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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  Forget what you know about all mustangs! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By mastercheif11 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is by far the best v6 mustang ever, I have owned mustangs since my first car back in 95 which ran for nearly ten years and died with 260k miles, then went to the 07 v6 which was cool but still lacked performance in a big way. The new v6 is completely different, from styling to handling to perfromance its absolutely incredible. Ive owned the car 5 months and Im still pushing the perfromance limits trying to find an area where the mustang is lacking, to date the only negative driving experience Ive encountered is having no room drinks in the cup holders (on a manual) and a little bit of nose bob at high speeds.

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  My first car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Christian - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my 1996 Ford Taurus GL. I bought it with 96,825 miles on it and now it has 114,000 miles on it the only problems with it i have had are the normal Taurus problems as in I had to put new brakes and brake lines on it which was about time because they where the original 1996 brake lines when they went. It drives like a dream and still has its get up and go.

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  Great Vehicle - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Tom - November 9 - 2:00 am

  After 11 years with BMW and Mercedes, it was exciting to find an American made product that was winning in design and features. High quality, good performance, solid feel, great ergonomics, lower cost of ownership. A person can jump in a drive it just fine. If you want to learn all the settings, options and features, it will take some commitment. I learned most everything in one week. Great feature / performance set for the money.

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  Best car I ever had! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Ford Taurus - November 8 - 2:00 am

  First I have to say this car was well taken care of by the previous owner. Ive had it for 3 years now and not an ounce of trouble except a flat tire once. I feel safe behind the wheel. Its a heavy car and holds the road good. Everything in it is still working perfectly. Electric windows and everything else. I have nothing but praise for this wonderful car. Im 80 years old and believe me Ive driven almost everything during my lifetime.

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  Same old design, love it - 2011 Ford Ranger
  By Natick73 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Ranger gets a bad rap because the design doesnt change much from year to year. My previous vehicle was a one owner 1999 ranger (me) with 367,000 miles on it. Used synthetic oil the life of the vehicle and never had to replace even a valve cover gasket. The Ranger is a fun vehicle and extremely reliable. Go ahead and spend more money, but you will be overpaying.

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  Love the Edge - 2011 Ford Edge
  By edge42 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the edge it is fun to drive and eye catching. I knew going in to it there were going to be glitches with the My Touch system but there are a few more than I was planning on. Considering that the My Touch was half the reason I got the car though I really cant complain to much. Back up camera makes it so you have to wait a few seconds before you back up or you will freeze the screen. Sirius has a few glitches with the alert system. Overall the Edge is the best purchase I have ever made. Thank you Ford for making such a great car. Cant wait to have all the kinks worked out so I can just enjoy the car.

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  Best Car Ever - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Betty Farmer - November 7 - 1:00 am

  My husband and I have been married 37 years and have always been Ford owners. The best purchase ever is the Ford Flex. We like to travel and the ride and comfort in the Flex makes the trip enjoyable and relaxing. Our family and friends have alot of precious memories spent together traveling in the Flex. We tell everyone how much we "love" our Flex and recommend it as a great car to purchase. I cant wait for Ford to offer another 0% financing on the Flex so I can purchase a new one to enjoy. I dont understand why Ford does not advertise the "Flex" because to me it is the best car on the road.

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  My New Pony - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Evanjs - November 7 - 1:00 am

  I love this car Ive only had it for a week but it is great. Plenty of power for me and handles like a dream in wet conditions. Love driving it and seeing the big hood in front of me. The ride on the base v-6 is almost luxury car smooth and absorbs bumps well. Gas mileage is also good I averaged 34.5 at 60mph the day I drove it off the lot. Interior is plain but nice, armrest could be better and the steering wheel needs to telescope not just tilt. I also feel that the headlights should have an auto off feature standard.

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  Very good car - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Bruce - November 7 - 1:00 am

  This car was used but only had 5000 miles on it when I bought it. It may just be a V6 but it has all the power you need. I love the way it handles and it makes the drive to work something I look forward to every day. On a highway trip it went 351 miles on 12 gallons of gas so I am happy with the mpg. I like this car so much I have just bought a used 2010 V6 Premium for my wife and she loves it, now i get to drive mine.

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  Great, solid car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Lori - November 7 - 1:00 am

  Ive been a Ford fan since my first car 36 years ago. I LOVE my new Focus. The sync system is very convenient and easy to use, the car is fun to drive, and the interior is comfortable. So far this car has exceeded my expectations.