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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  This car made me Ford enthusiast - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By dentate gyrus - January 31 - 8:45 pm

  I bought the Fusion almost by chance - was looking for medium size sedan, stick shift, 4 cyl., and had Nissan or Honda on mind. Got Fusion at Airport as a rental and instantly loved it. Interior quality is superior to others in the same class. In fact, I like its dash more than 2010, which I find garish. Good ergonomics, supportive, firm seats. 25.6 mpg in stop and go! The engine feels little underpowered, but I guess this is the price for superb fuel economy. Handling is superb. Road noise considerably less than in Accord. Drove from Pittsburgh to NYC and back and did not feel tired. Manual tranny makes it much more fun to drive. So far zero problems.

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  Great Truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Jammerx - January 31 - 12:47 pm

  I purchased my Ranger new. It is has the 2.5 I4 and 5 speed. It has served my family well and is about to become my daughters vehicle. We have had no problems with this truck. None. I cannot say that about any other vehicle I have ever owned. Would gladly purchase another Ford product. Gets great gas mileage, and is small enough to zip around in. Have towed a small U haul when we moved from Maine to the south... No issues. Its is still our daily driver as we teach our daughter to drive... (clutch is still intact LOL!!) Again GREAT VEHICLE!!!

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  231,000 - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Frosty - January 31 - 10:06 am

  I bought my Ford Escape used in 2005 at the time I purchased it, it had 150,000 miles. I have driven it everywhere , everyday , in all different types of conditions it has been fairly maintenance free until this year but at 231,000 miles that is to be expected. Motor is still great uses no oil and has been changed every 3,000 miles. The only things that I have replaced were the alternator, front wheel bearings, and 2 o2 sensors. All and all not bad. I would love to have another one that is this good.

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  old mans dream machine - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By dieter - January 30 - 1:03 am

  Im 63 yrs young and Ive had a lot of different cars in my life. My last car got totaled so I went looking for a muscle car. Im tired of 4s and 6s. I loked around for about 2 months. I found my perfect car, a 1998 mustang gt convertible. Ive had it for about 9 months, and had a blast in it. It had 120,000 miles on it, and I havent had a bit of trouble with it. All my old friends ask me about gas mileage, I tell them I could care less. I give them a ride in it with the top down and they want to buy one. Of course they have to glue their tupees on a little better. I have trouble judging distances on parking so this is a great fit for me. I will have no other car than a mustang!!

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  Great Ride - 2009 Ford Flex
  By flexlover - January 29 - 11:53 pm

  Just returned from Florida in our 2009 Ford Flex SEL. Put 3300 miles in 2 weeks from Indiana. Drove the car the first day to FL for 12 hours straight and did not feel the least bit tired. The DVD and satellite radio kept the kids and myself cruising along. The wide, low sitting "wagon" done great on the mountains. On the interstate it was ultra smooth. From gas stations to parks to the condo, people stopped me to ask to look inside. The leather interior is extremely comfortable. I was glad to put a long trip on the motor to break it in. It is absolutely the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. The fridge and electrical outlet came in handy on the long trip. We LOVE it!

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  Sweet Ride - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Txjetmech - January 29 - 2:15 pm

  I drove 150 miles to find this car. From the moment I drove it I loved it. Could not make a deal the first trip but on November 30 the dealership got what I wanted. I love the heated seats and power driver and passenger front seats. Lots of power as I zoomed past my buddy in his 94 corvette. Love the sync and the sat radio. The interior is beautiful. The handling is great

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  Henry would be proud! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By oldtarheel - January 28 - 10:02 pm

  Good job Ford - great car! Just drove 1000 mile trip through mountains and got 28+ mpg at 70-75 mph - terrific for such a big heavy car! Great handling, comfortable seats, smooth ride. Love the SIRIUS radio. I dont get some of the comments about the csr being cheap? Ford got it right this time.

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  Best move yet - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Big guy & the Diva - January 28 - 9:17 pm

  Comfort is great. Firm seats. Lots of elbow room. Smoot, quiet, plenty of power. If you are looking at the SEL with leather option spend a few hundred more and get the Limited. Stero system is much better, power fold down rear seats, chrome belt window plate. I looked at the SEL after the limited and am glad I went with the Limited. I drive 43 miles to work and am getting 25.2 mpg. 5 of those miles are city. Some rush hour traffic.

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  A Great Vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 3rd one... - January 28 - 1:16 pm

  We purchased this one (our 3rd Expedition) new in March or 2003 and broke it in on a road trip to Mesa Verde. The literature indicated that it would get only 13 mpg or so, but by keeping our speed around 60 mph we have averaged over 18 mpg overall and over 23 mpg on one trip from Fontenelle, Wyoming to Denver. I am tall (65") and this is the most comfortable vehicle I have owned. It is so nice to have a car that actually fits me. It has all of the comfort features one could want and the heated and cooled seats are a real treat. We havent had any problems at all and I expect it to last at least another 10 years or more. Great job Ford!

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  Ford Explorer Limited - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Britt - January 28 - 12:46 pm

  I went from an Expedition to an Explorer Ltd. and I have been really happy with it. It is fun to drive, has enough cargo room for my dog crates when I go to dog shows and has a lot of zip to it! So far my gas mileage has been around 17 mpg and that isnt all highway driving and its been under freezing the whole month of January. The Explorer is very sure footed and handled very well in the snow without even putting it into 4 wheel drive. So far I like it a lot!!