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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  This is the Car ive been looking for - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Rickey - September 4 - 8:23 pm

  This the best car i have ever owned. It is black on black and I love to drive it. I have never gotten so many complements on a car before. when I put the top down people just stop and stare. I test drove a lot of convertibles before my wife suggested the Mustang it was the last one I test drove, got it that same day. Did I say I love driving it. I have become a Mustang Man.

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  Best Car EVER! I am on my second one! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By wendyinslc - September 4 - 10:53 am

  I bought a 2007 Fusion and LOVED it! I traded for the "new and improve" 2010 and I have had the BEST experience with it! The new features like SYNC, new 6 spd trans, versus the 4 spd, is a GREAT improvement! I love the aggressive design of the front end, and EVERY thing about this car! GO BUY ONE ~ you WONT be disappointed!

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  Great For New Driver! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Billy - September 3 - 10:43 pm

  I bought it for my sons first vehicle. It had 60,000 miles on it and I wanted a good dependable truck that would not cost a lot to drive and maintain. It gets around 19 mpg on the road. It has no rattles at all and drives like a new one. No problems at all. I wish they make more trucks like these.

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  Great truck - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By will - September 3 - 9:42 pm

  I have had it for over a year. It has over 250,000 miles on it. Changed radius arm bushing and oil changes thats about it goes. Everywhere wouldnt give it up for the world.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Joy - September 3 - 3:44 pm

  This car has been the best car we have had. We keep up on maintenance and change oil every 3000 miles. This is my wifes car and she treats it much better than I treat my car. I have a ford explorer 1997 with 235,000 and no real problems with same water pump. Both cars are great. This SUV is very fun to drive in the snow. Handles great.

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  2004 FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jason803 - September 3 - 2:17 pm

  I bought this truck in 2008 after looking through numerous car dealerships. It was love at 1st sight. 2 years later I still love my truck only problems I have had was a leak in rear window and water in the tail light nothing major. I use it for my boat and I sometimes forget I am hauling anything. I almost ripped the back end of a honda civic off that was stuck once and barely press the gas. Overall very good buy even though it get jealous when it sees the new chevy 2500HD pass by. I only see around 13-15 mpg which not very good but I bought the edge evolution and now get around 16-17 mpg also recommend this item as a add on

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  Great Car, Great value! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Stan - September 3 - 2:29 am

  My wife and I traded in our 1985 Jeep grand wagoneer for a 2009 Ford Escape XLT as part of the cash for clunkers program. We had researched this vehicle and it was definitely the best vehicle for the price. One year and 23,000 miles later, we are still happy with the Escape. It is a good looking, (flame red) good handling car. The 240 horsepower v-6 gives it sports car like performance. Weve only been able to manage about 24 mpg out of it on the open road, but that is really good mileage for this type of vehicle. Weve had the transmission computer reprogrammed and a sensor replaced at no charge to us. Neither of these things affected the drivability of the vehicle.

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  My Dream Ride - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By BReed - September 2 - 5:30 pm

  I had 1988 Sport Thunderbird and nothing has compared to my T-Bird, until Now! I LOVE this car. I opted for all the Bells and Whistles, except for the DVD Navigation. I do however, suggest that every new Taurus owner invest in BLIS. This car does have some blind spots that you really have to adjust to, so BLIS is a necessity as far as I am concerned! The trunk is even every families dream. Did I mention that "I LOVE THIS CAR!" as well as MANY other drivers, I have Never had so many people compliment me on my "Nice Ride" (regardless of age) as in this car!

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  Better seats and move the cupholders... - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Matt - September 2 - 12:54 pm

  Ive owned seven Mustangs over the years, from all but the first generation. This is by far my favorite. Everything about the car is outstanding except how well the seat holds me in place when accelerating through corners, and the location of the cup holders directly behind the shifter with the manual trans. Other than that Ford has fixed every single complaint Ive ever had about any of the other Mustangs Ive owned over the years, an amazing car, Fords best yet.

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  Transmission - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Maverick - September 2 - 10:29 am

  We have 46,000 km and have had problems since picking it up with transmission and we find out today a sensor is being replaced already good that it is under warranty.