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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  I really like my new Ford Edge - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Rocklady - August 4 - 7:33 pm

  My Edge feels good driving and riding. The solid sound of the doors closing to the soft purr of the engine, the adjustable seats for a more comfortable ride. The bluetooth convenience, the interior lights, the large window area, the extra large mirrors help to give me a great ride.

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  Saved Our Lives - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Blessed - August 4 - 5:28 pm

  Best car ever! airbags are amazing.worked perfect. Car totaled but safety features are great! Will buy again! If not for this car I would not be here typing this! Thank you Ford for a well made vehicle!

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  The BEST car Ive ever owned - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Nicole - August 4 - 1:26 am

  Id love to upgrade to the 2011 just for increased horsepower/mpg. I love this car absolutely no problems! I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee 06 and compared to the mustang it is no match. I never realized how unreliable the jeep was until I got an actual reliable car that never has problems (my mustang). The Ford service (only used for oil changes) are so helpful and sweet. The car handles amazingly and the seats are so comfortable. I love my SYNC system! This car is reliable, fun to drive, and beautiful. No complaints

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  I love my Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Ray - August 4 - 12:45 am

  I bought my Explorer new in 1998. Its 12 years old now and still going strong. It has never broken down or even overheated. I drove this car all over Europe when I was assigned overseas. I have to admit Im on the forgetful side when it comes to maintenance and oil changes although I did take it the dealer a couple of times for routine fluid changes and checks. The car chassis does groan and creak sometimes now but almost everything still works. The AC is still ice cold even though Ive never had it serviced that i can recall. Ive never had to replace as much as a fuel pump. I love this car and wont get a new one until this one dies.

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  Happy to be back to Ford, so far - 2010 Ford Escape
  By FORDPOTTS - August 3 - 9:52 am

  Mid 30s male and have always driven smaller cars (ford escort, vw gti, honda fit, volvo s40) but the family is bigger so we need more room. looked at the new Tuscon, equinox, rogue, outback and cr-v. all nice cars but i liked the extra room in the escape, good gas mileage and hoping that its holds up like my escort. I was blown away by the sync system (why they dont push that more in commercials i dont know) and really like the interior. road noise low, its very comfortable to sit in, i like the small things (tells you miles till empty, temp outside, problems with car). not averaging mpg what they said yet but i need to drive it more. also, ford is giving great deals on this car.

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  2002 Excursion: Great truck! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By David D. - August 2 - 7:40 am

  I bought this XLT beast with the V10. Well appointed. I have the need for a big SUV because I have 4 kids and travel often. I have a 2009 SUBURBAN LTZ that I keep for special occasions. The Excursion is my utility work horse. There is no comparison to the ride, Chevy is more car like while the Excursion handles like a truck. I like the extra room the Excursion offers and the power plant is far more responsive then the Chevy. Gas MPG averages 13 while the Chevy averages just over 16. The cabin is a bit more quite with no wind shearing, but city driving can be stiff as a result of the solid axles. The truck is well built and when your on the road its obvious that youre the biggest! RESPECT!

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  No More Nissans - 2010 Ford Focus
  By ExNissan Man - August 1 - 8:17 pm

  I had a 2007 Nissan Sentra. After going through 2 sets of rear tires in 27,000 miles & the dealer wouldnt be straight with me about who would pay for a manufacturing defect. It was time to let go of my 5th Nissan. For more than thirty years I thought of Ford as "Found On Road Dead" I never considered a Ford. I Test drove the 2010 Focus SE & Wow, I was new Ford Fan. It rode smoother, quieter and peppier than the Nissan Sentra 2.0. The accessories blew me away and so much bang for the buck. Same price as the Nissan Sentra 2.0 basic. The salesman and the guys at the dealer were great! I ended up buying 2 Focuss. One for me and 1 for the wife that very day!

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  Great Edge - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Carylon - August 1 - 2:13 am

  I found this to be a Marvelous car I had a Kia Sportage and the switch was significant for comfort and reliability. The interior was a little disappointing when compared to other options ( Generic) but over all the Sync hands free is addicting Overall a GREAT BUY

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  Made to last - 1997 Ford F-150
  By zee - July 31 - 6:45 pm

  Its been a great truck, turned 218,000 miles, just regular maintenance. Well it finally left me on the road. Not trucks fault, differential ran dry. I been taking it to NTB for regular changes and they never checked it. Shame on them. I am having it fixed. 4.6 L engine keep on purring !

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  Awesome - 2000 Ford Contour
  By sals - July 31 - 4:25 pm

  My wife and I love this car. It wont die! Still starts every time with 280,000+ miles on her! Besides the normal maint. weve had to put a fuel pump on it at about 140,000. The way its going I dont think 300,000 miles is too far from its future. American cars do last if you take care of em and do the preventative maint. like you should on every car.