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 Tough SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By dogdude - April 15 - 1:46 pm

  We bought our Expedition after having a Chrysler Town and Country mini van. Ill tell ya what.... I dont know why we didnt just buy a Expedition in the first place! Awesome truck. We have 3 kids and two Labrador retrievers that go everywhere with us. We have so much more room than we did with with the van. We can also tow our 29ft. camper no problem or our ATV trailer with three ATVs. We bought it with 122,000 miles on it and are going on 150,000 with no problems. We get about 15 in town and as high as 20 on the highway. I have a F250 superduty too, but its sure nice to have the option to take the comfortable truck now when we pull something. Id recommend one to anybody. Good solid truck!

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  Best car Ive ever owned. - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By smcnair - April 13 - 11:36 am

  Over 40,000 miles driven in 2 years and not a single complaint. From the ground up this car is built to impress. You can tell that the Boeing influence was implemented in the front seat "cockpit" design. I still get compliments from people in parking lots who cannot believe it is a Taurus. I traded in my 2007 BMW 3 series and am sooo happy I did. I feel that the Taurus is more luxurious than my BMW was and is better on gas as well. If the Taurus ever does need to be worked on, it will be a fraction of the cost my of the BMW. Bravo, Ford! Bravo!

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  Living on the Edge - 2011 Ford Edge
  By sipoc - April 12 - 6:19 pm

  I really like this car, lots of room in the back and front. Kids boosters fit fine. Drives like a dream. Take the time to learn how to use sync, its worth it.

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  Great little car, excellent value... - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By bobby812 - April 12 - 12:50 pm

  I was driving a 2009 Ford Fusion SEL loaded with every possible option. Had mostly driven German cars prior but in 2009 purchased the Ford Fusion. Loved the car but the gas mileage was poor and was looking to down size to get better MPG and cut payments. Looked at all the cars on the market for 2 months. I ended up with the 2011 Ford Fiesta. I have had it for a few weeks and the car is great. Fun to drive, gets about 36 MPG in heavy metropolitian traffic, better on hwy. SYNC system is much improved since 2009 and I love the real time traffic, bluetooth, and turn by turn navigation. Could not be happier as I trippled my MPG, cut payment in half. Safety features are awesome. Way to go FORD!

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  A Keeper - 2007 Ford Focus
  By marcopolo6 - April 12 - 4:36 am

  I bought this car with 18,000 miles on it. Had to replace water pump shortly after purchase (covered under warranty.) Airbag dash light comes on occasionally. Replaced left rear tail light bulb twice (so far.) Tires needed replacement at about 25,000 miles.

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  Happy New Owner of 2011 Lariat Limited - 2011 Ford F-150
  By mike8183 - April 11 - 3:46 pm

  Have a 2005 F150, best vehicle ever owned and just purchased the new 2011 Lariat Limited. Fantastic truck, all the gadgets you can think of and turn heads everywhere. MPG is ugly but thats expected. Looking forward to many years of pleasure. Considered many other trucks and SUVs but Ford is aggressive on discounts off MSRP. Dont think you can beat the bang for the buck on this!

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  Great car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By timmy3104 - April 8 - 6:55 pm

  I have 72000 miles on it. I have only had one problem with it in 72k with was the Alternator went out at 50k. It was covered under my bumper to bumper so I only had to pay 100 bucks to get it fixed. I get 28 MPG with the ac on doing 75 to 80. I put Michelin energy saver tires on and am hoping that gets even better. The SYNC is the best use it everyday so easy to use. The V6 is great put your foot to the floor and it goes. This is by far the best car I have every driven.

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  Great SUV! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By smithfarms500 - April 6 - 7:35 am

  I had my Ford Edge for about a month now and I love driving it everywhere. I live on a dairy farm and needed a more realistic vehicle than our trucks we have. The Edge was the suv that stood out most to us. The exterior is fabulous how all the lines of the car just flow. The inside and the technology is unbeatable. We were looking at other suvs and none at anyother company could beat this technology. The engine was the number one important concern for us. We wanted a strong and powerful engine that could handle the wear and tear a farm has on cars. The edge does great with our stone lane, back roads and sometimes field drives. The only thing we would change is possibly putting a third row!

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  Born to Be free - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ybbaw - April 4 - 5:06 pm

  Recently purchased a used Ford Fusion SEL. my first impression is that the quality of the ride is good. Heated seats are nice and duel control air works well. Im sure as we put a few miles on it and situations change Ill have more to say about the car. But, for now its a nice ride for the money.

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  Very Pleased!! - 2011 Ford Flex
  By flexfield - April 4 - 9:45 am

  Just bought the 2011 Ford Flex Limited last week and loving it! This is the first Ford I have ever purchased and I am very impressed! It has a lot of features and options of higher end luxury cars and suvs. Love that the limited comes standard with Nav, premium sound, back up camera, heated seats, power driver and pass. seats, and HID headlights!! One thing it has over others...SYNC! Still figuring it out, but it is pretty nice to have! The ride quality is superb so far after the first 250 miles and the V6 stands up when you need to mash the pedal. Rear passenger leg room is VERY spacious and comfortable, especially with reclining the seat!