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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  2003, good, solid minivan - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By robinsweb - September 14 - 2:00 am

  In the 90s I drove a Dodge Caravan, which was about as safe as driving a tuna fish can. Got a new 1997 Windstar, then a new 2003 Windstar. I like driving newish cars, but Im keeping this one until it falls apart, because even after 7 years, (77,000 miles) I still LOVE IT! Nice looking for a minivan, It still looks spiffy and not too outdated. Paint in good shape. Some minor problems others have observed, like flashing interior lights and dash lights, of which Ive paid to have repaired MULTIPLE times. (Life is full of compromises.)

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  Best Pony Yet! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By residentblues - September 14 - 2:00 am

  WOW! The first REAL MUSCLE Mustang since the early 70s! the 5.0 GT is at least for now the best pony Ford has offered!! fun to drive, fantastic lines. 412 ( more like 450 hp) and 18-26 MPG. this is the best bang for the buck genuine muscle car you can buy! Mine is Black on Black!

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  Loved My Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Angela - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Explorer for nearly 10 years. I bought it used and have virtually put very little money into it except for usual wear and tear. This is a great family vehicle it is great when you need to carry large loads. This is a vehicle I will recommend to anyone. If you keep up with regular maintenance you will have a great vehicle for years to come. Snow is no match for this truck nothing stands in its way. I am giving it to my nephew so that he will have a vehicle he can rely on while he is just starting out and I am sure it will last him until he gets on his feet just as it has for me and my family.

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  Ford Listens - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Napsedge - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my first Ford in 2007, a fully loaded edge. Only complaint I had was interior. I just got my 2011 and all I can say is WOW! The car is stunning (20 inch wheels). Many people stare and come see it when I am parked. The interior and technology is top rate! I feel like I am driving a $60k car. With the rebates I paid less than I did in 2007. The ride feels like my friends X5, really tight and crisp and the brakes are stronger than my last one. Anybody shopping for a CUV please go try a 2011 Edge, it is unbelievable.

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  Built ford tough lives up to billing! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Noel Hebert - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Worked for a Ford dealership when I first drove an F-150 and fell in love with it. I went with the 03 because the body style changed for 04, and I particularly liked the older body style best. This truck sits higher stock then other makes, lots of room for the driver in the cab. Long trips are no problem with the captain chairs. 4.6 L motor is a fine balance of power and fuel economy. Stock exhaust actually stifles take-off slightly, but thats minor. Zero mechanical problems except general wear when it was purchased ford certified at 30k miles. Definitely recommend this truck for purchase, lives up to reputation. Looks good and is fun to drive!

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  Our Ford focus at 184k miles - 2002 Ford Focus
  By azasadny - September 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car for our son a couple of years ago and we now have 184,000 miles on it. We have had to replace the coil pack, plugs, wires, shocks, front struts, alternator and several small parts, but overall we are 100% satisfied. This car is 8 years old with this many miles on it and still runs great, no oil leaks, no oil burning, etc. This is an economy car that is still economical to own and fun to drive. With this many miles, parts are obviously going to wear, but parts are cheap, the car is easy and inexpensive to repair and its safe for our son. He was in a serious accident last year and the car held together and protected our son and daughter. We had a body shop get the car back.

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  Great Car. some quips - 2010 Ford Escape
  By moonweyes - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ford Escape. I bought my first one used and ended up trading it in for a brand new one. I love this car! But I do have to say, the 4 cyl, even with its upgrades, does not beat a 6 cyl. The pick up is not as great as I am used to, so i have to compensate when accelerating onto the freeway. Also, the accelerator pedal doesnt always respond immediately - it seems to hesitate and then lurches a little - but only when I am doing under 20 mph. Its like the computer system goes into sleep mode at slow speed. Sync is new to me and its great! Anyone who gets into my car cannot believe how roomy it is (I carpool, a lot). I see why they are used for cabs in San Francisco. No fires.

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  Not grandmas focus - 2011 Ford Focus
  By pvalentino - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Initially was looking at the Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris but once I test drove the 2011 Focus SES it was the clear winner for performance to fuel economy ratio. I was in market for commuter vehicle that would be great on gas, fit all 6 4" and almost 300 lbs of me, and the Focus did one better by throwing in 140 HP. I love the handling and feel of the SES over all the other test drives, plus I really love all the features provided by SYNC through the great sound system.

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  1990 Ford Probe LX - 1990 Ford Probe
  By Ron - September 8 - 11:26 am

  I put 264,000 miles on car, It still ran great and got 25 mpg before the salt took its toll on the body. I spent less than a $800 in 19 years on mechanical repairs. under the hood the only problem was the radiator, it cracked at 70,000 miles. If you have a hard time with finding some parts, cross ref. it with mazda mx6. It was very reliable and easy to repair (the few time it was needed. (you must keep front tires balanced, saves on front wheel bearings)

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  My First Ford Wont Be My Last - 2011 Ford Flex
  By MED - September 8 - 11:10 am

  Im in my early 40s and Ive owned cars, trucks, and SUVs of a variety of different makes. This is my favorite vehicle of all that I have owned. I needed a vehicle that would seat 7 and this does so in comfort. My 6 4" oldest son can sit in the 3rd row. The ride is smooth and the car handles well to be so long. Im old enough to remember when SUVs were new, but my kids begged me not buy another SUV. The look of the Flex is much more modern to them. And as far as looks go, we get lots of them when were riding in this car. People love to come over and look at it in parking lots. The people at Crown Ford in Nashville were great to work with.