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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  Windshield - 2009 Ford Flex
  By claris - September 14 - 7:49 am

  I have to agree with the other reviewer, I have had my Flex 1 month and have had the windshield crack 2 times! We were only going 20 miles an hour the last time. We dont live in rocky area and we were not going fast either time. Seems like some sort of defect in the glass, I have never had this happen before. I feel like my insurance co is going to start thinking Im doing something shady! :) When we picked the car up at the dealer the Vista Roof glass was cracked and had to be repaired so technically we are on our 3rd glass repair in a month. We love the car other than that.

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  First Impressions - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By synnek46 - September 14 - 2:21 am

  Great sound when accelerating. This Torch Red sports car has given me more compliments in the form of teenagers hovering around "gaga" to oldsters knowing it is a 2010 and asking how I like it. Whats not to like? The road feel is superb and the quiet ride is comparable to my Lincoln. 700 mile road trip during first month of ownership resulted in comfortable smooth travel and easy to operate dials for keeping attention to road. I am confident that the upcoming weeks will reveal complete satisfaction with my purchase. The "Wow Factor" of "10" is a pleasure also.

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  Great vehicle! - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By HardLiquor - September 13 - 4:19 pm

  Bought this vehicle in 2007 with 70,000 miles on her. Great truck...nice fit and finish. Very solid feel. Drives very much like a truck and not like a car. Can be a bit hard to maneuver in small parking lots. Has been very reliable though we really havent driven it much. Truck has just over 90,000 miles now 3 years later. Nothing has broke...no fluid leaks. This is the first vehicle Ive owned with this kind of mileage that didnt leak oil or tranny fluid.

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  Ford 500 is a fantastic car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By John - September 13 - 12:06 pm

  I got the Ford 500 limited and Im tickled to death with it. I got mine with sun roof, upgraded sound system, back up sensor, adjustable pedals, and of course leather. The ride and comfort is great. Plenty of room inside. It sits up high, giving a great field of view. Has a huge trunk. The only drawback I see is it might need a little more power, but all in all Im very pleased. Great car.

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  Flexing my flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By jason weatherly - September 13 - 3:47 am

  Our dreams came true when my wife and I adopted our 4th child making us a family of six and too big for our vehicles. We always thought that the Flex was beautifully stylish so here was our chance to be practical and stylish with one vehicle. We now have plenty of room with style and comfort showing on everyones face!

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  You can go home again. - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By dr_nc - September 13 - 2:26 am

  Just purchased a new 2007 Mustang for my son. We opted for the V-6 Pony because the insurance for a 16-year-old was more than the monthly payment on the car. The car is beautiful. Fit and finish are perfect. So far we have had no problems. Power is OK and fuel economy is very good. Ride is surprisingly compliant, yet firm. No body roll.

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  Nice Fun Quality Ride/ Good Dash Layout - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Fast Eddie - September 12 - 7:25 pm

  We took the car 200 miles each way to the beach and it was a very comfortable and quality ride. The highway MPG was over 36. Back home, the ride, pickup and handling all felt great. The gas mileage is about 24.5 around town. Its a fun car to drive. Our dog loves when the back seats are down since she can ride in the trunk like a roomy doghouse. Everybody loves the car.

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  1994 SHO Good-Bad-Ugly - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Czar - September 12 - 4:48 pm

  Overall, the best, most fun car Ive ever had to drive. I have no complaints about the Yamaha engine. The combination of the exhaust and engine sound is a thing of beauty. Maintenance is/was expensive. I got 190,000+ miles on the original engine and tranny. I had a fair amount of problems with the electrical system, and thus the starter. I easily put at least 5 starters in this car within 12 years. I could never prove it, but I suspect a lot of the problems were related to a dealer installed Chapman alarm system. Worst things were, despite quarterly professional detailing, the paint started to flake and rust in 7 years. And interior (headliner and climate control buttons) rip/broke.

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  Ford really has a winner here. - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By keithm - September 12 - 4:47 pm

  I just bought a fully loaded SHO. Extremely fast without the "floaty" feel of the 08 Sable that I traded in. The Sable was a great car, but I wanted some real sportiness. It has the Platinum tricoat finish, which looks great. The interior is the Charcoal/Umber color combo usually seen in the brochure. I didnt come with the Performance package (which prevents getting Adaptive cruise, Rainsense wipers, among other options). I guess the performance package gives you stiffer suspension, summer performance tires (meaning you need winter tires up north) a little faster off the starting block (though this car is among the fastest I ever drove). Cant justify the additional 10K for the Lincoln MKS.

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  Love my Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By PAT - September 12 - 10:11 am

  I own a "supposed" luxury car as well as my Ford Taurus. There is no comparison between the Ford and my other car. The other vehicle cost twice as much new and is a piece of junk. The Ford has over 100,000 miles on it and I have not had to make any major repairs. It is a reliable car that is worth every penny that I spent for it.