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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  Loving my FIESTA SEDAN! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By christos - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently picked up my new fiesta sedan SE, and very happy, find it to be an excellent choice, because i do a lot of km per year, i will save on fuel. For the money, i got all the options i wanted. I chose the SEDAN, because i travel a lot, and wanted a trunk that locks and fits / protects my belongings, plus i think it looks cute. On the highway, this car actually stays in line and doesnt get affected by crosswinds, which it typical in this size of car, but it drove like a bigger car. i wanted to write this review to share my thoughts and mention that this is a terrific all around vehicle that will suit many people. :) test drive it and you will see what i mean

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  Sweet - 2010 Ford Focus
  By kmshow - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I waited a long time for a new car and had all kinds of input from my husband, kids, siblings etc. When I drove the Focus I was sold, it is smooth, quiet and fun to drive. I wanted a Mini but was drawn to Ford because they did not take a Bail Out and I was so happy with the ride. Drive 25K-30K a year and am getting 33 miles per gallon. Love It!

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  42 months and 93,000 km later - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By larry - October 15 - 2:00 am

  ur silver on black Pony was a retirement gift to ourselves. We have owned 3 Vettes and a 65 Impala convert, and the Pony has been the most fun, economical and reliable. We have put 93,000 km (60k mi) across most of Canada and winters in Arizona the past 3 years. Winnipeg winter mileage is awful, otherwise no fuel complaints. Initially we had a couple of minor warranty claims, otherwise wasted $ buying extended service plan as problem free. I follow the service book to the "T", and the car looks after us. Large trunk hauls our water jugs and groceries to our cottage fine. The heated leather seats are comfy and the car gets a lot of compliments.

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  What A Great Ride - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Popster - October 15 - 2:00 am

  just had mine 2 weeks & I love this vehicle. I could live in it, it is that comfortable. Almost fully loaded and I cant understand the person that doesnt like the Sync, I cant understand. Maybe they should try simpler commands, as thats the way voice recognition works. People make me roll down my window at stop lights to talk to me about this car. How cool is that. Great job Ford, it is quality thought out.

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  Ford is #1! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By cosbie - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive always owned Chevrolets so never thought Id be tempted by Ford, but- this is by far the most comfortable riding, quiet, good looking truck that I have ever driven! It rides like a Cadillac! The seats are so comfy! Plenty of power. Love the rear sensors and back up cameras! Good job FORD!

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  Solid Reliable Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By john - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Weve had the truck since 06 with 20,000 miles we now have 100,000 and have only changed the fluids on it regularly. We had one issue with the heating dial on the dash, but otherwise has been one of the most reliable and solid SUVs weve ever owned including our Toyota and Nissan. Well probably just keep it, put another 100k on it and pass it on to our kids!

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  Very Happy - 2010 Ford Escape
  By R. Johnsen - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Replaced my RAV4 with a 6 cyl Escape. To date, Hwy mileage = 25.6 mpg, City driving = just over 20 mpg. No strange noises like some others have experienced and shifting is very smooth. Headlights are very powerful and handling and passing power are more than adequate. Did a 350 mile trip today and found the seats to be totally comfortable. All in all Im very happy.

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  New 2010 Focus 4 Door 4 Speed Auto - 2010 Ford Focus
  By D - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I have put a little over 1000 miles on the clock of my new Focus and so far so good. Mine is the SE which comes with all the basic amenities and have the Sync system. Although I miss the map a little from my previous car the turn by turn directions are great. The transmission shift smoothly and has great power and 30+ mpg avg. Would recommend to anyone needing a roomy economy car

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  Steppin Up - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Hammertime - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Traded my 2010 XLS for an XLT with the Sun and Sync package. So far it has been a good purchase. Great deal, the 2011 seems to be smoother and quieter than the 2010. Love the Sync system and the fuel economy. The 4 cyl is surprisingly powerful. I dont think Edmunds reviews give this vehicle a fair shake. Test drive it and I am sure you will be surprised!

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  Love My Flex! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Love this Car!!!! - October 13 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle. The overall quality is excellent and the comfort is superior. We have had our Flex for a year and a half with absolutely no problems. The sync system and Sony stereo are great especially the IPOD USB connection as well as the cell phone interface. We moved about a year ago and I could not believe the amount of room in this car. I kept putting box after box in and it still took more. The heated front and rear seats, the console refrigerator and the head and leg room make this car the best on long trips.