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:

• 

  Great V6 Youll Love - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Ichiban Driver - August 20 - 3:11 pm

  The 2011 V6 Mustang gets all the love these days with its new engine. But my 2010 V6 is a dream--fun to drive and in Kona Blue with the Pony Package, a real eye-catcher. I was a German car snob for 20 years and had some very solid BMWs and a fun little C230 Benz. Now, Im hooked on the design, styling and solid performance of my Mustang. I dont doubt the 2011s are even better, but dont believe anybody who tries to diminish the 2010s. Just drive one and decide for yourself.

• 

  166K miles and still going strong - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Chet - August 20 - 12:34 pm

  I drive a lot of miles, at least 150/day. I just had the water pump replaced at 166,000 miles and decided it was time to do the rest of the maintenance that I have neglected for the last 5 years. I changed the oil regularly with Mobil 1 and changed the brakes when necessary. Other than that everything has always worked perfectly. I replaced the spark plugs at 140,000 miles just because. The originals still looked good, just needed a gap adjustment.

• 

  Man Van gets it right - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Man Van Fan - August 20 - 11:55 am

  I love this car more than I thought I would and I thought I would love it a lot. It is incredibly quiet ride, quieter than my previous car. I get a lot of questions from other guys at Home Depot about this vehicle. I needed a mini van but didnt want to make that move. The flex gives me hauling, comfort and style in a more manly configuration. Thanks Ford!

• 

  Whats not to like? - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Jim - August 19 - 4:55 pm

  I became a Ford man in 79 after a bad experience with a Pontiac. Since then Ive owned three Ford cars and five Ford trucks. My 2010 F-150 Lariat supercrew is the best so far. The amenities and ride comfort are like a very nice sedan, but it is ALL truck where it counts. Handling is exceptional whether towing or not. Truck sits higher than my 05 F-150 but for some reason, they excluded the drivers side assist handle that was on my 05.

• 

  Ford sho babyboomer new muscle car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By mikev - August 18 - 3:49 pm

  Had 3 muscle cars back in late 60s, early 70s. The SHO is the luxury version of those. Its lightning fast for a big car and handles amazing easily. Every guy who looks at the interior says one thing, What a Cockpit! I did have to add some side detailing as I didnt want a sleeper I wanted everyone to know it was a SHO. Pickup is amazing smooth giving the fact its turboed. Had a turboed Mazda before with front wheel drive only & was dangerous. Love the soundproofing although miss the rumble of a true muscle car. Love the Sony sound system. Wanted a car built in America so coming out of Chicago was very important. Gas mileage is only negative although knew it going in. All I can say is WOW

• 

  Love The Truck - BUT - 2010 Ford F-150
  By USAF Retired - August 18 - 8:26 am

  I absolutely loved my truck upon delivery. However, I quickly found out that when I parked slightly nose- down in my driveway or anywhere else, my fuel gauge and computer would set to "empty". It would not reset until after driving over 10 miles, so I took to dealer. Twice. Said since there is not a service bulletin out...nothing they can do! I dont trust the gauge, and Ive posted many queries on F150 forums and no one else reports this problem. Im hoping mine is unique. Ive contacted Ford since my dealer cant (or wont) fix the issue. I hate paying $30,000 for a vehicle with such a malfunction. Other than this, the truck is comfortable and all I wanted it to be.

• 

  Great car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dbay - August 17 - 3:51 pm

  This car is actually my wifes car. She bought it nearly new and has done little maintenance and received so much more in return. Just replaced factory brakes at 90,000. No major repairs to date. Handles great in the snow and gets about 34-36 mpg. We love it.

• 

  Awesome! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By MaiTai - August 17 - 2:03 pm

  I bought my 2010 Focus after my Jetta died, havent missed the Germans since. Ford has managed to pack a whole bunch of gear into a nicely priced package. I was originally wary, seemed way too small to me, and then I sat in and drove it! Sync goes way at the top of my list of favorite features, as well as the heated seats and other luxury amenities. I have the automatic which shifts smoothly and is still fun to drive. quality is great and everything feels solid. I would buy another Focus again in a heartbeat.

• 

  The Best SUV You Can Buy - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - August 17 - 1:36 am

  Ive owned Explorers since they were introduced and have owned several. I have used them for business. They are, absolutely, the best, most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. New or previously owned. I still have the first one I bought. It has almost 290k in mileage on it. Other than standard maintanence, oil changes, tires, brakes, scheduled maintenance, etc. I have never had not one single problem with this vehicle. Not one. I just purchased a very low mileage 2008 limited. And its like coming home again. Only better. The one that I have is a 99 and its like the every ready bunny. It just keeps going and I love the new one. These are really fantastic SUVs.

• 

  Very Pleased - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By Bob - August 16 - 3:21 pm

  Very Glad I bought this car. Handling defies its size and the ride is that of a limos. Trunk is massive and the styling is very sexy in and out.