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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  15500 mile review - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Nick - April 26 - 11:07 pm

  I purchase my Escape in November and have pounded the miles on it since then. The Escape is very surprisingly fun to drive. Merging, passing, and sudden maneuvers are actually FUN in this mini ute. My family fits comfortably with all of our gear in it. NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER with this car. I am defiantly loyal to the blue oval again after a few imports. You owe it to yourself to at least consider the Escape if you are in the market for a small ute. There have been some complaints I have read about the seats staining easy, I find that they clean beautifully with just a towel and a little bit of water. I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old, so I am always cleaning the seats! No stains yet!

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  The Focus is a TEN! Total Winner! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By ALD - April 26 - 9:55 pm

  I replaced my top of the line, fully loaded Toyota Camry Solara SLE V6--- with a new 2010 Ford focus SEL. This Focus is excellent on every lever, and cost $10,000 less than a Toyota Camry. It drives smooth, and quiet and refined. There is lots of power for any drive from the city to high speed freeways. Mileage in 10 mpg higher than the Toyota it replaced. I would never have believed it unless I seen it with my own eyes! What a hot little car. It supplies power, room, luxury, and gas mileage too. Way to go Ford! You keep making them like this, and the Toyota dealers will never see me again! This is one nice car, and very good looking inside and out! The body shape is perfect!

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  Awesome Truck! - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Hayden - April 26 - 8:57 pm

  My dad bought this f150 on july 20th, 1999. It has 64,100 miles on it, and it is going strong! This truck is now mine, I turned 16 in January, and im getting my license on friday. The 5.4l is one of the best engines Ford has built. It hasnt given us that many problems yet. It will be 12 years old in a little less than 3 months, and i plan to drive it until the day i either total it, or it dies on me.

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  ford expedition off road - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By jorge9473 - April 25 - 6:00 pm

  i have 7 years with my suv and im happy because is so powerfull and never stock in the mud,dunes and rocks. last 2 months i already install FOX RACING SHOX 3.0,BF GOODRICH MUD TERRAIN KM2 285/70/17 and EAGLE ALLOYS RIMS series 058 size 17.my truck is color gray,5.4,4x4,300hp,original paint,its like new i only espend 45dlls at week,have only 170000miles. i love ford

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  falling apart - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By MarkH - April 25 - 10:48 am

  I bought my ford taurus new it was my first new car and has been great up untill 2 months ago when everything started to fail, trans slipps, had trouble stopping, airconditioning wont turn on and the blower only works on high, it was a great car and with in 1 week it developed all these problems and more. I love the car but why cant they fix these simple issues

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  My Mustang gets 22.23 MPG over two years - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Shirley - April 25 - 3:26 am

  My Mustang gets 22.23 MPG over two years. This is a fact. Ive kept careful and accurate records. Regular gas. I dont remember which coupe I have. Its the anniversary issue. Red. I love it.

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  A Very Good Car! - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Ford Buyer - April 23 - 2:19 am

  I bought my Taurus on Oct of 08 with 31000 miles on it. Im very happy with it. Its been very reliable and never lets me down. Very comfortable to ride in lots of power to out drive others if you use premium gas and keep the fuel system clean. I Average 22 on highways and 18 in City. Maintenance is very important for this car so keep everything updated. Tons of cargo space love the color of the exterior its gold ass metallic with Medium Pebble interior . I will recommend this car to friends and family.

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  repairs to look for - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By jim - April 23 - 12:25 am

  At 40,000 rear brakes needed replacement front lasted till 60,000. Now at 89,000 i smelt burning oil while driving rear differential seal gone, 2 day job as well as 1 minor engine oil leak . It is a good car.

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  Love our Ford! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Anthony - April 22 - 8:19 pm

  Vehicle has been GREAT...its my wifes car but I love driving it as well. I dont know what Escape Edmonds was driving, but the brakes on this Escape are AWESOME. We love the SYNC package as well as the satellite radio. Fit and finish are second to none. High revving 4 cylinder gets great mileage and has good power. Ford has been doing one hell of a job. Highly recommended. We test drove a Chevy Equinox (Government Motors, I know, please forgive me)and it was a typical GM...poor fit/finish, lots of cheap plastic, etc...even with GMs rebates, we said no way.

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  My Best Ford Ever - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Quite Impressed - April 22 - 4:57 pm

  I just picked this vehicle up over the weekend and have only put less than 200 miles on it. The impression so far is more than I have gotten from any Ford Ive had in years, and I have at least 8. Everything about this vehicle was meticulously put together. The interior is so huge I almost feel lost in it. The build quality is on par with the Audis, and is the best Ive seen in a Ford. The ride is so balanced and the suspension takes the rough Detroit roads with ease. I am looking forward to taking it on a long test drive. Ford is on the right track.