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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  owner - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Redz - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the car a few weeks ago, love it, it takes me back to what a car should feel like. Yes I am 68 years young again. Thanks Ford; oh yes I had to put louder pipes, sounds like the good old days. No GM to compete with this baby, too bad but I will go it alone. Build more like this one and Ford could save the US market. GM should try a 1957 or 1958 look alike. What fun.

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  Wow, Ford built a winner - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Terry - September 14 - 1:50 pm

  I bought my Edge after a very bad experience with a Toyota. I have had my Edge for only three weeks and have over 3,000 miles on it. I drove it from Michigan to Maine on vacation. The Edge handled flawlessly. It was very comfortable and except for a little wind noise at 45-50 mph from the outside mirrors is was like driving a luxury car. The looks, vista roof, audio system and overall driving experience still make me smile. There were no issues of quality at delivery. There are none now. I hope this is an omen of things to come. It looks great,it handles well, is very comfortable. As long as I stay around 70 on the road I get about 24.6 miles to the gallon. Good Job Ford.

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  Its all that! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By tzem - September 14 - 11:30 am

  This is the best truck Ive ever owned. Ive got 46k miles on it, and it drives like the day that I bought it. I dont know why people have all of these negative comments about gas mileage. People have to learn how to drive economically. Its all about driving style. I drive 90% interstate, and regularly get over 600 miles out of my 30 gallon tank.

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  Comments after driving 1800 miles - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By willy - September 14 - 8:30 am

  I drove it to Tennesse and back immediately after buying it. 1449 miles at 70 mph and a little city driving in Knoxville. Used exactly 44.1 gallons of 87 octane fuel. Very nice indeed. Four wheel disc brakes are very nice. Rear wheel independent suspension is "sports car like" in feel. This car seats 5 adults comfortably and the fold down split banch rear seat is very nice for carrying bulky items. I really enjoy driving this Fusion.

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  Great Truck - 1999 Ford F-250
  By Nehodamd - September 14 - 8:18 am

  This is a very good truck. I only have the 4.6L V8 but the performance is still good. I get 22 MPG with mixed city and highway driving with the a/c on! I was never a fan a ford but now i own one ill never go back. This truck even with only 2WD can go anywhere i ask it too. I dont go off roading but I have taken it a few places other trucks would have gotten stuck.

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  Focus was good for first year, stinks now - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Manfredo Sauce - September 14 - 5:46 am

  Saucy car but breaks down after a year. It was awesome in high school, then i had to keep going for recalls to the dealership, and a noise from the rear wheel never went away - even after having the dealership fix it 3 times in a row! They probably just sit around and wish I would forget about the problem but its difficult when youre driving with noise in the back of your car and you get embarrassed when people ask you waht the noises are. Its fun to drive but the road noise is killing me. I wouldnt be surprised if my hearing decreased due to this car. All my family buys is Fords but i am disappointed.

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  Not Happy - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Stephanie G - September 14 - 3:20 am

  After driving a klunker for years, I was really looking forward to my brand new Escape. Unfortunately, thanks to the capless fuel system, my SES light has remained on most of the time Ive owned the vehicle. Debris gets into the system (imagine that!), which causes the light to come on. Ive taken it to a dealer twice. It comes back on a few days later. New vehicles are not supposed to have problems! Its been a disappointment for me.

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  Good First Stang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang1 - September 14 - 2:14 am

  Had this Mustang about one month and the only drawback is the gas mileage. Am planning on upgrading some basic parts on the Mustang to free up air flow and fuel economy. The basic model is a great place to make add ons. I love this car and waited about 30 years for a real performance car. Good looks and nice 68-ish design. The V6 is good enough for me and has enough power. Great comfort and styling have nothing bad to say about this Mustang.

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  1998 ZX2 Escort - 1998 Ford Escort
  By 87irocZ28camaro - September 14 - 12:15 am

  The Escort isnt the best car but for the price come on. It never had trouble only needed a new pair of cheap tires and some cheap brakes and that was right before I sold it. Its a great car. Family look but great performance. Get one if you want a reliable cheap sport car.

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  Not too satisfied - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By camjam - September 13 - 9:04 pm

  I replaced a Buick Regal. This 07 Taurus the worst handling car I have ever owned. It drives horribly. Terrible understeer. Transmission is a real dog. Shifts are delayed either slowing down or speeding up. Yes I know it is an automatic but this transmission is bad. My 83 Escort drove and handled better than this 07.