan is available for less than $30k and fairly well equipped? An excellent car for the price. CVT is a unique feature that will, for some, take some getting used to. Be sure to check out foot space on both driver and passenger sides before buying. Plenty for me, but others might not think so. And why, Ford, no Sirius Satellite Radio? No stability control? And only the 3.0? Still, a great value and I am well satisfied, so far. Reliability remains to be proven, but may well be better than average. For this car to succeed, it must be reliable!

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  GT is a Winner - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Texray - November 26 - 7:26 pm

  This is the best Mustang yet. Quick, well built and affordable. Ford did a good job on this one. If youre considering one, make sure that you get the GT. Why spend all this money and not get the pure fun and pleasure of the V8? Pure American muscle.

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  Easily most comfy car Ive ever driven.. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Larry - November 26 - 7:53 am

  Ive bought a few new cars in my life, but buying this 2005 Ford 500 in 2007 may be my best car purchase ever. Has a nicer, more comfy car ever been built? I say, "no."

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  The Great Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By lkgfnp - November 25 - 2:33 pm

  A classy, efficient vehicle. Was amazed at the fuel economy when compared with my 2001 Escape. I like it very much!

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  Another happy customer - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin - November 24 - 9:23 pm

  This car is fun to drive. It has the extra kick I was looking for without having to move all the way up to the sports car class. Also looks great, I still get plenty of comments.

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  Puts the fun back in driving - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By D Henderson - November 24 - 10:20 am

  This is a sweet ride. Great performance and man does it turn heads. I have driven SUVs for years now and was a little apprehensive about a car. Especially a small car. But when I saw the 2005 for the first time i was hooked. I did all my homework on it. Read or heard nothing bad about the car. Then I went looking. Found one I liked and told friends if I drove it, I would end up buying it. Well, I went for a test drive. And that same day I took it home. A Torch Red one. And I couldnt be happier. Thanks Ford!