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:

• 

  Great SUV - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By Happy Okie - January 18 - 10:32 am

  I love this SUV. Great steering and control. Very easy to drive. Impressive interior design and great looks. Very smooth and quiet. Love it.

• 

  Good job Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By jmalik1 - January 18 - 4:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 3 weeks and have 1000 miles on it now. I am very happy with vehicle so far. My average fuel efficiency over this period has been 41.1 mpg with sensible driving (not hypermiling). I have had shorter city type driving trips of ~55 mpg with very careful (hypermiling type) driving. I belive if one drives the Fusion Hybrid without paying any attention to the fact that its a hybrid then the average fuel economy is probably going to be about 36-37 mpg. From a feature set point of view this vehicle has a lot to offer. I have owned a Toyota Prius before which I liked a lot but Fusion is just in a different category. Its unfair to compare it to a Prius but thats my only p

• 

  The Beast - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By MikePineapple - January 17 - 6:20 pm

  Ive owned my Thunderbird now for almost 8 years. Actually bought it off a brother in law in need of some quick cash. Has been used as a daily driver to and from work now ever since. Now keep in mind I dont really keep up with this car, its just pretty much get up and go. Ive taken it on long trips to several towns and could honestly say Ive only changed the oil on it about twice since Ive owned it. It rattles(suspension) and drinks gasoline like a beast but Ive grown very fond of this car. This year was actually planning on selling it but instead have decided to give it some TLC and repaint the car. This car doesnt ask for a thing, and even if it did. Id bet itd keep going till it exploded.

• 

  A nice surprise - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Lisa - January 17 - 1:16 pm

  We were down to the wire for a new small SUV. We test drove the Freestyle first. We test drove other SUVs after (CRV, Element, Mazda Tribute, etc.), but they paled in comparison. We did nothing but talk about the Freestyle for a month before we bought it. It is a lot of fun to drive. So far, it does great in the snow. I am surprised not to see more of this vehicle on the road. Ford needs to get the word out how great this SUV is!

• 

  I love my 2008 Orange Ford Edge AWD - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Mary - January 17 - 1:12 pm

  This is a great suv! There is nothing I dont love about this vehicle. Very easy to maintain. I definitely recommend.

• 

  Certified Pre-Owned - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By jandpwags - January 17 - 12:10 pm

  I bought my wife an 09 V6 SEL. I bought it with 7,000 miles and it is CPO. I got the car cheaper than a new one with all the rebates and employee pricing, but more importantly, it is under warranty for 6/100 K. Because the vehicle has only been in use for 6 months and 7000 miles, that leaves us with 66 months and 93k miles on the warranty. The car is fun, looks great, and my wife really loves it. She had an 06 EB Expedition and did not think she would like the car, but her mind has changed very quickly.

• 

  2008 Bullitt - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Jeff--San Diego - January 16 - 11:04 pm

  This car is an absolute blast to drive. Who ever said American car companies dont build cars people want? I will line up any Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. against this baby. For the price it cant be beat. First off the torque is unbelievable. HP is immediately available. No need to wind this baby up. You wont want to play the excellent 500 watt Shaker stereo radio as the exhaust note is the best sound you will ever hear. I test drove 20 different cars but when I got in this one I knew I was going to have to purchase it. Very easy to have fun driving around town and you will get 17-24 mpg on 87 octane. Fill the tank with 91 octane and hold onto your seat.

• 

  One Super Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By DC Dave - January 16 - 8:19 pm

  Bought my 2006 GT with 5,000 miles on it and in absolute perfect condition. This car is a blast to customize and an absolute head turner.

• 

  07 Ford Focus 5dr SE - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mike - January 16 - 12:46 pm

  Just got the Ford Focus SE 5 door. So far I like it. The gas millage is great. The Focus seems to handle very well.

• 

  Overall a solid truck.... - 2005 Ford F-150
  By youngstr - January 16 - 10:06 am

  Im at 2800 miles and so far so good. No build/quality problems at all. Very comfortable ride, quiet cabin. Rear end gets "bouncy" and sometimes feels unstable over rough roads/broken pavement, otherwise the ride is good. Engine is solid and smooth. Limited interior storage with audiophile system. Ford should be embarrassed with these dinky floor mats on a truck. The captains chairs are comfortable but I wish they had more lateral support.