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 Deal for the Money - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By ray - September 1 - 12:11 pm

  I bought the car from a new car dealers used car lot with close to 15K on it. It was a super deal and the cars ride is smooth with adequate leg room. The design of the car and associated option package was excellent.

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  I tried to trade in....and couldnt - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Brian Barnes - September 1 - 12:57 am

  We decided that 3.00/gallon gas was the limit and went to trade our F150 in. Ended up getting a used car for commuting, and keeping the truck. This is the absolute king of family vehicles. It saved our trip to Florida, while pulling a 27 camper with no strain. Gas mileage for a 4x4 with a 5.4 Triton is good, if you dont get carried away with its power and speed. Ride comfort and room are unparalleled, and reliability is a given with Fords. Even with gas prices going out of control, we wont part with our Lariat! Im shooting for 200,000+ miles before that thought comes around again.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Michael C. - August 31 - 7:46 am

  I am impressed with what Ford has designed and built. Mine also came with the 502A Nav package. My iphone worked without a flaw with the sync via the bluetooth for the phone and the usb for the songs. The car does handle and feel like a luxury car. Smooth and quiet ride with a strong positive feel. The controls are easy to use and the feature list sounds like a Lexus. It is impressive that a car with this much volume and power gets 35+ mpg in the city. I was originally going to purchase an Accord but after reviewing and testing the Fusion Hybrid I believe I made the better choice. The Honda is a good car but no comparison to the quality, feature list, and mpgs of the Fusion. Thanks FORD.

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  America still beats the foreign trucks! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Nick - August 31 - 6:36 am

  Bought this truck in January and have had no problems yet. This truck is sound when driving. Road noise is hardly noticeable, especially with wind gusts above 30 miles an hour. My truck actually has the 5.4 engine and this has plenty of power. The 3 valves per cylinder helps increase the overall performance of the vehicle. The dash controls are easy to reach and this truck has plenty of storage space. The tires provide good traction also.

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  The perfect SUV for my needs - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By danmalibuski - August 31 - 2:00 am

  The only requirements I had when buying this truck was the V-8 and trailer towing package. I specifically did not want the 3rd row seats as it took a samll amount of cargo space and added to the weight of the vehicle. Towing well over 4000# with this vechicle is effortless (I sometimes forget Im towing). Its ride and handling are superb (ride especially). In mixed/city driving I get around 16 mpg (4.6L V8). Overall I could not be happier with the truck.

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  FORD,S RULE!!!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By lissamel - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my third new mustang GT and I absolutely love them. Performance is excellent! The way it handles can not be beat! Speed and acceleration.....well, go drive one it is awesome. The only thing I have to say is anyone who does not buy a manual transmission can not appreciate all that a mustang is!!!

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  Is it really a FORD - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Loving IT - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV. Had a 99 Burb and it couldnt compare to the great SUV.

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  AMAZING! - 2005 Ford GT
  By DRIVING IT! - August 30 - 7:31 pm

  I have only driven 181 miles so far. This car is the best driving experience of my life! I have been very fortunate, having driven several "supercars", and this one is THE BEST overall experience to date. Quickest, fastest, best handling and, BY FAR, the friendliest "monster" I have driven.

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  family of 6 - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By htierney - August 30 - 6:30 pm

  Excellent accommodations for adults and 4 little ones, ages 3 through 8. Easy to get in and out of, and love the electric a/c seats, and automatic 3rd row folding seat. Great to drive and maneuver. It is much quieter than you expect from something this size.

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  Awesome! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Tom - August 30 - 2:03 pm

  I have owned this car for about a week now and love it! The base model has all of the bells & whistles I could want and my mileage is exceeding my expectations so far (I am averaging about 43 so far). While fuel economy is great, I dont feel like I am sacrificing performance or speed. Test drove a Prius and Camry Hybrid before buying the FFH and can honestly say the FFH is in a class of its own