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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  2013 Fusion Hybrid - 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By otego25 - May 4 - 9:11 am

  Ok. I have had this car for 120,000+ miles and overall the mileage 48.9 for the entire time I have owned the car has been exceptional. I do a lot of highway driving but also my share of up and down steep hills. The seats are fantastic and the driver assist package I would recommend to anyone especially the side sensors. I know that the press felt it was a distracted drive but it is the opposite once you are used to things. I am about to change to a newer model and have looked around but I will be hard pressed to find anything that compares. I have test driven both the Honda and Toyota but the seats are far from as comfortable as the Fusion.

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  THis is an excellent car!!! - 1993 Ford Probe
  By grit - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had! Its a great car. Its a sports car that doent get you tickets.

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  Awesome, But Defective - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Don C - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Its FAST! It beats most cars, never mind SUVs. The factory 6 CD stereos almost perfect! I love the aggressive styling, spacious interior and high seat height. However, next time Im buying a Toyota or Honda. The CRV and Rav4 are under-powered. The Rav4 is too small. The Highlander and Pilot are too big and cost too much. Unfortunately, my Escape spent over three weeks at the dealer for repairs the first year. The front axles were dangerously defective, damaging the front tires. There was a rattle in the hatch that took three visits to cure. The hood release cable snapped and... you get the idea.

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  Finally... - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Kevin - May 3 - 4:33 pm

  After trying a Nissan Pathfinder, a Ford Expedition, and a Chrysler Pacifica for my calibration business, I finally found THE right vehicle. No desire for a mini/full size van. I spend over 40 weeks on the road annually. I call this my money bus, or my toaster (mine is RED). No problems at 15,000 miles. Love the Bluetooth. I fabricated a full-length shelf about 15" below the roofline. Would rather have purchased the same custom made. I also installed a side-mounted shelf unit custom from Adrian Steel. Stereo upgrade a must. Traction Control is impressive. 25-28 mpg highway. Power is adequate, handling/maneuverability is a dream. Id love to pimp this one out! Rear seats a snap to remove.

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  New 2.7L Lariat - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Garrett - May 3 - 12:20 pm

  My father recently purchased a 2015 King Ranch with the V8, and shortly after a buddy of mine bought a 15 lariat with the 3.5V6. I went in to a Ford dealer one night here in Denver just to check it out, and ended up leaving with a 2016 lariat 2.7 with the Ecoboost. Could not pass up on zero percent financing with some other pricing options! I love the truck so far. I have just over 3000 miles on it and am averaging 19.3 mpg. I have had one pretty major problem however. The engine was making a very annoying whining sound. I took it in and they actually replaced the entire front differential. They explained that they used a cheap metal at one of the plants? This was obviously very annoying to go through with a brand new truck. However, it sounds amazing after they fixed it and I have had no problems since. The truck is much quicker than you would expect, and the interior is extremely luxurious. I would say this f150 is second to none and well worth your money.

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  Spacious Ford Sedan - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mitchel - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The exterior design looks imposing and has a vast interior. The truck is enless perferct for a growing family. Some of the features could be improved. Was time for Ford to come with a different alternative for a large sedan in addition to the old Taurus.

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  mzhdg - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By beach babe - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i like the style

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  A to B - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By TaDaaah - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car gets from point A to point B with a sound and look of no other. I put my money down on this car as soon as they said it was comming. I drive it every day, rain or shine. The trouble is that this is all a dream I had last night.

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  good job - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kenneth Tuttle - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ford did a good job in design, refrence back to the Shelby GT. The curb appeal is good. I owned a GT500KR. Go FORD!

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  I really like this car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By barmisho - May 2 - 4:59 am

  I did buy this car 6 month ago with 75K miles on it. No problems at all. Great engine and confortable interior. A little noisy in high RPM. I had 7 different vehicles in the last 2 years including Mazda, Toyota, Pontiac, Chevrolet and Ford, but this is the car I like the most. I really good CUV