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:

• 

  I Loooove My Explorer - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By traveler21 - February 5 - 8:07 pm

  After driving my new Explorer Limited for over a month, I can safely say that it is one of the best cars that I have owned. It is comfortable and has more muscle than my Flex that stayed in the family although out of town. The Ford Touch takes a little getting used to but is very responsive to voice commands. We also have a new E 350 in the garage, but is has stayed parked since the Explorer showed up. The only con, we can find is the difficulty in programming the garage door opener.

• 

  Long Term Report for this 08 V6 w/ manual 5spd - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Greybeard_FL - February 4 - 5:05 pm

  back again.. last post was around this time last year.. I now have 104500 miles on my pony.. this car is just great as my daily driver. Still have original brakes and pads!! 2 repair issues: 1st was harmonic damper failed @ 75K miles. 2nd @ 85K could have been major, but was not. Pin that connects clutch pedal to clutch master cyl came loose. Ford does not make a replacement. Comment from dealer: Thats not supposed to happen! No, Really??!! Took pin to machine shop and modified it for $65. Fixed. Otherwise only costs are normal maintainance. Recommend that when you need new 16" tires.. replace with Pirelli P-4s. MUCH better rubber than factory originals

• 

  I love my ZX2! Very roomy for such a small car! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By cayce106 - February 2 - 4:55 pm

  I bought my car brand new 12 years ago and am still driving it. I wish Ford still made these, because I would definitely buy another one. This car has never let me down. Ive had three collisions in this car (none my fault) all on the front ends and stayed safe through all three. This car is very peppy- you can pull out very quickly and you can zoom uphill with no problem. Other than some maintenance (new alternator at 90,000 miles, new break pads, a few batteries, a repair on the air conditioner) Ive had no major problems. The only complaints are that its hard to get into the back seat, but once youre there its pretty roomy.

• 

  What a car. - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By cotto19 - February 1 - 7:51 pm

  We leased a 2009 Mercury Milan. I was impressed with that car. Now we own a 2011 Fusion. Ford has built quite the car. Ford made tremendous improvement over an already great car. In the differences from the 2009 to the 2011, you can tell that Ford is not standing pat. They are improving the car each year. The interior is even more quiet than the 2009. The new 6 speed transmission offers smother shifting. The car handles great. If you are one of many that said you would buy an American car if they were more reliable, better quality or equivalent to an Accord or Camry. Stop waiting. Ford has it figured out.

• 

  A++++ For the 2011 F-150 - 2011 Ford F-150
  By riflecrank - February 1 - 12:17 am

  Im averaging 21.7 MPG with the new 3.7 V6. The engine has plenty of power for what Im using it for. Truck has been trouble free so far. The ride is good, quiet and handling is excellent.

• 

  2011 fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By oldgeezer5 - January 31 - 5:14 pm

  Bought this se sedan in sept 2010 with auto trans. Have 6500 miles on it now and have never seen under 40mpg on the interstate at 70 to 75mph. City driving never under 30mpg. Very comforable seats front and back although a little short of legroom in back. My wife and I have lower back troubles we had very little compaints after 8 hour drives. Did have a check engine light come on in Florida and scanner found defective solinoid or sensor in evaporative control and emissions system. Ford garage said ok to drive and had part replaced in Ky after 4 day wait. Should mention that the trip to Fl included myself wife and brother in law and thus car was loaded down for a two week stay.

• 

  Awesome - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By memphisrn - January 31 - 12:27 pm

  Bought a 2011 Fusion at Christmas. 2,000 miles later I still love it! Took a trip this weekend at got 31 mpg. Averaging 28 in the city. Handles well, climbs steep hills without hesitation, rides well, sound system is awesome. No issues the first month of ownership. Will report back the end of the year.

• 

  2011 Lariat Limited 4WD - 2011 Ford F-150
  By pr4mncplus1 - January 30 - 10:26 am

  FINALLY, Ford puts a work horse engine in the F150. The 6.2L is a monster in this truck. From the moment it starts, you know this truck means business. My first option for aftermarket was to run dual exhaust but the single side exhaust growl is amazing. And its tuned to be quiet at higher speeds. This truck has no problem pulling an 8,000 pound boat with a triple axle boat. Still trying to fine tune the trailer brakes controller. The Navigation is brilliant, easy to read, basically having a laptop pc in your truck. The display monitor in the gauge pod is outstanding. Very easy to use. So much tech on this truck it is amazing. Paint is better than my Lexus. Great ride!

• 

  Absolutely the BEST!!! - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By jaxflgymboi79 - January 27 - 9:59 pm

  I have waited for over a year to buy this car. I had an 08 Fusion that I loved but couldnt stop thinking about the Taurus. I test drove it multiple times and every time it made me want it even more. I have had the car for less than a week and it is more than I could have ever expected in a car. My neighbors and co workers cannot believe it is a Taurus and how nice it is. I have had people in less than a week say how much nicer it is than Mercedez, Lexus, Acura, Infinity, BMW, and others like it. They are amazed at the luxury of this car. It has turned more heads in 4 days than anything Ive ever driven. I hope this car lasts forever b/c i love this car and am a proud ford owner

• 

  Taurus is back. - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By vietvet68 - January 25 - 6:59 pm

  My new Taurus is far superior to my 2000 Taurus. That car was fine at the time but the new Taurus has more power and comfort. And its easy to change the oil filter. I change my own oil because I use synthetic and I need to cut the cost. I also only use pure gasoline which contains no ethynol. I expect to get 300,000 miles out of this one.