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:

• 

  The Tank - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Amy Royer - May 21 - 9:20 pm

  I bought my 5 speed ZX3 in 2005 with 48,000 miles on it and I just totaled it out with 143k miles. I loved this car but the tires wore out easily and cost $110 a tire, the housing unit for the temperature thingy had to be replaced, the cd player was replaced twice and still didnt work, the moon roof would malfunction, at 130,000 the front struts started to go and there was an oil leak, I had to replace the battery 4 times and the driver side door handle constantly broke. Despite all that I did run the car hard and it ran well up until about 115k miles and it held together through the few accidents I was in keeping me and my 2 year old safe. Its nickname was tank for a reason.

• 

  Plenty of Pep and Room to Haul - 2010 Ford Escape
  By KATS - May 21 - 8:47 pm

  This is the first 4 cylinder SUV we have ever had. It has plenty of pep around town and on the interstate. Gas mileage is way better than my V8 Mountaineer. This vehicle also has enough room to comfortably haul golf clubs and drums. Can comfortably haul four adult passengers.

• 

  Best of both worlds. - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By rsdamon - May 21 - 7:08 pm

  Absolutely love my Ford Mustang! I have the premium V6 w/pony package, comfort package, and security package. This car offers a big luxury car ride complete with lots of luxury items, while handling like the sports car that it is. Classic sports car look and a true gem to drive.

• 

  Very happy! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Very happy! - May 20 - 9:31 pm

  Got in new and have had two problems, a rear suspension squeak from the rear e-brake cable and sync usb connection problem. With 20,000 miles still have original tire and have not had any alignment issues. I just rotate and balance them every 5000 miles, they still have 6/32 of tread! Average 32 mpg. Rear leg room tight, interior plastics soft and scratch easily, rear door panels do not have cloth lie the front do, rear trunk release inside the cabin would be nice, trunk spare tire cover flimsy slides around and stuff falls below it. Just a few things i have noticed.

• 

  USA CAN build a good vehicle - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Rob - May 18 - 3:47 pm

  The Limiteds Camel interior is attractive and the heated leather seats are very comfortable. We added a custom painted pin stripe to the somewhat bland Sangria Red exterior. The vehicle gets 24 mpg in local driving and between 30 and 32 mpg on interstates. Radio fidelity is the best weve heard in any car weve owned and the Synch system is very handy.Though engine roar is evident during acceleration,the ride is wonderfully quiet on the interstates.Surprisingly, this FWD model went through four inches of snow rather well. Some suspension skipping is noticeable on washboard roads. Ample room is available for two bicycles and plenty of luggage. At 4000 miles its running great.

• 

  Best vehicle I ever owned - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Ray - May 18 - 2:21 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for about a month now. The comfort is fantastic. It rides so smooth. The sliding top window is so large and really great!! I have always been a GM man and never again will I waist my time with a GM product. I now have 2 fords and wish I could afford another Edge. This is simply a great vehicle. I really love the GPS system, a lot better that a Garmin. The sound system is great also. I love everything about the vehicle.

• 

  First timer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Reaper - May 18 - 11:13 am

  I have never been a ford person always a dodge kind of guy. Needed a more family sized suv, durango wasnt cutting it. Love this thing, very roomy, stylish, and powerful. And as far as im concerned the saftey is great. sister had one and rolled it down a 300ft cliff, and it brought my family back to me after the wreak, after that it sold me on them. Granted i have only had it a week but i love this thing. went all the way through it and didnt find anything mechanicly wrong with it exept the rear passenger seat belt dosent work but the place i bought it from said they would replace it for FREE.

• 

  Amazing value, amazing vehicle. - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Greg - May 17 - 3:23 pm

  Just picked up a Limited AWD 6-cyl yesterday with Park Assist and Rear Camera system. SYNC is even better than the commercials make it out to be. After driving the Element, CR-V and Forrester - this was the clear winner in a number of areas. Never owned a Ford, but after this I may never stray.

• 

  Zoom! Cruisin in my 5.0 - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Need For Speed - May 17 - 9:41 am

  This car rocks. It is Extremely fast, it feels like it leaps when you step on it. The brakes and the steering are much better than the 2010. the electric steering makes it easy to park, handles great. I have put 300 miles on it so far and averaged 21 MPG, mostly short trips with a couple of 0-60 runs, this car should do every bit of 25 MPG on the Highway. The ride is comfortable and the car gets a lot of attention. My ride is Kona Blue with dark leather and an automatic trans. I got the base rims with the all seasons and grip the road just fine, you dont need the upgraded tires unless you are taking it to the track. the Sync comes 3 years free, works like onstar. stereo sounds great.

• 

  Exellent - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Flexlover - May 16 - 7:11 pm

  This car is by far the best I have ever had. Its roomier than my wifes tahoe and handles better then my previos BMW 3 Series. It has the highest quality interior if ever drove, and its also the best looking on the outside. The dash isnt exactly the same case though. Its a bit dull, but that can be easily remedied. The New Taruses dash would be much better for this car. The transmission is a little fussy to. Despite this, I wouldnt think twice about buying another one.