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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  Look at the rest but buy the best - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By Impressed - August 27 - 2:36 am

  This car has the best nav/media system out of any of the others we drove it requires a monthly fee for the extras from Sirius but its worth it IMO it makes the car feel even more special when your driving. Its a sexy car the seats are comfy the cooled seats are amazing lots of room in the back a hair slower than others in the quarter but drive it youll really never notice plus torque band is flat so shifts are extremely smooth. But as a family sedan its good looking smooth ride and roomy and lots of gadgets to make the car special no matter the trim level.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By ajakins - August 26 - 5:26 pm

  I purchased my Ford Fusion about 1 1/2 ago with 32K miles on it. She has been a great car! The only thing I have done is regular maintenance and put a new battery in when the other one died(I live in FL. it died int he heat of the summer) It now has 60K miles on it, and is a comfortable, quite ride. I hope to keep this car a long time and I will post when she has over 100K on her. So far so great! The new fusions are awesome looking and when it is time to look at a newer car I will definitely check it out! I would buy this car again! :0)

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  Kona Blue Convertable - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By "Early School Mustan - August 26 - 4:54 pm

  My wife & I rented a 2010 Mustang convertible to drive from Kentucky to the NASCAR race at Watkins Glen in early August. That rental proved a stronger sales tool than any dealership could ever provide. When reading the features of the 2011 model, we decided they far outweighed any price savings obtainable from a 2010 year end deal. We love the styling, peppy V-6 305 hp with smooth sounding dual stainless steel exhausts. The sync system takes a little adopting to. My short drives to/from work a a real joy whenever the top is down. Evening drives with the top down are exhilarating!

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  Great Car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Ron - August 25 - 11:04 am

  I bought the car used with 65k miles. It was in great shape with exception of the leather driver seat and a small leak from the power steering hose. The leak never materialized to anything and the seat continued to deteriorate. Thats the worst of it. Otherwise it was reliable, fast, and very fun. The gas mileage was better than my mini van. I did sell it, but wish I didnt. It was a great car.

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  Love this car - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By jim gibson - August 25 - 10:27 am

  When I drive it I get 29 mpg. Wife only gets 24-25-mpg. If you are 62" with long legs there is not enough room for you. Other than that its fine.

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  Loyal Ford owner with new Edge - 2010 Ford Edge
  By mjmcggolf - August 25 - 5:07 am

  Limited AWD. Traded in a 07 Explorer and happy so far. Styling inside & out is perfect. Fit & finish OK. Comfortable ride with plenty of leg room in both front & back. 19.4 MPG so far in mixed driving.

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  Great Truck! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By MTDC - August 24 - 10:58 am

  Just picked up a nice used 09 F-150 Super Crew 4x4 with the 5.4 V-8. Been a Dodge guy for many years and owned several of them. 8 Rams to be exact. I love them Hemi power but mpg at $3.00 a gallon and driving 24K miles + per year in the Mountains of Montana is a factor. Averaged 17.8 mpg driving home from the dealer, 25,000 miles on my new ride. Thats setting cruise at 78 on the freeway and at 73 on the highway. Mountain terrain, couple of passes and rolling hill terrain. Thats a 4.5 mpg boost from my previous Dodge Hemi. I am very impressed with the new body style, inside and out. Finally Ford figured out a way of making the interior look less cheap and more inviting. A+ so far

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  91 Cayman GT - 1991 Ford Escort
  By The_Green_Goblin - August 24 - 1:36 am

  I am the 2nd documented owner, the First owner had a 16 year old child that did not know how to handle a car like this or appreciate it. I bought it, rebuilt it, and it blows my LX out of the water as far as performance, comfort and styling. The fact it shares the BG Chassis with Mazda makes it a bit easier to find aftermarket performance parts. I have put about 700 miles on my car since June, and I love it. All K&N Filters, 205-55ZR15s, and it handles like a dream. Comes factory with Tokico struts, which is a great manufacturer of suspension equip. I absolutely love it and plan on keeping it to hand down to my son. Not a Mustang, but I blow by those anyways. I recommend it 100%!

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  Fun and Safe to Drive - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Enjoying the EDGE - August 23 - 5:51 pm

  FORD has created one awesome vehicle with beautiful styling and design. Driven the Edge to the switchbacks and rolling hills of the High Mountains in beautiful Colorado and New Mexico. The Engine and Transmission worked great and has plenty of power, and got us to our designation and back home - joyfully. The headlights lights up the road, and does not blind other drivers (awesome). The front and rear seating have plenty of head and leg room. The instruments and switches are very well lighted at night time are all easily visible and with in arms length and reachable. All Wheel Drive (AWD) system makes the EDGE a safer vehicle to drive. The blind spot mirrors made me a safer driver.

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  Karmas what I named her - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By karma - August 23 - 3:26 pm

  I am absolutely in love with my Stang. I got the v6 Premium and the upgrades are definitely worth it. Kona blue with white racing stripes is so sharp. Handles corners with ease, sounds great, the comfort is there. My friends fight over who gets to sit in the back. Definitely looking forward to modifying it.