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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  A good price for a good car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By mike - November 10 - 5:46 pm

  The Focus that I bought a year and half ago was an exceptional car. I have driven it as a delivery car and have had almost no problems with it so far. Its versatility is good and for a small car it has plently of room. I would recomend this car to anyone that is looking for fuel efficency and a nice rideing small car. The only thing I would have done differently was bought he 2.3L engine for better pick up.

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  Dont buy this car - 1995 Ford Probe
  By breavo - November 10 - 5:14 pm

  Looks are decieving! This car is horrible. I bought one and things just kept happening. One thing after another. The clutches are bad, the transmission is bad, the parts are more expensive than any other car, are not comfortable, not all that powerful, though it is fun to drive for the few miles it goes. I beg you not to even consider this car. Go with something reliable like an expensive remote control car. You would most likely have more luck with that! I regret buying this thing. I am only 17 years old and spent all my money on this car. Now Im stuck with nothing and I dont want people to suffer the same problem. Please dont buy this mistake!

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  A reliable vehicle that saved my life - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Cara - November 10 - 11:20 am

  I got this car in college and used it to drive back and forth to ski races around the northeast. It handled amazingly well on snow, plowed effortlessly through deep snow, and also performed well on the highway. My only gripe at all is the low gas mileage, but thats due to the V8 engine. My main feedback about this vehicle is related to safety. I recently totaled this vehicle in a crash. I skid out of control on a gravel road (went around a curve too fast), launched off an embankment and rolled 7 times. My friend and I walked away with little more than bruises. Anyone who has ever seen photos of the crash is amazed--this vehicle held up like a tank!

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  owner - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Linda Hancock - November 10 - 6:36 am

  The interior of this vehicle is done nicely and all comforts are provided for, i.e. heated seats, moon roof, cd, etc. One design flaw I do not like is having to turn OFF the overdrive instead of turning it ON. By this method, you drive a lot for awhile around town before you remember you should have turned it off. Also, the gauges on the dash are somewhat hard to view while driving, especially the dark panel during the day - doesnt show up but most new cars are like this. Other than those, Im am very happy.

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  Concerned about brakes - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Tammy - November 9 - 3:17 pm

  I got my Freestyle last year as a Christmas gift after my van was totaled. I absolutely love it. It is so comfortable and easy to get in and out of. I have 2 kids so the third row seat is a blessing. We can travel and the boys each have their own space. Every trip we have taken has been great. I have back and hip trouble and I havent had to stop and stretch or take any breaks it is so comfy to ride in.

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  Prayerfully on borrowed time. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Susie Q - November 9 - 2:36 pm

  I bought this car new because Ford offered me a deal on my dead 4 year old Windstar. 8 Yrs later, it now has 226k miles on it (everything works). Need I say more? It gets 30 mpg on the hwy. Always used Mobile 1. Replaced the brakes annually due to driving hard and often. A few sensor problems. As precaution replaced the S belt at 100k. Mechanically sound & no big issues other than suspension wear & tear. My kids are driving their own cars now & other than wanting a fun car to drive, I cant justify replacing it. (the kids borrow the Taurus when their cars breakdown-go figure!) Im hoping & praying she makes it to 300k miles. Ill let you know when she does!

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  Ford Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Greg Ploof - November 9 - 2:20 pm

  I traded my 05 Chrysler Sebring for this Ford Fusion and its the best trade I ever made! This car is awesome! You can really tell the quality, handles great, lots of room, trunk has more space then any other car Ive owned. Most of all is comfort and the great looks of this 08 Fusion. I would recommend this to anyone needing room for a mid size car. Hopefully as I go along here I can update this in time, give more updates on this Fusion.

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  Love at first drive - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By jt - November 9 - 2:11 pm

  I got my bird with only 7,000 miles on it in 96. V-8. Perform routine maintenance and have had no major problems. If you dont perform routine maintenance then any car, foreign or domestic will have problems. If you take care of this car it will go the miles. I have over 100,000 miles on mine. I cannot find another car that comes close to my bird in comfort or styling (and I haved looked, cause I love that new car smell). I wont be letting it go anytime soon. I am actually saving to get it painted and getting new rims.

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  Happy trucker! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By happy trucker - November 9 - 1:46 pm

  I have had my truck for nearly four years, and have absolutly no complaints. This car is very reliable. Other than the regular maintenance, I have not had to put any more money into this car. I would recommend this car to everyone, especially new drivers. It makes an amazing first car.

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  Reliable and economical - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Junaid - November 9 - 1:02 pm

  I bought this truck new. I was a little apprehensive buying American since I have had bad experiences with a GM car. This truck has been very reliable, only had one mass airflow sensor die on me and it was a $100 fix. I put in myself with a screwdriver. Its almost 100,000 miles now and I havent even had to replace the battery or brakes. It just keeps on ticking. Its the basic model with AC so few things to break down.