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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  Fun car! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Spangelo - June 24 - 1:52 pm

  This is a great car! I love how it handles, I have the automatic and it shifts smoothly and no real hesitation in regards to power. I get an average of 19 mpg around town and got 25 mpg up in the mountains! The V-8 is powerful and easy to control, the exhaust note is fantastic! The California package is a good package for the money, much better than the lame Shelby package ( not the 500).

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  Great Car So Far - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Charles - June 24 - 11:01 am

  Bought mine a couple of months ago. Its a good solid consistent series of vehicles. Ive always had them. Actually had leather put in. Mileage isnt that bad. I got it up to 21.1 after four hours on the highway. Gotta have the leather though. Dealer actually put it in fore me. smooth ride, great interior and though it doesnt display it, it will take e85 ethanol!

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  LOVING THE STYLE!!!!!!!!! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By LOVE IT - June 24 - 9:06 am

  The new fusion with the new exterior and the 6speed auto and the 3.5 liter v6 gives some great pep!! and its also very smooth and competent over rough surfaces. The handling is very stable and the steering is great with good feedback and lets u know what is going on while going down the road!

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  Great Car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By New Driver - June 24 - 8:27 am

  I should preface by saying that I have only had the car for a few weeks, so perhaps the problems have not had time to make themselves apparent. But so far, this car is unbelievable for the price! The handling on the car is as good as foreign made cars (this is in fact my first American car and I can barely tell the difference). Its the perfect car for the city, and has more than enough pop for long highway drives. Interrior features are awesome, and it looks great from the outside with a spoiler.

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  142000 miles in two years and it keeps - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Gvs - June 24 - 7:07 am

  The most dependable car I had so far. Only had two glitches with it: a) Two light bulbs had to be replaced b) The drivers safety belt buckle has been replaced. Engine and drive train wise, this car performs like a charm, costs very little to drive.

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  Big Red - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By HABEEB f. DUNN-EL - June 23 - 10:35 pm

  So far my driving experience has been fabulous. I like being up high in the dirver seat. I can see way down the road.

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  Great truck - 1997 Ford F-350
  By JJBYZ4x4 - June 23 - 7:34 pm

  Absolutely love this truck. Have always loved the body style and this is the last year it was made. Bought the truck with 200,000 miles on it and only had to replace the glow plugs (common on these engines). Other than oil changes and usual wear parts like brakes and tie rod ends, I havent had to spend a dime on it. Rides a little rought but I have a 6 inch lift on a 1 ton truck so it comes with the territory. Ill drive this one till it cant be driven any more and then probably look for another one.

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  Ford Stinks. - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Lemon Driver - June 23 - 3:30 pm

  High erratic idle (2500 RPM). Dealer cannot fix after 7 tries to repair. Also low fuel economy (20 mpg in V6), rough shifting (especially from 2nd to 3rd and sometimes won’t go into reverse), bad radio, and many rattles. Terrible service – no wonder Ford is in trouble now. They build lemons and do not take any responsibility to fix the problems.

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  Tough little truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By myrating2008 - June 23 - 1:00 pm

  My Dad bought this truck new in 1992 in Washington state. Its been all over the US from Arizona to Ohio. And from Georgia to Ohio back numerous times. Now the truck is mine as my dad bought a new Ford Ranger. We live in Ohio with some pretty bad winters. Even on the coldest of days truck runs great. I will never buy anything other than a Ford!

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  Going on one quarter of a million miles - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By raymond - June 23 - 12:01 pm

  I bought my T-Bird with 28,000 miles and I have put over 200,000 more. I drive it every day and get 26 miles to the gallon, mostly highway. Ford replaced the intake and I have replaced the alternator and fan motor. I had the front-end reworked at 175,000. I love driving this car because of its sports car performance. It handles like new. It is Laser Red with Crager Super- Sports and with a high output stereo. I look forward to buying an antique tag. This car has been a great investment.