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:

• 

  Nice Little Car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By aprlem1 - April 14 - 7:19 pm

  After 25 years of driving used cars I finally decided to purchase a brand new vehicle. After 6 months of research, I decided to go with the Ford Focus SE and I have no regrets. Features such as abs, stability and traction control come standard unlike many other cars in its class. The build quality is excellent for a car in this price range and the handling is great. Gas mileage is also great. At my age I am less concerned about being a speed demon or impressing others than I am about reliability and being able to live within my means. This car suits both those purposes just fine.

• 

  Wow! AWESOME All I can say.. - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Big Red 1 - April 14 - 4:36 pm

  I have owned 20 new f/L/M in my life time... This is the best! Ford has really out done themselves with the 2010 Edge. I traded my 2008 Ford Escape Limited. I did see any reason to pay an extra 5000 for the MKX. The ride the quality! I fell in love with Edge the moment I drove it off the lot for home which was the very first time driving this car. I did not know what to expect! get the limited AWD I can say enough good things about this car... other then why would anyone look at a Honda or Toyota Lexus, BMW? Why! Ford you outdid yourself one this one, and if all your other cars! Are like the Edge in Quality and Reliability and style! Look out Japan. America is back! With a vengeance.

• 

  Exceeds expectations - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Jay Connor - April 14 - 2:45 pm

  230,000 after 12 years & still going strong despite slight oil and radiator leaks. Very dependable 22mpg av. Drivers door damaged by 3rd party, $1,990 estimate to repair! Found complete salvaged door and professional paint job all for under $500. Easy to do. Four bolts and door is off, pull wiring harness out of body not door and unhook two snap connectors- interior trim comes off easily after extracting 4 screws, 3 on exterior last is visible when you extract control panel which snaps off. Had same dinging problem but in wet, caused by faulty sensors beside lock mechanisms. Highly recommend vehicle but you should change engine oil regularly, transmission oil and rear axle oil after 130,000

• 

  Awesome! - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Jim - April 14 - 9:55 am

  This is a truly awesome vehicle to drive. The ride is superb and handling is wonderful. Its narrow turning radius is greatly appreciated in parking situations. It gets people to look and comment on the vehicle. On a 200 mile trip on a congested interstate, in 85 degree weather and running with fast traffic, I got 18.1 miles per gallon per the on board info system. The trip included some 50 miles of in town travel. However, local driving shows 12 to 14 miles per gallon is what I can expect.

• 

  2009 F-150 - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Rickv - April 14 - 7:50 am

  This truck is everything Ford says it is. Mine is the 4.6 3V Supercab and I frequently tow cars in enclosed trailers and open trailers and it does this better than I imagined when I bought it. It even got 15 mpg towing a 82 Mustang on an open trailer.

• 

  Sufficient and economical - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Average Midwest Jane - April 13 - 8:53 pm

  This car replaced a much-loved 2000 Saturn SL that routinely got 40 mpg highway, 32-35 in town. Driver is female, average size, over 50. The Focus turned out surprisingly comfortable and well-designed. MPG average: about 28 (this is a stick) and up to 35 highway. It handles well in snow, about as well as the Saturn, and does better in strong winds. This car has enough power to get up to expressway speed on entrance ramps. I wouldnt want to spend a long ride in the back seat, though.

• 

  2010 Raptor - 2010 Ford F-150
  By jfkingd - April 13 - 8:30 pm

  Outstanding ride for a truck with 35" tires - shock absorbers on this truck are amazing. Rides like a 1971 Coupe de Ville. A little wiggle from the big tires once in a while but Im very impressed with the ride. Suspension is what this truck is all about - and this trucks suspension is the REAL DEAL. Have driven/owned all of the competition (including imports) and this truck is hands-down the most solidly built. Great brakes. Acceptable power. Acceptable gas mileage for a truck of this size & weight (got single digit mileage in my last GMC 4WD). Definitely the truck you would want to be in if youre unfortunate enough to be in a serious collision. Highly recommend this truck.

• 

  More thean what I expected - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By shalla - April 13 - 4:22 pm

  I went into the dealership not really looking for much just a nice car to get back and forward to and from work. The dealer pulled this car around and I froze. I thought that he was joking because I did not think I could afford this nice looking car. Then he told me the price and he also had to tell me the make and model because it look so much better then any Ford Taurus I have ever seen. I love this car. It has style and comfort. When I pull up to church and everyone ask me what kind of car is that? I smile and say "its a Ford Taurus" and they reply "man that is sharp".

• 

  2000 Limited 4wd - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Scott F - April 13 - 12:03 pm

  I bought this last August and was only going to use as a occasional driver. This vehicle cant be stopped performance wise so far. This year we finally had snow in the winter and we went anywhere we needed. I think we could have probably gone in the snow without 4wd. My only complaint is the little things such as the rear door/hatch latches getting dirty and causing a false door ajar and causing the interior lights to stay on. It is more of aggravation than cost. Lower cup holders do not hold cups tight and can allow to turn over.

• 

  Thank God I Bought An Expedition! - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Tim - April 13 - 3:00 am

  I am a GM Man... I have cheated only once before (97 Expediton)! This 10 SUV is PERFECT. Ride, Value, and 3rd row seats, What was GM thinking with the 3rd row seating! I LOVE this SUV and my wife wont let me drive it! She wouldnt drive the 97 Expedition, "too big" she said. Go figure (same size). In this class, Ford is the clear cut WINNER! Plus no Gov. bail-out $$$. Just go cut a deal on an Expedition & enjoy! FORD IS ON TOP FOR NOW!!!