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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  Cool little car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Frisco - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Just hit a little over 3000 miles on my fiesta and so far so good. I love the handling and fuel efficiency. My friend who owns a three series BMW was in my car and we had many of the same features (he didnÂ’t have sync or ambient lighting). One problem has been that the usb and auxiliary jack are too close together. Also I would of liked more horsepower. Overall this is a great little car. Great Job Ford

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  One month and lovin it! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Dudley - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Our Edge is just one month old at this point. We absolutely love this vehicle. It is quiet (traded a05 Highlander) and much better ride than previous SUVs.The MyFord Touch system has a rather steep learning curve. I am sure it will come in time but at this point we are still learning. Getting about 20 around town and got 31 on a recent 70 mile trip (speed limit was 55)We have been stopped numerous times by people admiring this car. Looked at Lexus, Cadillac, GMC, Honda Toyota but kept coming back to the Edge.Paid invoice and got a fair trade in amount. FYI, the Ford "holdback" is 3% and the advertising allowance is approx. 1 1/2 % So even at invoice the dealer is making about $2000

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  I keep raving about it! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By j.m. - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Yes its me again. I just keep on reviewing this great truck (read still wowed from 10/13/2010) and still raving about it. Only problem is, I recently had a chance to drive 2 of Fords new 2011 F150 engines. first was a 5.0 powered Lariat 4x4 with a 3.55 rear. Versus my 5.4 and 3.73 combo, this truck steadily outpaced mine. Torque happy down low for being just 5.0 liters, yet loves to rev and run on the highway. Next was a 4x4 FX-4 with ecoboost 3.5 and 3.73 rear, supercrew 5.5 bed, WOW! Fast! NOT FAIR! Now i will admit the ol 5.4 seems a lil tepid, after driving these two beasts. Very refined sounding, 5.0 sounds sexy!! I still love my 5.4 powered 2009, but ...

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  Comfortable and Quick - 2010 Ford Flex
  By William Miller - November 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car to replace a 2000 Expedition. We needed room for three grandsons riding along with Papa and Grandma! The boys love their individual moon roofs (weve made several trips through the airport). Its extremely comfortable, and the versatile seating is great for shopping from groceries to home improvements. It handled a 5-person bowling team plus luggage & 10 balls with power to spare. We had a small issue with defective weatherstripping on the drivers door which was promptly replaced. We also had brake problems which were a design flaw and has been remedied. Overall this car has been a big hit with the entire family.

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  Had to have it! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Gord - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I rode to work in a flex and it had plenty of leg room. My boss is 6,4" and I am 65". It is amazing that I can sit behind Im the second seat and still have lots of leg room. I have been looking for a vehicle for several years that was #1 roomy and got ok gas mileage. The end kicker for me was how quiet it is and wow what a smooth ride. Excellent job Ford.

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  Love this vehicle - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Joni - November 24 - 2:00 am

  We love this vehicle. This vehicle has an excellent ride, very comfortable interior, and it is fun to drive. It drives like a much more expensive vehicle. I traded in my 07 Malibu and there is no comparison in performance, comfort, and overall quality. The Sync system is amazing. Everyone should consider this type vehicle for a crossover. We purchased this vehicle based on overall appearance and the quality. We also respect Ford for not relying on the government and taxpayer to stay in business. So long GM!

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  3rd Time a Charm! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Edge#3 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a 2008, 2010 both limited and now the 2011 sport loaded except the DVD player.This is by far the best Edge yet.I love the exterior looks, my edge looks mean with the black grill and the white plat tri coat paint job.The interior is nicely laid out and road noise is a thing of the past.The tuned sport suspension delivers a nice ride on my sweet 22" rims. My headlights are plenty bright dont know what people are complaining about. SYNC system works fine and the sony sound system really rocks luv the surround sound.Steering wheel controls are nice.The dash display is nice and fun to play with.Spend time playing with all the systems to see how they work-read the owners manual cover to cover

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  Driving it for 3 yrs, all is well - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Bill - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I leased the car in Dec07. I am now purchasing the car to buy. The only problem has been a drivers interior door handle that broke. (dealer had it in stock and fixed in a hour). The car has great acceleration, good brakes, and handles quite well. 20k and no other problems. I drive mostly city and the mileage could be better, but it does well on the highway w/ 6 spd auto.

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  Perfected Pony 2005 to 2010 GT Series - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By All American Muscle - November 23 - 2:00 am

  First let me say, that if you own a 2005 to 2009 Mustang GT you own something truly unique. I had a 2006 GT and a 2008 GT and in a way I wish I still had my 2006. Here is why: the look, feel, sound, gauges, dash, air conditioning registers on these years were retro and perfect and will never be duplicated again. Now about the 2010 GT, why would I buy a 2010 GT instead of a 2011? Proven and Perfect Motor, Proven and Perfect 5 speed, Proven and perfect steering, you can use 87 octane, the car is too fast and too quick for 95% of urban driving. What you have here is the perfected article. The safest, most reliable, most proven design to date. If you want the quickest get the 2011 5.0

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  Ford "great value" and better than GMC - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Bilbur - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Turned in a 2007 GMC Sierra and bought this 2010 Ford Lariat in Sept. This is a great truck and real value over the 2010 GMC. Made one long trip so far and averaged 21.7 mpg @ 70 mph. Have been averaging 17.5 mpg locally through first 1600 miles. Truck is comfortable and quiet and my friends are amazed at its interior roominess. Leather seats are plush and options such as temp controls, back up camera and warning system, memory seats, and automatic dimming mirrors are great. 5.4 V-8 provides sufficient power and torque. 6 spd tranny is good but sometimes searches between 5th and 6th gears at 70-72 mph depending on terrain.