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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  F150-XLT - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Mike T - April 6 - 5:56 am

  Fun to drive. Wish there were more standard features like music selector on steering wheel, driver grab handle.

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  135,000+ miles and runs great - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Rich - April 5 - 11:31 pm

  Sometimes i think people just have bad luck or something. Ive noticed a couple bad reviews and just dont understand. I bought my ranger used in 2000 with 23,000 miles on it and it now has 135,000+ miles on it and still runs awesomely. Ive only had to change the tires, muffler, clean and replace the mass airflow sensor, brakes/rotors, and thats it. Thats all crap, you need to replace regardless of what you drive. Hell, Im even very bad about changing my oil! I think Ive even gone nearly 2 years without changing the oil! My ranger is by far my favorite vehicle purchase. It keeps ticking and NEVER lets me down.

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  Domestic Sleeper - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Kenniff - April 5 - 4:18 am

  Its always fun watching imports pull up, and not only find out they are slower, but dont get better mpg. I can fit 3 people and luggage for a week in it and still get 35 mpg hwy. New fascia reduces cute factor, and increases enthusiast curiosity. Have aftermarket tires, rims, muffler, air intake, etc. and I never think its a rocket, nor can I hear it 3 towns away. Sure, larger people will want to avoid driving, but were not all lineman here! Although the car was well worth the 11 large, kind of wish I didnt have to install an armrest. Nonetheless, this car has more range than one might expect, as I can drive from Tampa to Miami, and still drive around the city Fords the best US maker

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  I am leasing another! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Paul - April 3 - 5:58 pm

  the car is the best value and fun for the money in the crossover field. Beats the Lexus, BMW, ant the rest! Drive one! Take turns, bumps, accelerate in it!

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Frank - April 3 - 2:32 pm

  We love our Ford Focus! We owned a 2000 Ford Focus that just recently began to give us starting problems. Decided on new Ford Focus due to MPG and price (Cheap with Z-plan & rebates!)

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  6 cylinder with 200,000+ miles - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By 2 door 6-cylinder - April 2 - 4:58 pm

  I absolutely love my mustang. I got it when I was 17 in exchange for my stratus. I had to learn to drive a manual, but it was well worth it! It had 200,000 miles on it, a new engine, new transmission, and new clutch. I thought I was set, but when you have a car with that many miles, lots of other things can go wrong, but not a lot of expensive things when considering the mileage. Im sick of taking it into the shop every time I come home from college and not much room for people and luggage, so Im considering getting rid of it. Its fun to drive, great looking, and pretty good to me. I dont think it would be possible to buy another car as good for just $1500. Such a hard decision.

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  Got What I asked for! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Goodwyn - April 2 - 8:36 am

  The dealerships always took the pleasure out of owning a vehicle. Aside from that, this is a work truck! This truck will get the job done if you plan to spend most of your time off roading, hauling and towing. There is no better vehicle in its class. Unfortunately, I wont spend 80% of my time doing these things so I would have preferred more creature comforts.

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  Escape Limited - 2010 Ford Escape
  By mld4 - April 1 - 6:37 pm

  Have driven 6 weeks and 3,600 miles. So far, the vehicle is terrific. It takes time to fully understand the bells and whistles in the Limited. The "SYNC" is an excellent feature.

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  Outstanding - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Mike Martins - April 1 - 4:26 pm

  Formerly drove a Mercedes E350. When it came time for a new car, I compared a new E350, BMW530, Caddy CTS, Buick LaCrosse, Ford Taurus, and Audi A6 (AWD and loaded versions of each). After driving them all, there is simply no comparison as to the value and features of the Taurus compared to the other cars. Interior room and quietness are far superior in the Ford. Driving manners for such a large car are superb and the ECO Boost engine provides great power for both accelerating and highway passing. Gas mileage so far has been 24 MPG which is comparable to my old Mercedes however the new Taurus is substantially larger so I feel that the mileage is outstanding. Absolutely a great car.

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  Perfect in every way except one - 2009 Ford Focus
  By carl - April 1 - 1:11 pm

  I purchased my 2009 ses 11 months ago and we LOVE IT! 16,000 miles and average 43 mpg summer and 35 mpg winter (conservative speeds-60mph hwy).Now, here is my complaint: If you look closely at the area down low by the rear wheel wells in front of the wheels you will probably see that your paint is getting "sand-blasted" off the car. This is due to a poor design in the shape of car in this area.Spray from the front wheels is the culprit even after mud guards are installed. Ford/Canada is aware of this and will repair paint and cover the affected area gratis --IF YOU ASK. It is like a silent recall. I had it done and so far so good but like I stated at the top,one great car in every other way!