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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  I always get compliments in parking lots - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Laraine - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive this car! The Ecoboost makes highway acceleration effortless. The leather interior makes me forget its the family car, and I will never own a mini- van. I have three car seats in the back, and its easy to switch to the third row seats when needed. I also get stopped frequently by admirers of my candy red paint with the white roof. I do mostly highway driving, and I get about 20 mpg consistently.

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  Excellent Vehicle after 7 Years - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Andre - November 14 - 2:00 am

  After reading through the Cons. Reviews on this site, I felt the need to comment on my bullet proof Ford Explorer. I am at 99,900 miles and have had not one problem and the engine and smooth transmission still perform like the day I bought it. Before my daughters try outs for a local perf. arts school, her clarinet lessons were a necessity. Through major snow storms that kept most in their homes, we were able to tackle the snow and ice with ease and still make it to her lessons. The ride and handling are exemplary and the hwy ride is very quiet-my family and I feel no pressure to speak up during front-to-3rd convers. I follow the maint. guide and it will likely serve me well for many more..

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  Monster - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Marsh - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car summer 2009 so far it has only 4500 miles. The handling and performance has been exceptional and very exciting, puts you in the driving mood. I must admit I will have to change the suspension and try limiting the hood vibration somewhat. Overall with a few touches here and there, some deep dish Rim, this car should be great.

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  Best of the current American muscle cars - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By James B. - November 14 - 2:00 am

  If you want the best all around muscle car in the U.S., the new Mustang GT is what you want. Its got the best performance for the dollar. Capable of the best MPG, the most innovative engineering, has the best visibility, the best interior & weighs the least. The 5.0-liter engine bellows tones worthy of a THX-certified soundtrack. The base brakes are good, but the Brembos are way better & offer serious stopping power needed to reign in the 412-horses. Its also a bargain for what you get especially if youre considering any of the 19" wheels. The 6-speed tranny offers short, positive shifts and a buttery smooth feel. Its great for weekend warrior duties or daily driving.

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  SEL w/Moon&Tune is an Incredible Value - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Wes - November 14 - 2:00 am

  With the 2012 coming in the spring, the 2011 is now an unbelievable value. Ford is providing up to $3000 back and aggressive dealers are pricing below invoice. That means you can get a #21,000 MSRP Focus with leather and all the goodies for just over $16,000! Nothing comes close in value. Get the "Moon and Tune" package on the SEL or SES for a net of #395 after the Ford additional $795 savings and you get the premium 8-speaker sound to go with the full Sync package and a power moonroof. You even get free remote start on this model. If you want a luxury feel and drive and features for a little money nothing else on the market comes close to the SEL with Moon and Tune at just over $16000

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  33rd Ford - funny trans shifting - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Brandon Mortenson - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. This is my 6th f150. Had 4 expeditions, 3 broncos. Love the 6 speed, but it shifts floaty in the city. I put in a superchip cortex and that helped power but not the shifting. Like the fit and finish of the interior. As well as the black leather.

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  Impressive car. - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By John - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for years, and I seriously cannot fault it for its service despite my constant abuse. The one item that has been troublesome is the 3-speed automatic transmission, but I love the car so much despite it that I am planning to swap it out for a manual trans as soon as I can. I love the car so much that I just bought a 91 Tempo GLS 4cyl/5-speed to drive until I can swap a manual into the LX. Ive taken about 20 cross- country trips in the LX, it never let me down. Despite the 3-speed/V6 combo, it gets respectable MPG as well. It currently has just under 200K on it.

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  Manual transmission - 2009 Ford Focus
  By kristin sutkaitis - November 13 - 2:00 am

  My car has 23,000 miles on it. I recently took it to the dealership because I had a hard time putting into reverse and into first, when it is cold outside. they said the problem wasnt happening when they had my car. dont get me wrong I love the car, but i just want to know what wrong with it. its still under warranty. am I the only one who is having this problem?

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  Hard Pressed to Find One Better - 2002 Ford Escape
  By JSampson - November 12 - 2:00 am

  4 cyl 5 spd model @ 80k now: Bought used with 38k on it. Im very meticulous about car issues and I have noticed only a couple things that have needed attention over the years. In my mind these issues are less about Ford and more about components manufactured in Asia (Id bet). 1. Idle Air Control Valve needs some cleaning/replacement after 75k miles or so and is a total pain to get to. 2. DPEF sensor craps out about the same time. Neither one ever left me stranded or were $$$ but did create an erratic idle at times. Outside of that, absolutely nothing has gone wrong. Engine has adequate power and has returned 25 mpg avg, consistently. Handling and braking even w/o all discs is good.

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  2011 Ford Taurus Limited AWD - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By shakes67 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased the 11 Taurus Lim Awd with the 303a package, munti contour seating, ad.cruise control,and navigation. The interior is quiet and ride is smooth. The 3.5 l has plenty of power for everyday use but if your looking for the extra thrill and extra insurance cost go with the SHO.