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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  One Sharp Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By kenshideout - September 19 - 6:53 am

  I love this truck. Every time I pull into a gas station, it seems like the truck is like a magnet for compliments. One of the reasons I ride a Harley is for this same response, Lots of chrome on my Harley attracts attention like this truck brings on the "Wow" what a great looking truck. It drives well, has a great interior package, comfortable seats, with Harley logos throughout. The 22 inch wheels are an attention grabber, and moonroof is a great option. I like the AWD capability, and the fact they only build 10,000 of these makes ownership a plus. Not everyone has one, making them unique. Gas mileage of course could be better, but its a truck. All in all, Love this truck.

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  My Pony Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ct - September 19 - 3:56 am

  This is my third Mustang. I started with a 6 cylinder. and never looked back. Number two was a GT and now I own the best looking 2005 GT made. White with red stripes. This is the greatest car I have ever owned. Power, performance and personality. From the red stripes to the red leather interior to the dash, this car says power. I recommend only the 5 speed. Why buy a GT then go with the auto transmission. Short shift is very easy, even in traffic. This is an all around great car. I love my pony.

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  Never Again - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Jay - September 18 - 5:06 pm

  Will never buy another Ford again. This vehicle had 1st transmission & power steering pump replaced after 40k miles, 2nd factory rebuilt transmission went at 103k miles and 2nd power steering replaced at 85k along with air conditioning compressor. Worst vehicle for maintenance that I have ever owned.

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  What a Shock - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By John S - September 18 - 3:36 pm

  I switched out of a 2001 Ford Excursion into the 2009 Fusion. While I wanted to hate the "little" car, I have driven it for a few days and it is absolutely wonderful. The interior comforts are great and the exterior looks very nice. I linked by Blackberry to the SYNC and it works and sounds great. The car has good power, it is very comfortable, and other than the part about being significantly lower than the Excursion, I love this car.

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  Crazy Coyote - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By PC - September 18 - 5:07 am

  This is a straight-up serious sports car (finally). Now that Ford (finally) gave the Mustang a fully independent rear suspension, this is the car Lee Iaccoca envisioned when he originally designed it to be a sports car. Older GTs had way too much power for the rear-end (and they would fish-tail forever - which is NOT good). This iteration stays pretty much sticky to the ground (much less fish-tailing) and a more controlled ride under full throttle. It has a nice sound (not overly so) with 5.0L V8, the Coyote engine is fun to drive at high-end revs and low end too. Has all the bells/whistles anyone would want (and even some you might not want?). Front seats are comfortable and supportive. Back seats are a little less than small (but this is more of a glorified 2-seater, anyways). Fit and finish is good (have just under 17K miles and no rattles or clunks. I do wish the bluetooth phone (Sync) was a bit more clear (voices are sometimes difficult to hear, more bass than treble- Ford says this is "normal"?). But my older Prius has tone adjustments for calls. Im getting about 27mpg on the highway and about 18mpg in the city (22mpg overall). I use premium unleaded fuel (you can use any grade but the only way youre going to get the factory spec - 435HP, is to use the good stuff). Sound system is good (wish it were a bit louder?). Love the lane-sensors, which tells you there is a vehicle in your blind spots. Visibility out of the Mustang is just OK (its low to the ground but way better than the Camaro). Best Mustang GT, to date. Now go get one.

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  I like it like that - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Cobalt Blue - September 17 - 9:25 pm

  I bought the truck in February (2008) from a private seller -- only 65000 miles. It has 16-inch wheels, a 3.73 rear-end, 4 liter V6, and 5-speed manual. I dont drive it all the time, but in driving it back and forth to work its been getting 22 mpg, average. Ive gotten as high as 24 mpg. The drive to work is 20 miles one-way. Part is through town and part is open highway. The AC quit working after operating oddly about a month after I got the truck. I still need to have checked. The truck has good power, but I wouldnt want to tow much with it, because if feels like its geared pretty "tall". I really am satisfied with it. The bed is small, but what do you expect with a short-bed?

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  Best Hybrid Sedan To Date - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By John W. - September 17 - 9:00 pm

  I loved the sync system and the ipod sync. The built in navigation is great also. I used to fill up twice a week with my old car, now I only fill up the tank once a week. I would never buy a car without a back up camera now. It will help you get into those tight places in the city.

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  Competes with Camry for cost of Corolla - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Don - September 17 - 7:57 pm

  No car can match the features in the same price range. Very pleased. Consistently gets over 35 mpg hwy, 30 city. Best was 40.1 mpg on a trip of 280 miles, fully loaded! Most of car (60% +) is Mazda 6, platform, so this is no recycled Taurus. Very agile at 3100 lbs, brakes stop hard, and 4 banger has same acceleration as a 5 cyl Jetta. Seats are super comfortable, and trunk is large, equal to my midsize cougar. Best bang for the buck.

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  Great Base model - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Jccables@gmail.com - September 17 - 3:14 pm

  Traded in our family car (2015 hyundai sonata) for 2ea mustangs with this being one. Let me say first off the v6 with the 4.0 and a 5-speed is one of the most solid setups these guys put together and it doesnt disappoint. Has great power and all but keeps up with my wife 2014 with the v6 which is supposedly updated and has about 100hp on mine... hmmm lol Interior quality is lacking with hard plastic everywhere but it is a base model and this was bought with long range reliability in mind... and plastic wont rip or fade like leather haha. Seats are sufficient and almost exactly what I remember in my fathers setup. Front passengers German priority and the back has extremely limited room with smaller seats... adequate for 1 person to stretch across both sides lol. Where this car shines is the exterior and performance. The outside of this car is beautiful in the super red and has more than enough giddy up to have a little fun. Turn of traction control and it gets even better without blowing through tires in the v8. Overall they did a great job with this... Base model is really set up for the pure enthusiast that doesnt need/want many bells and whistles that over time will fail... and everything that could be improved upon has in new models... amazing job on this one ford.

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  Happy until... - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ken - September 17 - 12:57 pm

  Very pleased with my Fusion for the first 38,00 miles. First problem was the tires that came on the car wore out in 20,000 miles, I normally get around 40,000, next the key could not be removed from the ignition. Dealer replaced button on the shift lever, $206. Now the drivers side door handle broke, unable to open door from inside. Having checked with dealer yet on repair cost.