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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  95 Aspire - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By THIELLS FD 227 - March 29 - 1:00 pm

  This car is small yet powerful. The only thing is that the car has virtually no pick up (acceleration). With a very little bit of work, the car is incredible. I got my aspire with 25,000 miles on it and put about $300 worth of work under the hood and the car is amazing. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another aspire at any time.

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  Transmission problems - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By harold - March 28 - 5:42 pm

  I have always owned Fords until now. Freestar dumby lights kept coming on all ford dealers told me it is a dumby light, keep driving, turn car off and then go again. transmission is gone, it does nothing but shake and not want to go. it has 99,000 miles on it and ford says not there problem. we dont have $2500.or $3000.00 to fix it. I had the dvd player for kids but now nothing

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  Great Truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Josh - March 28 - 1:56 pm

  Great truck to drive. I drive around 5000 miles a month, so I want something that got good gas mileage and was comfortable to drive. I am so glad that I bought this truck. Most of my driving is on the interstate at 73 mph and I have been averaging between 22- 23 mpg. Last week I loaded it down with 10 large valves and drove 350 miles, I averaged 21 mpg. Cant believe how much leg room for the people in the back seat

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  Sorry Its Gone - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Justice Gustine - March 28 - 12:33 am

  Just turned in ole Blue to the lease return. It was my 2nd Expi and a big improvement from the 2000 with independent rear suspension that gave it sure footed handling and 4 wheel disc brakes that stopped better. Very powerful and never disappointed me when fast acceleration was needed. Never broke down. All I did was change the oil and pay attention to warning lights. The family is leaving the nest now and there is no longer a need for a spacious SUV. Blue was an XLT Sport 2wd, that gave it some two tone trim, tubular running boards, fog lights, limited slip, stiffer roll bar and a few other highlights. Will always remember the big comfortable ride.

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  Love this car, - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pnoble - March 27 - 8:10 pm

  Love driving this car, have gotten excellent gas mileage (from 22-28 mpg usually the higher end when traveling), no work other than oil changes, regular break work from in city traffic. It takes the mountains like a dream, comfortable for 3 traveling long distance and for all the luggage w/ the storage area in back. Great for moving items due to the back seats lowering. Loved it so much bought another one in 2008 and still have them both. Would buy a third if either of these ever give out.

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  Very pleasant surprise - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Henry - March 27 - 4:55 am

  Have only owned this car a week. We were devout Toyota fans until we started having Prius problems and Toyota didnt want to know us. We drove a Venza, which we loved but dont be fooled. The new Edge is every bit as good if not better than the Venza. I agree with others, pay a little more and buy the Limited, its worth every penny. Four years ago you couldnt have given me a Ford, the build and quality has come a long long way. We were fortunate enough to get employee pricing that made a sweet deal even sweeter. And another big clincher for us, Ford DID NOT TAKE ANY BAILOUT MONEY! and above all Wife Loves it! Drive one, you will be very pleasantly surprised.

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  SUV and Road Construction.. - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Ken - March 27 - 1:34 am

  Love the SUV. I never thought about the pluses of a SUV when it seems like every road in the United States is being repaired. This thing will handle anything the orange barrels can dish out! Road noise, Very Low. Sync system works well. Read the Book.. Looks like a SUV, not like a car. Heat and Air great! Heat seats good for the back.. Systems Diagnosis Is super. Cant wait to drive through Kansas City I-35, King of the orange barrel interstate.

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  Great Job Ford! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By shaymasdaddy - March 26 - 9:14 pm

  Overall, the SHO is awesome! It has great handling and a cocoon type interior to make you feel intimate with each function of the car. The paddle shifters are great and respond well with the EcoBoost engine. The climate control seats work well and will be ideal during the Texas heat this summer. Quality/Fit-n-finish is good but you can tell Ford saved some pennies on the door and console trim. I love the Tuxedo Black Metallic.

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  Best sedan ever - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By enlistedman - March 26 - 7:08 pm

  This was my first car I got her in late 2000 it had 200 miles on it. Currently it has over 300k. I will not ever sell this I have everything she came with almost 10 yrs ago when shes clean she looks just as sweet as the day I got her. With her dark blue flawless paint job and her stock aluminum rims I have people ask if its for sale and how many miles are on her I tell them and watch there jaws drop shes never been in the shop ever I will die with her in my possession Ford knows how to make them blue oval fan for life!

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  As the wife says "Love it" - 2010 Ford Flex
  By gregh9999 - March 26 - 6:54 am

  We traded in a two year old Edge for the Flex. She wanted something that she could see out of. Of course I wanted a Taurus SHO. We compromised, she got the Flex, and I got the EcoBoost AWD and 20" wheels. The best of both worlds, a Taurus SHO station wagon. By far its the nicest vehicle we have ever owned. Clean styling, lots of room, very comfortable, very good handling, and for me, fun to drive.