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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  F150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By EARL - June 7 - 7:02 pm

  For a full size truck you cant beat the power. I tow a 1969 s&s Hearse 6000 lbs and its like towing a small camper. Almost dont know its there! But as far as gas mileage goes might as well pour the gas out onto the ground gas mileage is only 18 on the highway at best.

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  2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Hits Another Homerun! - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By revjamesl - June 7 - 6:00 pm

  Can Ford get any better? I had a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Limited and it was a tremendous car. The 2013 Fusion Hybrid is that much better. Where do I begin? The style of the car is high end, and agree with reviews that it resembles Jaguar and Aston Martin. Very sleek exterior; nice interior. Have always been a fan of the Sync system and its easy-to-use interface. Spacious interior provides plenty of room and is very comfortable. It advertises as getting 47/47 mpg and I have to say I have been getting into the 50s in city driving with ease. Im never been much for red cars but the Ruby Red is beautiful and fits the design of the car very well.

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  Pain in the rear - 2001 Ford Focus
  By nicole - June 7 - 3:21 pm

  I have had my car now for 4 years and the first year I loved my car. Now, I am deathly affraid to drive it. It makes so much noise I think that the tires are going to fall off. It is leaking oil and coolant. Had many problems with the windows not working, and the doors not wanting to open from the outside. The inside latch to release the trunk doesnt work ( I cant remember when it did). But I am so upside down in this car it is hard to find a non-Ford car to buy.

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  My first convertible - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By redrock360 - June 7 - 1:32 pm

  Ive always wanted a convertible, now I have one. The car is fun to drive, very comfortable for a sports car, and I am really suprised at how great the ride is. I expected more road noise with the top up, so I am pleasantly surprised at the lack of noise. You can carry on a conversation with a passenger in normal tones with the top down. Same goes for listening to the radio. The V6 has plenty of power for an old guy like me (late 40s) and is pretty quick also.

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  Thinks its a Sports car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Antarababe - June 7 - 4:30 am

  I downsized from my much-loved 2000 Explorer for the fuel economy. And though it doesnt seem to get the 35mpg as promised - it sure is fun to drive. Not the least bit sluggish for a 4 cylinder. Fast out of a start, feels like rack & pinion steering, doesnt hesitate to go up hills. Holds everything my SUV did and then some. Perfect car for a single, self- employed, travel-loving, antique addict. And itll be light enough to tow when I get that retirement motor home.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Jewbacca - June 7 - 2:58 am

  The steering wheel is horrible. Hard to hold on to. I recomend getting an after-market steering wheel. The interior is built of cheap plastic with large gaps at the joints. The seats seem to have been built for dwarfs. Their is no head rests. This results in an uncomfortable ride, especially for your rear passengers who have nothing to rest their backs on. This makes for a potentially deadly outcome in any violent collision. I get an average of 14 mpg making this an expensive car to drive. The 94 Explorer has a surprisingly well ability to corner in the twisties and can be fun to drive in these situations. The acceleration isnt that bad either achieving a 0-62 rate of 12 seconds.

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  Good but could be better - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Josh - June 7 - 1:43 am

  I have been driving this car since I entered college 3 years ago. Since then I have had to replace a seal on the transmission that left me stranded away from home with my car checked in at the dealership for 2 days and it has developed all kinds of rattles and sqweeks. For some reason Ford made the seats with so much side bolstering that the passenger seat is constantly rubbing against the door, which can become quite annoying on a 300 mile drive half way across Texas. While driving long distances the road noise can be quite tiresome, but around town this usually isnt a problem. Other than that I have no complaints the car runs well, is relatively quick and turns heads.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Winkler - June 6 - 10:03 pm

  Excellent visibility, handling - braking in poor weather (rain, ice, snow). Dashboard is straight forward; all controls easy to operate without excessive movement. Fold down passenger seat allows carrying items as afforded by full size SUV.

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  We Love Our Flex - 2018 Ford Flex
  By BoyMom - June 6 - 1:14 pm

  Honestly we traded in our 2014 Flex for this 2018, while I do believe the dealer screwed us a bit on pricing, I feel that ford stepped up their game, sync is amazing now and the iPhone connection is just a dream. Feels great not as smooth as our old flex, not sure why, and Im not sure why they are stating that there is worse mileage now but controls I would say are great, Ive always loved the turning radius and it still has it, as well as all of the room it has. Im not sure I agree with a lot of the experts review, but it did put a damper to my excitement of getting it, wish I had never looked. And the 12volt really should be standard

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  I thought is was a FORD - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mitch - June 6 - 11:43 am

  Recently purchased my Fusion and I absolutely love it. I needed a commuter car and got a luxury car instead. The SEL V-6 is well put together and seems to love being on the road.