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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  Sweet ride - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By matt3319 - October 25 - 9:11 pm

  I have always enjoyed looking at the Fusion, mainly the SEL models. Now that Ford has slapped the sport appearance package on the SE its a sweet ride. I traded my 08 Tribute 2.3L for a 2.3L SE. What a difference with the same engine and a 5 speed auto makes. This car is so loaded and the rebates made it a no-brainer. I had X plan and a $3500 rebate. I bought a $23500 car for $17800. Vapor silver is so sleek looking with the 18" wheels. Mileage should be a better than 26mpg on my tribute. All my friends love the aggressive look. Honda, Toyota, Nissan and even the new Mazda6 just cant compare. Interested to see what the refreshened Fusion looks like, but the deals wont be as good!

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  My first Ford.........ever. - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Father Greg - October 25 - 7:00 pm

  This engineering marvel is intelligently designed, fun to drive, and comfortable for my six foot frame. Since I do lots of city driving, the hybrid gives me 40+ miles to the gallon. I purchased a two year extension on the bumper to bumper warranty, and therefore plan to put the Fusion (my first Ford ever) thru a lot of work. One possible concern is how well this hybrid will hold up in the super cold Illinois winter.

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  One of the best and enjoyable rides A+ - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By ExcursionDiesel - October 25 - 5:37 pm

  I was on the market for a truck and by luck found this beast. I have not had a more enjoyable time driving since. Comfort and security are top notch. Road Feel is A+ I drive New York to Miami 2-4 times a year and drive daily, this is comfortable, great visibility, awesome sense of security GVW 9800lb "the beast" and most importantly in todays economy i was getting awesome mileage (leaving with a full tank a put half a tank in North Carolina and refill in Miami, cruising at 80 -85 mpg) I dont know why Ford discontinued this truck and I will still try and buy another todays market that cant give them away fast enough, with mileage like my Ford Edge I would recommend buying one and enjoying

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 1997 Ford F-150
  By bigruss - October 25 - 4:33 pm

  I have a 1997 F-150 XLT 4x4 with approx 165000 mi, ran well when just bought but developed a heavy cylinder misfiring issue. This is common with many F-150s especially the 4.6L V-8. I had to take the truck into the shop 3 times to fix the issue and the cause still cannot be diagnosed today. It is still misfiring! I do know that I have to keep changing my spark plugs which are almost impossible to gain access to. The total cost of repairs on this issue is now near $500. Another issue with this F-150 is the 4 wheel drive system. It mal-engages and a I hear a big BOOM underneath the cab. I engage it normally by setting it in neutral and then switching it. Ford must improve their quality!

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  Love this car! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Doug - October 25 - 3:43 pm

  In the 30+ years I have owned cars, this is my first Ford and I love it. My 3 middle schoolers have more room in the back seat than Moms Park Avenue. It handles very well, the CVT transmission is excellent. I am 62 and have plenty of room. More ponies would be nice, but it still gets up and goes! We like it so much, we are selling the wifes Buick and will purchase another 500, going with the Limited this time! For the money, it is a wonderful car. It rides well, handles great, lots of room and zooms down the road. I have always owned GM, so this is kind of tough for me!

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  2005 Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Charles - October 25 - 10:56 am

  I have the GT version, Second time owning a Mustang since 1965. In 1965, it was fun to drive and in 2005 the excitement is still there, as well as still attracts attention when you get around other people. This is also the first American made vehicle that I have purchased in years that I did not write a page of items for the dealer to fix. I have gone over this car three times looking for defects and only found one; the dealer did not install the locking wheel nuts. Performance -- have been able to pass anyone that I have wanted to whenever I have wanted to.

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  Just Bought and Love it - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Tony Cross - October 25 - 7:57 am

  I just bought this SUV and I love it better than my 08 Suzuki Forenza I had. The Forenza was totaled in an accident. So far this SUV is getting the same gas mileage I had in my Forenza. I love the fact that I have the basic model and it doesnt look to plain. The ride is smoother than my Forenza and comfort is way better than my Forenza.

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  Mean green machine ROCKS - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By Jodi Correll - October 25 - 5:21 am

  UPDATE... Owned the car for 10 months now. Husband uses it as daily driver. Hes over 6 tall and has no issues with comfort. Lots of leg room up front. Car now has 34K on it and we may need tires for upcoming inspection in November, but so far, so good! We bought ours used at a Mercedes dealer, lol, with 25k on it. Looks and drives brand new. The Titanium model comes with absolutely everything you can imagine including heated seats (LOVE this in PA), and backup camera. The navigation system is spot on and Ford Sync finally got their act together. Recognizes commands like a charm. Opt for the 5 speed manual, and youll have no worries about Fords crazy "automatic/manual" shift transmission problems. We get higher than the advertised mileage and love all the little extras, generally reserved for a luxury car. My HUSBAND loves the crazy lime green as much as I do!

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  2001 GT Convertible - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Tom in AZ - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a 2001 GT convertible, 5 speed that I purchased new at the end of the model year. Currently have 8000 miles on the car with no real problems. All driving has been commuting in Phoenix area and MPG is 18-20. Havent taken any extended trips yet but expect highway mileage to be better. Fuel tank size kind of limits range but it would probably be a major task to re size it on a design this old.

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  Lovin going green - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By pippin65 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. Absolutely love it. Want another one. The SYNC will probably be much better on the 2011