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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  The Ultimate Family Car - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Buspass - August 16 - 7:49 am

  By far the most comfortable car weve ever owned. The look, style, comfort, mileage and accessories are fabulous and far outweigh the poor handling and lack of power.

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  Love the Flex! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By C.M. - August 15 - 9:28 pm

  I have read up on and taken many crossovers and SUVs for test drives. We chose the Flex Ltd. I LOVE it. The only downfall would be that in the 6 passenger, it would be nice to have a center arm rest. Other than that, the performance is great, its super comfortable and I LOVE how the Flex looks. I have much respect for Ford as well i.e. not taking/requiring a bail out. Great vehicle Ford. Keep up the great work.

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  Awesome! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By susmck - August 15 - 6:55 pm

  I bought this Focus totaled. It has done nothing but run beautifully since I have had it with 90,000. I knew the person who had it before me and she had no problems either. I have 136,000 miles on it and lots more to go!

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  Love my SHO! - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By NHChris - August 14 - 8:54 pm

  Great car, picked up a week ago and really enjoy it. Had an Infinity M35 prior, and this car is equally as nice for thousands less. Very comfortable, very quiet, fun to drive with the SHO performance package.

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  Great Vehicles - 2011 Ford Flex
  By Blueman861 - August 14 - 2:35 pm

  Went to Sheehy Ford Of Gaithersburg and purchase my 2011 Ford Flex. This vehicle is wonderful. I drove a SUV for many of years and I have to say the V6 EcoBoost Engine is worth the value and great to have with a seven passenger vehicle. If you get the chance go and drive one.

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  Poor AC Flow - 2008 Ford Edge
  By AD - August 14 - 8:44 am

  I am very much in love with my Edge, except for the poor AC flow. It worked great for a year and now I cant get it above 80 degrees. We all sweat in my car and bought a fan to put in the back seat. Hopefully Ford can fix this problem and not let a good car go to waste!

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  Air Conditioning problems - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Shelia - August 13 - 6:40 pm

  I owned my 2009 Ford Edge for a year, and I loved everything about the car until my one year anniversary month. The air conditioner began going out at unexpected times. It would only blow air as if it were on the defroster setting. Nothing would When I took the car in to be repaired, the air would come back on and work properly. Later, the coolness of the air would vary from time to time. I never know when it will work, and when it wont. I work, and I dont have time to run back and forth to the service dept. I am also fed up with roasting in the heat when the air conditioner is out. I am paying a huge monthly payment for a car with little to no air conditioning 50 of the time.

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  Great little hauler! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Byron - August 13 - 3:10 pm

  Bought this car new in 1998 wish I had bought two of them! Only major work in 12 years was replacing timing belt and rear brake lines. I put snow tires on their own rims on for 6 months of the year to help save original rims and tires (replaced twice). Live in New Hampshire, so a little rust has shown up around wheel wells. For less than $500 in body work, Ill have a car that should last for several more years. Gets mid 30s mpg on highway with manual transmission. Wish that Ford hadnt discontinued the Escort line. Will consider the Fiesta down the road for my next car, but am in no particular hurry.

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  Brakes: problems with front - 2009 Ford Flex
  By szudejko - August 13 - 12:01 pm

  Purchased this Flex from Ganley Ford in Ohio in May 2009. Like it very much, good ride,MPG on highway is in the middle 20s. One problem was the front brake, it sounded like it was intermittently scraping. That (GANLEY FORD) replaced front brakes at 6000 miles free. Still had the sound so back to the service department and another road test with the Tech. We determined it wasnt the actual brake but the mounting system holding the pads...new parts we ordered and upon their arrival they were installed. No more problems. This is a great family highway cruiser and we have traveled to over 35 States with the grand-kids and friends very comfortably. I love the LTDs 6 way drivers seat.

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  Best Present I Always Get - Every Spring - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By WNYFordGuy - August 13 - 9:11 am

  Id always driven the 88 GT I owned (bought new) 7-8 months a year, and loved that new car feeling I got whenever I put it on the road every April. Once I saw the retro exterior styling on the 05, and I heard about its great performance, I knew I was going to buy one. I kept the 88 GT for 19 yrs - I really liked it, but I finally ordered an 07 on the Z-plan. The 07 GT is head, mane, and shoulders above the 88 in every way I can think. My 3 boys are going to have to fight me for this car when I get too old to drive it - hopefully when it becomes a true Ford classic in about 20 yrs.