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:

• 

  Ford is Rising - 2010 Ford Flex
  By SS Lover - September 9 - 12:45 pm

  Flex is a my first Ford since 1981. As you can see my display name, Ive been a loyal GM customer. T-Blazer SS(me), Caddy Escalade(my wife), Impala SS and HHR SS(my two college daughters). My first impression was WOW. This Flex is really well made car: good power from ecoboost engine, huge leg room for 2nd raw seats, very good audio system and excellent Nav & Sync system. Fuel economy was also impressive too. I drove about 300 miles on highway.(with about 170 lbs of luggage) Trip computer showed 24.8 mpg between 65-70 mph and 22.4 mpg between 75-80 mph. better than what factory spec says. Only thing Ford need to do is prove reliability. Time will tell.

• 

  1996 Crown Vic is great car - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By mike_weiss - September 9 - 10:00 am

  My father got this car from a retiring cop in NYC. It is seriously the greatest car I have ever driven, and I own 3 other cars; a 2003 Cadillac Escalade, a 2002 Lincoln LSE, and a 1998 Ford Windstar. The Vic just gives me a good feeling when I am driving it.

• 

  Excellent choice! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Booter - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy being able to haul pretty much anything in comfort. With the tall tires and ample suspension every road ill is taken in stride. The truck looks good inside and out

• 

  Its a Keeper! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Kbirch - September 8 - 10:27 pm

  Bought the car used with 13,000 miles. It gets 17mpg city, 20 mixed and 24 highway. I hope to drive it to 200,000 miles if the NY winters dont get to body/hardware first. It still drives/shifts as smooth as the day I picked it up back in 03. REPAIRS: I have had to replace the rear wiper motor at 60K, both front end tie rods at 70K and drivers side wheel bearing at 72K. Overall, no complaints though. Its a very reliable, fun car to drive and strongly recommend it for those looking for an subcompact SUV

• 

  Love our Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By First time Ford - September 8 - 9:12 pm

  We have been driving VW (she) and Audi (he) product for over 10 years now. We had our first baby and needed a lot more room for passengers (Mom & Dad, Grand-Ma & Grand-Pa plus baby),The Flex caught our eye we loved the styling and pricing. The interior lighting is VERY cool, the seats are VERY comfortable, the cabin is quiet the AC is cold and strong. Have limited AWD with white roof / cinnamon body. I was disappointed to see the overspray of white paint when open rear hatch, no telescopic steering wheel. Overall, we think we will drive this Flex for many years, and will likely purchase another one when the time comes. Vista roof is a must. Cargo area (rear seats folded down) carpet not great

• 

  Great Clunker Deal - 2010 Ford Edge
  By sdcjones - September 8 - 12:39 pm

  I got this car in the Cash for Clunker deal, and Im glad that I did it. It drives great, has enough leg room for my growing children and is generally a nice car that I think I will drive for quite some time.

• 

  Glad I bought the Focus & not the Corolla - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Roger - September 8 - 3:56 am

  I was driving a big Honda Odyssey and getting 18MPG all around driving. I am getting a little over 30MPG on this new Focus and I love the way it handles. Where you turn the wheel is where it goes, great little car from Ford and just a couple little add ons would be nice. I miss the garage door opener in the visor & the automatic temp control, otherwise great care.

• 

  Get more than you think - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Jim - September 7 - 4:34 pm

  Bought the SEL because of the leather int, and fuel mileage. I average 33mpg overall city/highway. Because I live in a pzev state (maine) if you want power out if the engine it needs to be around 2500 rpm. Sync is good, stereo is good seats good, arm rest well placed at least for me (tall thin) seems the late model 09 have the trunk release inside and temp and compass. I drive on not the best secondary roads most the time so other than short wheelbase issues no real complaints.

• 

  Fun to drive - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By peggy - September 7 - 2:08 pm

  I have owned and driven my car since day one when she came off the truck. She only has 70000 miles on her. It is only driven in the nice weather because our Indiana winters can be harsh on the car because of the salt and also the bigger tires on the vehicle. We took it to the 45th anniversary in Birmingham and she performed very well on the track and proved that she could give the more powerful Mustangs a run for the money. It was not a timed thing but just a chance to be on a spectacular road course. It has been a fun car to drive for 15years and still looks excellent inside and out. No she is not for sale.

• 

  2010 gt500 - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By flyperry - September 7 - 1:00 pm

  Ive had -0- problems with car its 100% improvement over the previous models years I had a 08 and traded it in a 2010 car doesnt feel any faster then the 08 but this car is a total package to drive and great fun and a pleasure to drive Im glad I bought it