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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  2011 Ford Edge Sport-Fun to Drive - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Paul - October 7 - 2:00 am

  What a great car. I was torn between a 2010 with $4,000 to $5,000 of rebates but none available. So I bought the 2011 Sport loaded with all but rear DVD. Its great looking in Tuxedo Black and fun to drive. Getting about 23 mpg on the highway at 70 mph. Should get about 25 mpg at 55 to 60 mph I am told.

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  Love the design, In for service already - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Aarrow - October 6 - 2:00 am

  We recently purchased the freestyle from a reputable dealer.We have owned it for a month now and unfortunately it had to go to the shop numerous times right after buying it for shaking at 55-60mph, tires were cupping,rough idle and power steering pump. They put a new engine damper on it and now have had it for days saying it needs a torque converter. I understand with the miles it has its not gonna be perfect. Im starting to feel maybe this car should never have been put on the lot. I can say the problems put aside though I love the style and comfort of the freestyle.

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  Bang for your buck - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Eric Goodman - October 6 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I are the proud new owners of our first Ford vehicle. That vehicle is a 2011 Mustang V-6. Wow, what a great experience. What a vehicle for 22,500 nicely equipped, with spoiler and stripping package. The 305 HP is plenty of muscle and speed for the non drag racer. The 11 stang is just as fast as the 10 GT 5.0 stang, thousands less and over 9 mpg more on highway. Save the 7 gs and no need to by the GT, 5.0. Was Camaro lover until three days ago and now were turned to Ford and its Mustang. Great job from Ford on this new stang. May be the best V-6 engine ever made to date. All that car and no bailout money. Way to go Ford! Way to stay true blue American! 6-4, 240 plenty of room.

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  Still Fun, Fun, Fun - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Chucks 04 PCR - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This is an update of my earlier review (Fun, Fun, Fun Written by: Chucks 04 PCR on 04/27/2007) OK, 3.5 years later & shes a daily driver. Still love the car, but sure am glad I got the 7-yr/100k warranty. I have replaced 7 of the 8 coils (actually Ford has), and I am just waiting for the last one to get bad enough to replace. Ford has extended the warranty on the COPs (Coil on Plug) to 10 yrs/100,000 miles, so any replacements should be free. I have not had any problems with the replaced coils. Just replaced the thermostat & upper radiator hose at 71k. I take it to a Lincoln dealer for service, since it is essentially a Lincoln LS and the Ford guys typically know nothing about the car.

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  Great Choice - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Florida Girl - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used in 2006 with only 24,xxx miles on it. Now there are 92,xxx and it is still amazing. I have only had one issue besides the routine things (oil change, brakes, etc) and that was the alternator. I had bought the extended warranty thus even that was covered. I chose this car for its 5 star crash rating, the powerful engine (use to have a 4 cylinder), nice under hood layout, and, of course, looks. It is a mustang after all. Only issues I have with the car is the poor gas mileage and the not so smooth ride.

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  Nice SUV with plenty of power - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By HappyDriver - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought Explorer new. No major problems at all. Some small issues, tire pressure sensor malfunction, gas cap sensor cause service soon light on, but nothing worse in 5 years time. Never stranded or stalled, been most reliable vehicle so far after bad luck with a few GMs, still runs good as new. Gas mileage not bad for V8, avg 16-19 in town & 22-25+ highway. Comfy interior, good layout. Plenty of power with V8, lots of room (7 passengers) but still feels sporty to drive. Great stereo (have the 6-disc w/ MP3 upgrade)! Overall, love this Explorer!

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  2010 Fusion - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Doug - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the first domestic car I have owned in 20 years. Ford got it right with this car. Build quality is great and no squeaks or rattles after 6000 miles. Got 34 mpg on a trip average around 26 in town Plenty of room for me at 6 ft tall and a little wider then i used to be. This is one of my the nicest cars I have had in a long time. Spend the extra money for the SEL the leather,heated seats and the vision package are well worth the money.The SYNC system is second to none. I have most of it figured out by now. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a great value for your money. The 4 cylinder engine is a little loud at times but the better gas mileage is well worth the trade off.

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  Best Vehicle I have ever owned! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Tina - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my explorer brand new when my 2nd son was born and still have it today! My son is now 13 yrs old. I feel safe sitting up high. It has never left me sitting. I have four wheel drive but hardly ever have to use it. I have a hill to go up to get out of my neighborhood. When it snows, most vehicles can not get over that hill but my explorer goes right up the snow covered hill. I will buy another Explorer when Im ready for another vehicle.

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  V6 Has Plenty of "Go" - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Ellen - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2010 model (black on black) "used" with 16,000 miles on it for my 17 year old, and got a great deal. The interior fit and finish is a huge improvement over older models. I was a bit worried about the V6 but its got plenty of zip, and I didnt want a V8 for a teenager. The SYNC system is awesome and allows easy hands free cell phone use, but the best feature of all is the glass roof! It is gorgeous. This car turns heads and handles very well. I may have to borrow it from her more often.

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  Great car for the money - 2010 Ford Focus
  By paulashort - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the Sync System. No other maker has anything to compete, until you hit the luxury lines. I would rather have a Ford anyways, they have proven to be more reliable.