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:

• 

  2nd focus - 2011 Ford Focus
  By dwd - September 2 - 9:47 am

  2nd focus. Had a 2007 ses that recently went to my daughter. In 08 they came out with a better focus with better fuel economy which didnt make me feel to good. If only I could have waited. But we liked our 07. Went to buy a 2010 and got a good deal on a trade in but they couldnt find one how I wanted it, so they offered a 2011 same price as the 2010.probably will be upset when the 2012 comes out. Anyway purchased with the idea this will be my 10 yr olds one day. Only have 3 days but like the solid feel and has better fuel economy than my 07. Will write back later

• 

  Beat The Ram - 2010 Ford F-150
  By 00fxsts - September 1 - 9:03 am

  I was sold on the HEMI Ram after reading the reviews.. Have a Hemi in my 06 Grand Cherokee. A blast to drive, great engine. Terrible mileage but I did not buy the Hemi for mileage. Promised myself I would also drive the Ford but left the Dodge dealership sold on the Ram. Drove the Ford and started seeing many differences similar to my old Mountaineer that the Ram (Chrysler) does not have. The 150 seems to be sleeker with better visibility. Cab on Ram seemed big and somewhat chunkier. I drive a Semi so big is not an issue but I dont have to park it in the Mall of America ramp on weekend shopping trips. Just felt better in the 150. Getting approx. 18 mpg combined after 3000 miles.

• 

  My Expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By innersouls - September 1 - 8:29 am

  My Expedition gets me 20 mpg on the freeway and still around 15 - 16 mpg in town. This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned

• 

  Love my ride but broken harted - 2009 Ford Flex
  By MR,Ramos - August 31 - 10:13 pm

  My ride is my joy. I only got 11k mile and its killing me to have to take it to the dealer tomorrow 9/1/2010. The right side rear brake is grinding down the rotor only the right side I hope they fix it for free because no car should need that kind of repair at 11k miles something must be wrong.

• 

  Awesome - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Rose - August 31 - 8:25 pm

  Bought this car with 26k. Love to drive it. Drives like a compact car, so much more comfortable. MPG not bad considering its size. Now have 96k, has run great only problem was replacing the transfer case. Now it runs great again. Will buy another one once this one quits. Its been a very sound car all around.

• 

  Ford First Time Buyer - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Carlos - August 31 - 5:53 am

  Had me eyes set on a Tundra, until saw and drove this vehicle, for the price you get more with the Ford. I have never owned a Ford. I have no regrets in buying, this looks and feels really good.

• 

  Great car! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By tony - August 30 - 8:54 pm

  i have a v6 sel with sport package and leather, w/moon and tune. an all around winner. even though i had some issues in the beginning, they were all taken care of by the dealer, and its been perfect. very comfortable seats, gas mileage right on estimates, great handling and riding car, nice stereo.overall very happy!

• 

  The Cutting Edge - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Jeannie Osborne - August 30 - 4:53 pm

  We just love this car in every way. It is so comfortable to drive and responds amazingly well! Just to shut the solid doors is a treat. It just feels so stable and well built! We trade in a Lexus IS250 for the Edge because we needed more room and we are not sorry!

• 

  I absolutely love this car! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Rob, Long Island, NY - August 30 - 12:53 pm

  The new styling is perfect. This car (triple black) gets stares and comments almost every time I drive it. Its comfortable, extremely hot looking, fast, nimble, and the sound from the pipes is music. Build quality is fine, price is reasonable, and I fit my whole family in it. What else can you ask for? I could only rate fun to drive a max of 10, but I would have given it a 15. There are many accessories out there to personalize it and further improve performance so itll never get old. The premium fuel is worth the extra cost. Glad I didnt wait for the 2011. The 4.6 is plenty powerful and a tried and true performer, while the 5.0 needs a few years of reliability history under its belt.

• 

  One COOL ride! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By C G Moore II - August 30 - 12:21 am

  I waited till just the right time to buy my Escape, best deal I ever made. I am a college sports official and I use it to get around town and to drive to and from events. Space, comfort, ride and looks are just a few of the things that make this vehicle outstanding. I can take just about anything in the cargo and extended area with the back seats down. Plus, I can tow my motorcycle, boat of loaded trailer with no issue at all. I comment FORD for making such a GREAT little SUV.