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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  my foci - 2007 Ford Focus
  By my foci - March 25 - 9:11 pm

  Very satisfied Im happy I bought this car, very quite comfortable ride, amazing gas mileage, style everything. Well done Ford.

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  Marvelous - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By ZacharyV - March 25 - 7:34 pm

  This is absolutely the BEST CAR EVER. The handling and performance are great. Got it full loaded. The styling in the the in in out are sexy and logical. Huge trunk and consul are wonderful. I love everything. It tackles mountain roads with ease.

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  Love My Escape! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Sharon - March 25 - 9:48 am

  I just bought a 2010 Escape Limited and I love, love, love it! No regrets, and happy I bought it instead of leasing.

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  I love my flex! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Angela - March 24 - 1:27 pm

  We just purchased the flex it is the best car we have ever owned we have 3 children and everyone is so comfortable and has there own space its just a fun ride, we recently went on a road trip and got 28 mpg of course this just depends on how you drive your vehicle we have never had any problems only routine maintenance for people who have had a lot of brake trouble its probably because they are rough on the brakes I would highly recommend the flex for any family also my husband and we still in our 20s and it doesnt make us feel old like a van does.

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  Great Car, Seats8, Holds More than SUV!! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By triedandtrue - March 24 - 9:03 am

  I purchased this car as an alternative to a minivan or SUV. Loved the fact that it seats 8 (three front row seat belts, three second row, and two more with flip up third row seat.) The wide opening at the back is amazing - held more than our minivan or previous SUV when hauling furniture, kids, building materials, etc. Car was VERY reliable, just oil changes and basic maintenance. This car was an EXCELLENT value for us. Planned to keep it just a couple years but cant bear to part with it - its been a great all-around car!

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  Love the Tarus - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Tony Joule Williams - March 23 - 5:36 pm

  I love my Taurus. Its fast, comfortable, and affordable. I love the bliss option. Fuel economy could be better

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  RIP Freestyle, you served us well. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Libbygu - March 23 - 3:43 pm

  I LOVED my Freestyle. Ok, we had the issue with the rear brakes in the beginning, going through a set a year which our fabulous dealer replaced, FREE, twice, and then I had my Firestone guy do it right the third time and they have been fine ever since. No other issues. Drove us fully loaded from Seattle to Texas with the AC full blast the summer before last - 24 MPG! Sadly, last weekend, she performed her final duty, crumpling and absorbing the force as my 17 YO son crashed her. TOTALED. Interior of the car looks like NOTHING HAPPENED. Thank you Freestyle, sniff. Youll be missed. Gone, but not forgotten.

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  Better than the first one - 2010 Ford Escape
  By krbabble - March 23 - 12:01 pm

  What an upgrade from my 2003 Escape. Rides better. Better build quality. Better mileage. Love the SYNC system. So glad I did not back away from this car because of magazine reports.

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  Better then a Audi!!! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Bob Whalen - March 22 - 7:22 pm

  This car is absolutely stunning. The interior is very logically laid out and intuitive. Handling and Performance is superb. Even though I can afford practically anything I got the Taurus because of the exterior styling. Would have gotten the A8 but it is WAY too ugly. I often get comments of how sharp looking the car is. I cant blame them. The navigation system is better then in my 85,000 dollar Escalade. The craftsmanship is stunning. I would not prefer anything else in the world. The trunk is absolutely massive, and the console can practically fit a scooter. The car is ridiculously roomy. Another reason I got this instead of the A8. I would rate this car higher if I possibly could. Get this car.

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  Great First Car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By N/A - March 22 - 4:55 pm

  I bought this car as my first car and I am very excited. Was going to go with the Hyundai Elantra but went with the Focus b/c its American. Love the mpg, the sync, the speed, and how smooth it is. When I test drove the car I thought the seat was back all the way and so I assumed I couldnt fit b/c my knees were in the dash. but when I drove for a second time I tried moving the seat again and it worked better. The trunk is big and I love the stereo system with the sub. Overall I think this car is great for every day commuting to and from school and work and I am planning on keeping the car for while. I would def. suggest it to someone else. I would have to agree that the seat belt is low.