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:

• 

  I am really happy - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Ammar - April 19 - 1:43 am

  i am bought my new explorer XLT last month and i am very happy and amazed from overall experience, i am living in Dubai , and the AC is perfect in our hot weather, it offroads better than my jeep wrangler 2007 in the desert .

• 

  Good Safe Car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Brain Smith - April 18 - 7:58 pm

  This car is amongst the best in the world. I couldnt imagine having anything else. It is missing some key safety features and luxury features to. The Headrest are plain up retarded though. They are insanely uncomfortable for some people.

• 

  Excellance again - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By mrpanda - April 18 - 1:25 am

  This is my 4th Expedition, A 97,01,05 this is my first EL. I needed more room for hauling material for work. Its nice to be able to put 8 sheets of plywood in back and not driving with hatch open.Surprising gas mileage 15 local and 24 hwy. Had to order the 10 due to lack of expeditions in the area with the options or colors that I wanted.

• 

  New f-150 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By mike of york - April 17 - 10:16 pm

  Wow what a great vehicle..This is my first pickup truck and This Ford is awesome. I bought the top of the line xlt Lariat Super Crew and I am amazed at the styling,comfort drivability and versatility. The tailgate folds down and there is a step and a bar that folds out for us old guys to use as a boost. The sync technology is great and the styling and color choices are way better than Chevy or Toyota. I drove both a Tundra and a Chevy Silverado first and was disappointed with them. I have the 5.4 v-8 and the engine has plenty of power to me. The interior is like a Lincoln on a truck body. Ford is doing a good job with their cars and trucks. I will report back again after 10,000 miles.

• 

  I love my pick-em-up truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Dale W. - April 17 - 9:21 pm

  I bought my truck brand new in April 2000. It has 4 doors (2 regular and 2 small rear doors). It gets up and goes every time I need it to. My only complaint is that it could use a little more power and torque. If FORD could add that without decreasing fuel economy, then they would have the end all be all in truck in the light truck division. It handles well, moves when you hit the throttle, and hauls anything the 150s do with-in reason. It is a shame that FORD is not going to continue the Ranger tradition. If they make casual updates then it would continue to sell well. Radio didnt last as long as it should but that is a Pioneer for you.

• 

  Love Old Betsy - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Henry Smith - April 17 - 7:57 am

  The car is simply unbeatable. I am older and arthritis can occasionally come on, but it disappears with the heated seats. I just wish that the wheel could heat and cool to. It would also be nice if the back could heat, cool, and massage to, since I carry a lot of my friends around with aches and pains. I was surprised that their was no entertainment system available, which would be nice when I carry my Grand children. I did have to get one touch up and down windows. It hurts way to much to hold that long. I also wish the trunk would close easier. The ride is incredibly smooth with no wind noise. In regular town driving it is a charm, period. Fords got a real winner here.

• 

  Safe solid sane sporty sexy - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By All American Muscle - April 17 - 1:41 am

  Dear car magazines: the next time you compare any car to the 2010 mustang v6 set the following standards 1) hepa filtration air conditioning 2) five star safety rating on all tests 3) zero to sixty in less than 7 seconds 4) a car the gets looks, thumbs up, and compliments every single day you drive it. Guess how many cars will show to the comparo. The one the only the mustang if you want to take a $23,000 car to enter into a nascar race, or 150 mph at the track, or drag it. Of course forget the v6, but if you want the coolest, safest, tightest, heavy duty, reliable, union and American made muscle car with a 45 year track record buy the mustang v6. No blind spots, no gas cap, no worries.

• 

  Cant beat the price - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By seanPA - April 16 - 10:53 am

  Bought used with factory warranty at 27k. Only issue was at belt replacement the dealer couldnt get it on right and it kept squeaking ok now though. I drive about 1k a week and it hasnt let me down. Now at just over 100k I have to say for 11 grand its the best value i have ever seen.

• 

  Zoom zoom off road - 2010 Ford F-150
  By XTREME - April 15 - 7:36 pm

  This is simply the best off roader ever. I got up to 50 in a foot and a half of deep march snow in BC. Crossing high paced streams and rivers are easy.

• 

  Agood car All around - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Andrew - April 15 - 6:58 pm

  I bought my car used. I went from a 1998 cavalier to a 2006 focus i had a coil pack go out the same day i bought the car and replaced same day NO cost to me. Im a stock holder for Ford and i like this car. I am 38 and is a good car all around.