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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  Judged a winner - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Judged a winner - November 22 - 11:30 pm

  After 3000 miles I have only been impressed by by the Fusion Hybrid. I dont have a single complaint about how it performs. Its ride, handling, comfort, features and fuel economy are all top notch and they all contribute to make the car fun to drive. The Fusion does what I havent seen in cars today, it meets and exceeds EPA rated fuel economy ratings. I have averaged 40 mpg in mixed city/highway driving so far, I expected 32-35 at best. One of the best aspects is you drive the car just like a normal car, you dont have to baby the gas pedal and you dont notice the transition between the gas and electric engine.

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  Best SUV Ever - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By ockerman11 - November 22 - 12:10 pm

  I work for Ford and I drive a Ford. I really love this SUV. Traded in an Escape, which I loved as well. The interior is wonderful. Doesnt get good gas mileage but then what can you expect with a large SUV. It handles great, has many options. The car handles well, has sufficient power. The stereo system could be a lot better. The DVD is great. I really like the seats that fold down automatically. Not enough room in the back for cargo when all the seats are up.

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  Really nice car - 2007 Ford Edge
  By pitchn23 - November 22 - 7:20 am

  So far, I am liking my new Edge. A little dissappointed with the gas mileage, but maybe it needs a break in. It is a very quiet smooth ride. There are so many nice options that i liked about it. The audiophile radio is awesome. Love the sun roof!! The airconditioning is not as strong as my Maxima was. I wish it had an outdoor temp gauge. The back hatch is quite heavy to pull down. But I am very pleased overall with the car!

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  Great car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jim - November 22 - 1:00 am

  This is the second Focus we have purchased. We bought a basic, no options 4 door model for our daughter to use at college. Hard to beat the price for a nice, new car. The 2nd one we bought for my wife is a ZTS with most of the extras added. Again, hard to beat the price for a nice, "loaded" car.

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  05 Escape A+ - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Morano - November 21 - 11:30 pm

  Outstanding inside and out. Ive been looking at the Escape for over 2 yrs. When Ford released the XLT Sport AWD package it was my time. It was worth the wait! Also if you plan to purchase spend the extra money on the Mach Stereo and the moonroof. It makes your driving experience TOP NOTCH. All around great SUV. You can carry 5 passengers, your kayak, bike, and carry material for weekend projects. All around great SUV.

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  Fuel efficient, safe, comfortable - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Cora - November 20 - 8:06 pm

  I bought the AWD version to replace a small SUV which got horrible highway mileage. I have been very pleased with the Ford 500. It gets 21 in town, 24 in mixed city/highway driving and will get about 32 mpg when driven at 65 on the highway. Highway mpgs vary between 27 and 34 depending upon speed driven and wind. It is great for hauling large items such as 300 pounds of horse feed and recently a table and chairs. Handling is pretty good, excellent brakes and outboard visibility, fine acceleration for merging and passing (contrary to some reviews-it goes plenty fast without straining). The steering is a bit floaty, worse in the front wheel version. Very comfortable interior.

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  So much fun - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By scott strotz - November 20 - 2:23 pm

  My wife and I have had this new Mustang for just a short while. We got the first one in. It is an absolute blast to drive. Every time we get in it the thrill level gets higher. Ford really did a great job with this one.

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  Owner of second hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Robert A Harrington - November 20 - 12:42 pm

  This is our second hybrid car. Our first hybrid is a Honda Civic. The electric only propulsion mode takes a little coaxing to get the car to shift into it. If you are already in gasoline mode you need coast down from 35 till the car shifts over to electric then continue. You can be in electric mode up to 29 MPH. If you desire to startup from a stop in electric do not gun the engine but rather ease it into acceleration. Otherwise it will promptly start in gas mode to ensure you have the power you demand. The leather interior makes for a very comfortable ride. Well worth the investment. Made sure your dealer has a trained mechanic available, ours dealer does not always have one.

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  Very fun car to drive! - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By My_Taurus - November 19 - 10:48 am

  I really love my Taurus. Its attractive and has a lot of style. You sure get a lot of car for the money.

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  Excellent Vehicle, but not for everyone - 2005 Ford Escape
  By studmonsh - November 18 - 7:30 pm

  I love my new hybrid. Room of an SUV with the economy of a small car. Quite a few options, but I would have liked to seen more. Other than that, Im very pleased. Best gas mileage in the city since the brakes regenerate the energy stored in the battery, which operates the engine up to 30-35 mph. Be warned-if you plan on putting a lot of highway miles on it, youre going to get close to the same efficiency of a regular Escape, which is still great for an SUV, but if youre paying the extra for hybrid technology, youll want to make sure youll make up for it by what you save on gas. Bottom line-its not for everyone. Great for stop-and-go traffic and city driving.