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:

• 

  Awesome Drive and comfortable - 2011 Ford Edge
  By roushpolice - August 29 - 12:47 am

  I love the vehicle. We have all the bells and whistles besides the panoramic roof. It drives very good, usually when you get a new car no matter what it is, you have to get used to it, but I was used to its handling after 10 miles of driving it.

• 

  What an awesome machine! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By debi - August 28 - 9:19 pm

  i special ordered a candy red metallic v8 6 on the floor and it has surpassed my expectations by miles. shifting is smooth and tight, you can feel the power wanting to get out. saddle interior is so fine, seats are comfortable and intimate. glass roof lets light in without the wind. interior ambient lighting is fun and sets it off from the others. sync/navigation is a must! steering is easy and hugs the road. ford has done a wonderful job, i love my car!

• 

  Tank - 1997 Ford F-350
  By derelict - August 28 - 7:07 pm

  Great truck that does everything I want. You dont buy a 1-ton for comfort and fuel economy - you buy it to work. This truck has been driven hard without a whimper. Perhaps the best looking OEM PU ever. As with all Ford trucks of that body style, fuel pumps and power steering pump are poorly designed. Doesnt seem to have the power a 460 should have, but it does have oversize tires and has lived a rough life of driving into trees, pulling trees, and being covered in mud.

• 

  Reliable and Fun to Drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Wumbly - August 28 - 11:29 am

  I have driven my Contour SE practically every day since I bought it new in 1998. It has the 2.5 L Duratec engine and a five speed manual transmission. This car drives and handles like a quality German machine. The manual transmission also has that German response and feel. Ive put 225K miles on the car and its still going strong. The AC quit a couple of years ago, but Im too cheap to replace it. Other than that, maintenance has been limited to fluid changes, tires, brakes, shocks, and the front ball joints. Believe it or not, Im still on the original clutch with no signs of slippage.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By bigmo - August 28 - 8:36 am

  Drove Landcruisers and LX470s for 8 years, last cruiser couldnt keep tires in balance. Drove the EL, and it is better than the toyotas and the suburbans I have had in the past. Drinks gas, but thats expected on this type of vehicle, comfortable, great ride.

• 

  2011 MUSTANG GT Convertible - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By JIM REED - August 27 - 9:38 pm

  This is my sixth Mustang since 1980, and my third convertible (1984 5.0LX V8 and 1987 GT V8). I had it out for a two hour top down drive today. When you drive this new Mustang GT, you feel as if youre an active part of the car. It fits you so well and is that flawless in everything it does. And its ride, handling and V8 engine performance are all totally off the scale. Fords new EPAS steering is incredible, best ever. They just seem to have gotten everything right on this car! My Mustang was the first Mustang GT convertible sold by my dealer! It was specially ordered by me and took exactly eight weeks, as promised. I took delivery on July 9th.

• 

  2011 Taurus Limited AWD - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By William - August 27 - 6:53 pm

  Excellent vehicle with great handling and ride - both have exceeded my expectations. Test drove a lot of other cars, including LaCrosse, and found the Taurus was a better car overall. So far Im very pleased with this purchase.

• 

  Love the Flex! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By rEddie2 - August 27 - 8:03 am

  I absolutely love this car so far. Ford has come a long way in the last few years! It drives so nice, and is very quiet. I also love that it is unique in styling.

• 

  Happy Camper - 2011 Ford Flex
  By Jen - August 27 - 6:37 am

  Traded in our 2005 Land Rover LR3 for the 2011 Ford Flex and couldnt be happier. Many of the same features available like phone sync, glass roof, Sirius satellite, heated seats, dual AC controls. However, additional cool features are Microsoft SYNC vehicle health reports emailed to you, bluetooth streaming (i.e. playing Pandora over iphone), USB input, keyless entry, MyKey, seat/mirror settings for 2 drivers, and seats are so much more comfortable! Extended warranty is also so much better than Land Rover - you get luxury treatment from Ford without the high price! Gas N Go gives us five years of service with no money out of pocket for anything including brake pads & oil changes. No brainer.

• 

  2002 Ford Thunderbird w/hardtop - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By 2002 Thunderbird - August 27 - 4:23 am

  Ive had several cars that Ive bought "NEW", and this beats all of them hands down. Its not a race car, but it will keep up with anything on the road. The gas mileage is good, the car is fun to drive, and, everywhere I stop, everyday, someone comments about what a nice car I have, EVERYDAY, for eight years that Ive owned the car. That makes me a very proud owner. I recently had a man with a brand new corvette offer to trade me straight across. He was serious, but, I would have been the loser had I traded with him. I love my car and you couldnt trade me ten corvettes for it.