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:

• 

  Excellent Value for American Muscle - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Charles Starks - July 2 - 9:22 am

  This is the best car Ive owned! No one single mechanical problem after 5+ plus years of ownership. I had the opportunity to run this monster on the German autobahn at speeds in excess of 140 mph with the top down. What an experience. Buy one, you will not be disappointed. Great job on this one Ford!

• 

  Another Great Truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By DeJer - July 2 - 8:13 am

  I have had 4 Explorers and a couple F-150s and this is the best yet. Great leg room, great styling. I got the 3 valve 4.6L and it pulls my 32 Travel Trailer (7700 lbs) no problem. Gas mileage has been averaging 19.4 with my first 10k miles. I agree with others: bed liner should be standard and a driver grab handle would be nice. Overall I would not change much. Not impressed with Southwest Ford in Weatherford,Tx., go somewhere else. I got the XLT, should have looked at Lariat, but overall a great truck with good looks and excellent mileage for a pick up. You cant go wrong.

• 

  Great van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By James Patterson - July 2 - 1:28 am

  This is a great van. Plenty of zip off the 4.2 L, and we can get 500+ miles to a tank (according to the digital readout) with only $40 in the tank. The van has so many features I still havent gotten them all figured out. Very quiet inside while on the move. We opted out of the DVD system and tow package but we got everything else. We bought our own center console since ours didnt come with one. No major mechanical problems.

• 

  One tough little car - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By James Patterson - July 2 - 12:48 am

  All I can say is wow. Car was bought as a wreck from an insurance company. Had some panel damage but the airbags originally killed the car. Fixed it up and got it back on the road. It has been in 6 wrecks since then and been rebuilt every time at a fairly cheap cost. The thing wont stop kicking. Car is fun to drive. The rack-and-pinion steering in this car means you are directly connected to the road, no power steering in your way. Just you and the road. The car has plenty of zip. When the car shifts above 50, you will find yourself trying to slow the thing down, it wants to go fast. The heater in the car is powerful, it will heat the car fast. The a/c is like a normal car. Great car in all.

• 

  Great little truck. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By James Patterson - July 2 - 12:34 am

  My dad bought the truck to be my future vehicle. Great for around town driving and trips to/from Lowes, not great for heavy hauling and towing. A/C and heater work GREAT because of the small size of the cab. sank this one into a hole while delivering hay and pulled it right out, no damage. the Vulcan V6 leaves some to be desired but it can hold its own. no maintenance besides normal checkups needed. runs like a Swiss watch, never had any strange sounds. the engine does vapor release with a click quite a bit more often then other cars but no problem. The truck gets good mileage but the tank is small. expect to fill up a bit more often. I like to think of it as a car with a large trunk.

• 

  Excellent! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Great Car - July 2 - 12:00 am

  This car is built well, rides quietly and is as at home on the freeway at 75 mph, as it is driving in the city doing 15 mph. It is entirely possible to get 40 mpg on a flat highway, and usually 30 mpg in town or more. The seats are comfortable and firm. The engine is quiet and has plenty of power for all kinds of driving. It drives as smoothly as any car twice its size, yet it is fun to drive, and easy to handle. Ford did a wonderful job on the electric steering -- it feels just like rack and pinion pump steering. This car is a sleeper. Few people realize just how good this car drives, or they would be standing in line at the Ford dealers to get one.

• 

  Nice Alternative, Cool Ride! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Scapesdog - July 1 - 9:57 pm

  I traded my 2008 Expedition Limited for this 2010 Ecoboost Flex and am extremely pleased. I love the style, retro feel. Once i drove it, it was over. Had to have it. Very fun to drive. There is NO Comparison to the regular Flex V6, this thing is a sports car (in heart, for a nearly 5000 lb ride). I would not compare it to my wifes BMW 3 Series but it does have loads of pep and the suspension improvement is very welcome. The AWD does a great job of transferring the power to the road. The car actually surprised me the first few times i punched it. Its pretty fast, certainly fast enough. Averaging 18 MPG, not bad given my heavy foot! Sync and Nav/etc is the best in the business!

• 

  Beater still getting it - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Daddy - July 1 - 8:20 pm

  We bought this red wagon new because Mama needed a grocery getter and a youngn hauler. Its been a good machine. A few typical wear-and-tear items: water pump, alternator, a steering rack, brakes. All in all, not bad. Kids have puked in it and chewed holes in the upholstery. Automatic door locks quit working, and weve had some power window issues. Had to unplug the door sensors to keep the lights and bells off when door is closed, but I can fix the small stuff and we put up with the rest. Kids call it the "Beater." But it is paid for and is still kickin. I keep the oil changed regularly and Mama keeps the interior clean. Its been "Ford tough." No major transmission or engine issues

• 

  Great Car - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By pfrank - July 1 - 2:56 pm

  Bought my 1999 Mustang GT Coupe brand new in June 1999. Its still going strong at 148,000 miles. Other than normal maintenance Ive only had to replace the alternator, battery once, and yesterday the intake manifold due a crack. I was told this is common and Ford did extended the warranty for it to 75,000 mi. My car is red and the color and shine is still great. My mechanic just offered to buy it, but its hard to part with it. Peak performance is on the open highway. A little confining for me as an older guy, but for younger guys, highly recommended. Want it? Go for it and buy it. Good deal all around.

• 

  A reason to buy American - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Daddio - July 1 - 11:49 am

  Traded in a Corolla for the Ford Focus and havent missed the Toyota at all. The quality and finish of the Focus is excellent. Heated leather seats, ABS, moonroof, stereo system and most of all the Sync package which allows USB media to be used blows the competition away. The manual transmission is smooth shifting and fun to drive. With rebates and incentives way below the price of comparable imports. Not worried about quality as this is a well designed and solid vehicle.