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:

• 

  Follow up review on an excellent ride - 2007 Ford Focus
  By lilboyracer - October 13 - 2:00 am

  At 37k miles a f/you review: I love this car. In fact I catch myself thinking of upgrading to say a 335i or something and then going. Nah. Im keeping this at least till a 100k miles since it is so good to drive. It has been very reliable with only normal wear items brakes/tires needing replacement. Quite easily one of the most underrated cars out there and tremendous handling/steering and overall fun factor. The gearbox is now well bedded in and butter smooth. Fuel economy is the only negative but is more because this car encourages hooligan driving. I wring it out and it gives me about 21 mpg. However-drive properly and on a long cross-country trip I got a steady 35 mpg.

• 

  As Advertised - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Thomas McGill - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for C size car but decided to give the Fiesta a go. After test driving I knew I was going to buy one. No longer does "cheap featureless small American car" have to go together. Acceleration is more than adequate. Braking and handling is great, quite a bit better than expected. I have little need for cargo space, but I could see how others may be turned off by the fact the seats dont fold flat. This is a well rounded car that small tweaks will make it even better. I dont recommend this car in city stop and go, fuel mileage will be at the bottom of the range and it is rough if you just try to roll. If you do anything else (I live in a suburban/rural area, its great)

• 

  Fiesta everything I expected - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By JDF - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive been watching the development of the North American Ford Fiesta for some time now. Europeans love Fiestas, and they are a tough customer to please. They have many fine sub compacts to choose from and the Fiesta leads the pack. I was afraid the Fiesta might suffer in translation to America, but it didnt. There is nothing about this vehicle that I find fault with. Yes, some accommodation must be made for its small size, but the front-seat passengers will find it as comfortable as almost any other car of any type. The same is true of its super-efficient engine. Its not a Mustang, but it will keep up with traffic just fine. The better than advertised mileage Im getting is a big plus.

• 

  Great truck - 2009 Ford F-150
  By TReilly85 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2009 F150 super crew about a year and a half ago. I really enjoy the truck. It has a 4.6l engine with a 3.73 rear axle. I tow a 30ft travel trailer that weight 9000 lbs and to my surprise i was able to tow with no problems upstate NY. One thing i did add was rear air bags in the suspension so it would sit so much with the weight of the camper. I also tow the camper on the beach and still havent had any problems. There is a lot of room inside the truck also and i cant go anywhere with out someone complementing me on the truck

• 

  Still wowed! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By j.m. - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck. I reviewed it before, read "wow! written 12/06/08, and still I love it! I still have my 05 FX-4, but now my brother drives it. It has over 100k on it and its been so reliable. My 09 has almost 50k and super super super! I tow horses, cars, quads, and dads boat with incredible ease. The 5.4 v-8 and 6 speed trans are great, quiet, and decent on gas. I drove NJ to Florida and averaged 18.6 mpg doing 80 with a/c on. My friends are always impressed with the quality, interior space, and smooth ride quality. It handles great, stops on a dime, and spoils me with every mile i put on her. Again, the 5.4 is no racer, but the pulling power is great for me.

• 

  Focus ST 5spd Still Fun - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Proud Owner - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2006 4-door Focus ST (5 spd) in Jan, 2009. It had 6.5k mi. Now it has 44k trouble-free miles and continues to be dependable, economical, and fun. Just as tight and fun to drive now as it was 38k miles ago. 25mpg in town, 30-31mpg on highway at 70-80 mph. Has always been a great highway driver, and now with new Continental Extreme Contact DW tires, tracks like a toy slot car on the highway and just as pleasurable in town. Great combination of economy, value, reliability, and fun. Was hit from behind by Corolla while at stop light. Corollas front end and hood was crumpled and couldnt tell Focus had been hit except for Corollas paint on rear bumper.

• 

  Like the ford freestlyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By sue - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I only had it one week and driving is fun and my kids and husband love it

• 

  Owner - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By charles gillespie - October 11 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good experience for me. The only problem Ive had was the transmission quit at about 82,000 miles and it cost me 1,800 to rebuild I have talked to other owners with the same problem. They should call a recall. I have saved my repair bill. I am a senior citizen and had to borrow money to have it fixed. But I love the van.

• 

  High quality, fun to drive - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By S. Karnik - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I am really enjoying my new 2011 Mustang. Have had it for 2 weeks only, but inside its very roomy, engine sounds great, fun to drive, and really flies on the highway. Comfortable on extended drives. Great interior quality, strong engine, American manufacturing at its best. Get premium, be patient and find one w/ saddle leather interior, its the nicest. Best car at this price. American made. Buy a 2011 Ford Mustang.

• 

  Nice ride - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By johnson - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I consider myself a true car guy. And all I can say is wow. This car was put together with a driver in mind, the interior is awesome and driving this car is no different. Handling is great and stock power puts you easy into the 100 plus. Trunk space is the best I have seen. As a nascar fan, this looks like the real deal sitting in the garage. For a full size sedan, you forget how much you have under you with the power ratio. Cannot keep my hands from turning up the stereo. In my 40s and feel like I am in my 20s again.