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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  You must drive this car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By LOVELYMSBIG - June 15 - 1:40 am

  What a pleasure to drive this car! It is beautiful inside and out, and the sync just makes it over the top. We have back up sensors, which add a huge relief in parking lots sync, salesman even hooked both of our cell phone up and it already has our phone books in it. We love Sirius radio and are thrilled that we can hear it in the new car too! We chose the steel blue (2011 will be Kona Blue---very bright) with black interior. The one word I would use for it inside is stunning. My sister bought an 2011 Avalon about a month ago, and the interior of this vehicle rivals it. We chose not to have leather though. You must test drive this one!

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  focus ses - 2010 Ford Focus
  By hank - June 14 - 10:02 pm

  We just bought a 2010 Focus SES. Mileage is over 40 mpg on a flat highway, about 36 on hilly highways, about 28 - 30 around town. We like the style especially the moon roof and spoiler. It is more comfortable to drive than the Cobalt and has more back leg room. Trunk space is more than we need. It was delivered in excellent condition. The warranty will cover it for as long as we own it. GM talks about a 100K mile warranty but that is only good if you drive 20K miles/year, which we wont. We are more than satisfied with our new Focus.

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  5.0 back just in time! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By draekus - June 14 - 12:53 pm

  This vehicle is incredible! I had a 2005 GT convertible that I regret having to sell due to financial reasons. However, when it came time to purchase a new car in 2010, I had my heart set on a muscle car again. I had already decided on the 2010 Mustang GT (after considering the Camaro) when I heard news of the 2011 with the new 5.0 engine! The car has a great ride with exceptional styling! It roars when accelerating, but at the same time is tame when cruising along. Perfect combo! The 412 HP really kicks! And no matter what, dont let the salesmen at a dealer convince you the car isnt going for under msrp! I got mine well under msrp!

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Karen - June 14 - 7:51 am

  Reading these reviews makes one worry so I had to chime in. At 100K Ive only done basic maintenance, put in the new a/c and repaired the drivers window. Brakes at 60K and new tires. Yes, she needs the bearing done now but folks, no vehicle runs without a few replacements. On the positive, best drive around in an SUV, room galore, great 4X4 and the best comfort available. The hood paint peeling was an early issue and Ford replaced with a non aluminum at no cost. This is my second Explorer (1999 and 2003). 99 was the 6 cyl EB edition and I just wanted more power. With gas where it is, Im looking for a 6 again now. Cant kill that engine, never a tranny issue with either.

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  Love My Flex! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Love My Flex!!! - June 14 - 12:28 am

  I have owned A LOT of vehicles from focus to excursion to expedition etc. and this is the BEST vech. I have ever driven I love the design inside and out. The comfort of the ride so smooth! I have two children aged 1 and 5 and it is perfect for them! My husband is 63" and he has plenty of room when he is driving or riding in the front or back. My flex has the bench seat in the second row that is what I preferred and I LOVE it! I traded in my Ford Freestyle. The gas mileage is GREAT we got 24 to 24.5 on the hwy and 20 - 21 around town! I Love the power trunk and sync just wish it was turn by turn directions. I did upgrade to the 911 asst. and vech. report. Thanks Ford Love MY Flex!!

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  Awesome - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By redneck - June 13 - 7:22 pm

  My second Ford car ever. Went to look at a an Edge for the wife and ended up buying a Fusion for me. Love the styling of this car, both inside and out. Stereo is nice and tight and this is a very quiet ride so you can really enjoy the tunes without having to blast them. Would definitely recommend this ride to anyone. Really nice job all around Ford .

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  Unexpected Find! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Tim - June 12 - 6:50 am

  I will base my review in comparison to my last vehicle, a fully loaded 2007 Infinity G35X.My Fusion an SEL fully loaded.Some may think this is an unfair comparison but continue to read. Handling, not as good as previous vehicle, especially in corners, but surprisingly good.The Fusion is actually a lot more quiet inside with hardly any road noise. Stereo systems are comparable, both great. Gas mileage, well my Infiniti was great if I got 21 mpg. My fusion, beats what the sticker reports. I average 25+mpg and is getting better as I pass 4,000 miles. Im 6 ft and have plenty of room and the rear seats hold two child seats comfortably. Interior hands down beats Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. So far great buy

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  2010 GT Premium convertible - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By chip13 - June 11 - 8:48 pm

  For the past 10 years, Ive been driving a BMW 330 convertible, Audi A4 V6 and Porsche 964 but my 10 GT Mustang is most fun of all. Had to install the FR3 handling pack to tighten it up but awesomely enjoyable now. 315 hp is enough to move it around in any gear (5-spd manual), even with a 3:31 rear gear. 18 mpg around town. Tight build quality. Grabber blue w/1970 Mach 1 hood stripes. Topped it off with Saleen 20" wheels.

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  Smooth Transmission - 2010 Ford F-150
  By dwr - June 10 - 6:20 pm

  I actually got an XLT with the 6.5 bed. One of the reasons I went with the 2010 was the 6spd transmission. I am glad I went with a new one over a 2yr old used one that I was looking at. You dont notice when the 6 spd upshifts even two gears. Very smooth. The cabin of the 10 is very large and you can fit three adults in back without any problems. The XLT models can be dressed up quite nicely without going all the way to a Lariat, I didnt care if I had leather or not so for me the XLT was fine. The upgraded Capt. chairs are very comfortable. The 5.4 should have enough power to tow what I want and the 6.5 bed will meet my needs.

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Keith - June 9 - 9:02 pm

  Great Car! Bought used with 24,000 miles on it, now have 105,000 and had only minor issues. Pretty comfortable, great gas mileage, 2.3 delivers good power too. Only issue I have is that it doesnt do all that great in the snow.