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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  Gets Lots of Looks - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By DJ - October 30 - 6:26 pm

  Had our Taurus only a little over a month, but have already taken it on a 5 day driving trip to the mountains. It handled great, we even used the shift paddles coming down some of the steeper grades. They were easy to use and safer than riding the brake. We averaged 26 mpg which was better than expected. Passengers in the backseat commmented how comfortable they were and that they could see out well. Love the hands-free SYNC system. We used the directions coming and going, even though we had a map. It helped us even find a Walmart. Huge trunk, nice height for seating, you dont fall into the car. Everywhere we go, we always get comments on what a beautiful car it is.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By FordFusion - October 30 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned my fusion for a little over a year, I bought it used with 30k miles on it. Right now it has 69k. I have never had any engine, brake, and transmission problems. Here are the things I had to do: change the oil, alignment, tires, and new battery. There has been nothing wrong with this car. Im also 64", I still have leg room and passengers have it also. I would recommend this to first year drivers, college students, and people look for a reliable car. It also rides that a dream hugs the road well on sharp and quick turns. If you like to take road trips this is the perfect car. I live in Houston and can go to Dallas on half of a tank. Thats approximately 200 miles.

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  Ford owner - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By blawesppla - October 30 - 1:13 pm

  I am a large person and I am very comfortable in the truck. My wife says the same. Handles and runs great. Having trouble finding accessories for the 2007 Sport Trac. Every one tells me not for another 2 to 3 months.

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  Fusion: I love it! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By nygiants44 - October 30 - 11:32 am

  This car rocks!Ford has a real winner on its hands. Love the performance,a really nice,comfotrable and reliable ride.

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  Plenty of power - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By mark - October 30 - 2:20 am

  Had mine about 1 mo. Use it for a/c service, it is a fine vehicle, if you do not need a full size van this is perfect, 25 m.p.g, plenty of power, easy to park, very easy to work out of the back of it. Easy to load units in and out the whole rear of the van opens up. All around excellent service van.

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  2005 Ford Focus SE ZX4 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By fay - October 29 - 9:23 pm

  Wonderfully equipped for an economy car, very quiet smooth drive. great on gas. Very comfortable. A great buy. Very nice looking car too. Very easy handling. Lots of room for a small car. You definitely get your moneys worth with this car. You cant go wrong.

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  Our Best Vehicle Ever - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By rlc1997 - October 29 - 2:44 pm

  We have had our 97 Explorer XLT AWD V8 since new and its now 12 years old and has 169,000 miles. This is by far the longest we ever have kept a car both in terms of time as well as miles driven. This truck just keeps on going. We use it every day from mundane things like commuting to/from work to bigger things like camping vacations, driving trips and trailering loads. No major repairs in its history - just the usual things like battery, brakes, and tires.

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  Great SUV alternative - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Sugar Land Express - October 29 - 2:19 pm

  What a terrific vehicle! Traded a full size SUV and have never looked back. Styling, ride, and comfort are first rate. We bought the Limited in cinammon with white roof, and it draws appreciative looks everywhere we go. If you are tired of your boxy SUV and want an alternative that still provides room for 6 (with second row bucket seats), this is the vehicle you want. Kudos to Ford for taking a chance on such a unique car.

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  Love it for the most Part!! - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By Cargile4 - October 29 - 7:24 am

  We had looked at the expeditions before buying a Yukon XL. Went from that to a prius and then finally found the expedition, should have bought one in the first place. Never been a ford person but I love this car. It handles well, its cozy, and there is plenty of room in the third row. One of the best features is the ease of getting in and out of the third row. One thing to consider is more storage SOMEWHERE. The console is good size, but that is it. There isnt anything for an emergency kit, first air, nothing. I have my owners manual in between my seat and the console so I can use the gb for other things. With the ac seats there isnt even any under there. Otherwise I LOVE LOVE IT!

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  Nice work Ford, keep it up - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Ben - October 28 - 6:16 pm

  Had the car about a year now and have made at least a dozen long distance trips. This car is very comfortable and Im really surprised and impressed with the quality, especially the interior and the smooth quiet ride. The gas mileage has met expectations 19/24. The SYNC system with stereo are the best Nav/audio I have seen in any car and the cargo capacity is great. I am finishing my basement and just loaded 40 ten foot 2x4s. Thats possible because of the ingenious fold flat seats (including the front passenger). When all the seats are folded down, they create a nice flat planar surface. Another nice feature is all the heat room. Im 6 tall and still have 6 inches above my head!