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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  Transmission Cooler Leak - 2008 Ford Escape
  By ashnm - March 10 - 9:44 am

  Ford will fix this problem at no cost to you. I have a 2008 Ford Escape and my transmission cooler is leaking, causing my transmission to slip. I took my car into Park Cities Ford this morning and they printed out a TSP (Customer Satisfaction Program 09B10) dated March 2010. The form states that the "Transmission Fluid cooler in your vehicle may develop a crack and leak transmission fluid. If not repaired, this leak may result in rough/harsh shifting and potential damage to the transmission." "FMC has authorized your dealer to perform the repairs under this program on your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor). The Program will be in effect until August 31, 2010 regardless of mileage.

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  Great drive especially in the snow - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Melissa - March 9 - 11:47 am

  I love driving this car. It drives especially well in the snow and the awd makes it so you dont even have to engage 4wd most of the time. I live in the mountains and it is a great car. I love the room in the back of the car where adults can easily sit. I also love the cargo space in the back. The seats lay down flat if you need more cargo space.

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  Great car - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Joe H. - March 8 - 11:00 pm

  Drove our Flex on a road trip to Florida within weeks of buying. Ill give Ford all 10s for everything but the level of comfort of the front seat cushions.

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  Excellent Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By LoveMyFusion - March 8 - 3:01 pm

  I have had my car for about a month now, and I just adore it. I had two cars before it that were unreliable and cheap, and this car is just fantastic. I honestly have no complaints. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  I love my 2006 Ford Escape! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By jb376 - March 8 - 12:35 am

  Ive really enjoyed it since buying it in 9/09. Its easy to drive, excellent visibility (dont need to sit on something to see where youre going), and has been pretty reliable. I also like that it has flat surfaces on the dash, on the console, and on the rear bumper, where I can set my coffee when Im loading and unloading (along with a drink holder, of course)! That makes it very convenient. Also, Ive noticed the fuel economy is a lot better when I use a higher octane gas. Overall, I really like my Escape!

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  love it - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By jm23 - March 7 - 8:46 pm

  This was my first car when I turned 16. My dad got it for about 1000 because the tranny was shot, which he was able to replace at a low price as hes a mechanic. I absolutely loved my Taurus, so comfortable and roomy and was always reliable for me with proper maintenance. It was just totaled when some idiot ran into it while it was parked, and Im sure going to be looking for another Taurus! :)

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  Ol Grey - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Little John - March 7 - 1:14 pm

  Best truck I have ever owned! Ol Grey has 250,876 on the OD now and I expect another 200,000 easy. The only thing I have replaced is a radiator, shocks and tires several times and tune ups. He has a Straight 6, 4.9 L and man. tranny. If you have a chance to pick one of these up get it, that 6 will out preform a v-8 any day of the week and still deliver 15mpg city and 18 mpg hwy every time!

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  flex headrests - 2009 Ford Flex
  By john - March 6 - 7:15 pm

  I have solved the headrest issue. I purchased a set of Toyota 4Runner headrests, from a wrecking yard, recovered them to match, a much better front seat now. The new headrests are adjustable back and forth, so all who ride are able to make a selection of the rest position. Total cost $100. This was my only solution since Ford took a no action attitude. Not what I call Superior Customer Service!

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  Eye Turner - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By daven - March 6 - 10:54 am

  Traded in a 2005 V6 for the 2010 V8. As expected I was not disappointed. I shopped hard to find this car with the #4 accessory package which has the hood scoop and pedestal spoiler. Couple that with the candy apple red exterior and the 401A red interior and this car turns heads. The HID headlights,Shaker 1000 stereo.ambient lighting are must haves. This car rocks. Did my time with the minivans, SUV and 4 door sedans. The kids are gone and Dad is cruising.

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  Black Beauty - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Seth - March 6 - 5:29 am

  I bought this as my first NEW car. I have owned Hondas before which were by far my favorite car. I was actually looking at buying a 2009 Honda Civic DX Coupe (No options, year end leftover) for $13,499. The civic didnt even have a cd player or air conditioning. All it had was a heater. I bought my Focus pretty much loaded. I bought mine with A/C, 5 speed, CD player, Power windows and locks, Remote keyless entry, Rims, Spoiler, Sirius Satellite Radio free for 6 months for the same price as the civic. Car looks very sharp. Ive only had it for several weeks but average about 32 mpg mixed city and highway. I race the car quite a bit to and I still get over 28 mpg when the car is redlined!