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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  Finally Took the Plunge! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Maxine - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Originally interested in the Mazda 2 and the Honda Fit. Although the Fit was impressive with its huge cargo space, the ride proved tinny and the vehicle offered no pickup. The Mazda 2 gave us better pickup, but the ride was noisy and bumpy on the side roads we drove on. At the last minute, we made the decision to check out the Fiesta and it was love at first sight. It looks like a "sportsover" - the look of a sports car from the front and the look of a miniature crossover from the rear. The drive is quiet and the car takes all the turns well. As far as the mileage goes, weve had the car for about two weeks and are still on the same tank of gas. Interior is impressive as well as roomy.

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  My 1st truck, Love it! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By ERS - September 28 - 2:00 am

  i am a big ford fan, but i wanted fuel economy and some power and reliability! This truck has towed and pushed 2 trucks already, with no problem, good power for a 4 cylinder. Just wish it was 4x4 with a 4.0 and a 5 speed

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  Still The Best Deal on the Lot - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By flin1 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my SE for a year or so now and its still the best value of any used car I found. Its funny that the editors or Edmunds rate this car low cause it doesnt handle like a BMW or Acura but it starts, gets pretty good mileage, has pretty good acceleration, has a lot of room, good safety rating, kinda cool looking, American made, cheap parts that are easy to find, good visibility and head room, comfortable on the road. Sure its not exciting or flashy but its very easy to live with and does its job very well. Remember your last high school reunion when you saw that girl you had a crush on and she was fat and divorced three times? SE is that smart plain girl you married.

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  Happy senior - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Ford Flex - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. Econobost is strong and coupled with the 20 inch wheels, drives like its on tracks. Gives driver a complete feeling of confidence and in-control.

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  Love my Focus, But 9/28/10 - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Love my Focus, But - September 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Focus used with almost 45,000 in Aug. 2009 it now has 71,000. I love the design, very sporty with the chrome. The mpg is great at average 32. We have had no engine problems but we are starting to see others. Such as the front makes a rattling noise heard at low speeds and the motor mount has been tightened. The alignment has been fine. Just this week we noticed that the heat and ac isnt blowing out of the dash vents like it should. I absolutely love my car but I am really hoping that it isnt going to start nickel and diming me.

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  love this car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By bud - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I drive this car from easton wa. to western wa. Over two passes one way. Once a week ( on average ) I love the comfort & handling, it has all the bells & whistle ( almost ). I hope to own it for a long time. Best Ford I ever had.

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  Built Ford tough - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By BRACK73 - September 26 - 2:00 am

  This Mustang is my 4th and I love it. The 5 spd tranny shifts smoothly, and the 4.6L engine has plenty of GITTYUP and GO. I get around 22-23 MPG on the highway. The exhaust sound is awesome. The Mach stereo system is OK and the instrument cluster is easy to read and watch. the leather interior is very comfortable and being 62" and 225 lbs, I have plenty of room in the drivers and passenger seats. I do not have room in the back even if the seats are moved forward, but I did not buy it to carry people around. I bought it for the PERFORMANCE. I have had camaros and trans ams, and the Mustang is my favorite. Plenty of aftermarket parts, so your bank account wont go empty if a repair pops up.

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  Oh My 2004 - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By MWOhio - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with just only 11 miles. Ive only had to do regular maintenance for her. Ive traveled from state to state and no problems. Shes paid off now and I want to upgrade/customize her. I looked into buying a new Taurus, but Id rather alter the current one I have and be payment free. I love this car.

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  I really like my new 2011 Focus - 2011 Ford Focus
  By zoom - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2011 Ford Focus S A/T. I am very pleased with everything. The paint is perfect. It drives well and has great performance. At 100 MPH it holds the road well. The Chinese tires have road noise and the hubcaps are cheap looking and rattle so they will be replaced. I really like the interior, four speaker c/d- mp3- radio, A/C and the overdrive lockout. I would recommend cruise control as the car is responsive and hard to hold an exact speed on trips. I have averaged 38 MPG for the first 1000 miles of mixed driving. I would recommend this car to anyone. I bought it now as the 2012 Focus will be a turbo which will reduce its long term durability. GOOD JOB FORD!

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  A Winner from Ford - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Chuck01 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a real fun car. We have the automatic which is a gem. Gear shifts are seamless and the grade assist is really neat. Telescopic steering wheel allows me to get really comfortable. Ford has a winner here.