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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  Who needs luxory - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Dr. Witt - April 8 - 9:09 pm

  I love all these people that complain about how the ranger is simple and outdated. Technology means nothing when your vehicle is in the shop because the state of the art traction control system has a computer malfunction. This truck is always reliable because of its simplicity which is reflected in the low price. You can easily spend more money for a Toyota Tacoma but at the end of the day the ranger is more reliable and will get you from a to b for less money. They are also very easy to do self repairs on which also saves money. If you want luxury buy a lexus they cost just about the same as one of those loaded cushy f150s

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  Ford proves why they are rebounding... - 2010 Ford Focus
  By viper63077 - April 8 - 4:11 pm

  I cant believe how fast this takes off for an entry level car. The interior gauges are user friendly and you dont even hardly have to take your eye off the road. The scree for Sync is in the center and slightly elevated, right about where you would look in the middle of your windshield. The Focus handles the road smoothly and has plenty of power for passing, and even joy-riding on meandering, desolate roads. The ambient lighting is cool but kind of extraneous. I added bigger Cooper CS4 tires to mine, a complete stereo system, a backup camera, chrome rims, a blue tint, and black stripes to mine. Its pimped but Im not done yet.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Flex
  By wolfdjk - April 8 - 11:42 am

  Great CUV. Test drove other crossovers of similar size and nothing drove as well or was as comfortable. The Ecoboost engine is worth the extra money over the base engine. It is very smooth and powerful and the Fuel Economy is very close to the base V6.

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  Truck of Trucks for the King of Kings - 2010 Ford F-150
  By RaptorKing12 - April 8 - 9:17 am

  I sell these bad boys at crown ford in Fayetteville North Carolina Ive sold 6 so far including one to myself. These trucks are by far the most fun and good looking I have seen in a while every time I sell one I cant keep my eyes off them. As for off roading I have played with it a little bit some of my customers have actually sent me pictures of them lifting it 5 feet off the ground from driving a ramp...maybe Ill test that out one day. I love the truck and Im proud to be a part of Ford for everything they have done.

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  Ooh..aww! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Crystal M - April 7 - 10:11 pm

  We have only had our Flex about a month. So far we love it. We compared vehicles for over 6 months before buying. We love the space & all the luxuries. Everyone always ask to look inside. Too many compliments about this car. I hope the reliability is as great as all the features.

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  Love My Flex - 2010 Ford Flex
  By flexaholic - April 7 - 5:12 pm

  We ordered a 2010 Flex SEL with leather seats, and a white roof. We had to order the "package" in order to get leather seats. The package came with a few little bells and whistles but we really didnt need those. It took a little less than 3 months to take delivery. I took a long trip in it and immediately put about 1500 miles on it. This car was a smooth ride with plenty of visibility and comfort. I didnt realize it had a tilt wheel until after I returned from the trip. It was a nice feature. The only complaint I have are the front head rests. Im a woman and wear my hair in a clippy in the back, which hits the head rest. I turned it around and it was fine.

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  2010 FX4 SuperCrew - 2010 Ford F-150
  By John F - April 7 - 2:18 pm

  I traded in my 08 Acura TL Type-S for this truck. I miss my TL I dont regret buying this truck. I just bought a house and trips to home depot in the acura wasnt cutting it. I use to own an 04 FX4 and this new one is a huge improvement. The rear cab is bigger then the last model, seats are more comfortable, side airbags...just a list of new features. Go to Fords website and watch the videos on "truth about trucks", youll see why & they show build quality from Toyota, Dodge and Chevy. I like the fact Ford didnt take any bailout money. Even with the 6spd trans vs. the old 4spd I dont see a real improvement in gas mileage. I avg 12/13 mpg w/20" aftermarket tires & 2" level kit.

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  ESCAPE LOVER - 2004 Ford Escape
  By mohegan - April 7 - 11:26 am

  I have had no maintenance problems in 6 years! Toyota put that in your pipe and smoke it!

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  Pleased! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Daniel - April 6 - 9:52 pm

  I have had my Fusion for only a month now and I absolutely love it. From the ride comfort to the design. I needed a car that was good on gas, reliable, and safe for the new born and I found exactly that. The 6 air bags and 5 star crash rating sold me. Other people have rated that they were not happy with the sound... they are crazy. Its loud and clear! If you are thinking about buying a fusion, then think no more. Just take it for a test drive. You wont want to take it back to the lot. You Will Love It!

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  Weekend Fun - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By MarkK - April 6 - 8:16 pm

  I just purchased a used 2007 GT/CS convertible for some summer fun, This car is a blast to drive on a sunny day with the top down. Great acceleration and exhaust note. It also handles better than I expected. The lower profile and 18 inch wheels on the California Special probably helps here. I bought this car strictly for weekend and pleasure driving and so far Im very pleased.