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:

• 

  Great vehicle - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By traveler21 - January 7 - 4:23 pm

  Have been so impressed with my new Ford Explorer . I knew that It had a great looking exterior but the comfort and use of the new Sync system is beyond my expectations. We have a new Mercedes in the garage and my husband and I rush out the door to see who gets to the Explorer first. Truly an outstanding SUV. Ford has a real winner on its hands.

• 

  Great little car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By nrudolph - January 7 - 12:30 am

  So Ive had my (2011) Focus SES 2.0L/4A since August 20th, and I currently have 7,998 miles on it. My commute is almost all highway, between 60-80 miles a day. Ive average 28mpg overall (cruise at 75 on highway)which is about what I expect when you have 4 merges each way, and MPG drops with speed anyway. In 8k miles of driving it hasnt been back to the dealership once. Feels solid driving down the road. Interior is quiet, but not silent, as there is a little bit of road noise, but nothing bad. I have the basic stereo, albeit with sync. Stock speakers arent bad considering the class of car. Engine has adequate power, transmission does not hunt for gears and shifts smoothly.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By charliedee - January 6 - 8:52 am

  I am a retired automobile sale rep. (30 yrs) Have sold and driven them all. Previously owned a 2009 Ford Flex Limited. Love it, would have purchased another, but found that Ford was going to discontinue it. Read up on the 2011 Ford Explorer, liked what I read and saw. pre-ordered a loaded Xlt in October. My dealer finally got one in the showroom a few weeks ago, drove it, exceeded my expectations. Just received the VIN on my order, anxiously awaiting delivery. After selling and owning many imports, I am convinced that Ford quality and reliability is equal, if not better than most. I say try it, youll like it!

• 

  Great car so far! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By leah421 - January 5 - 8:54 pm

  I have owned my 2010 Ford Focus for about 4 months now, and have put about 4,000 miles on it. So far, I have had absolutely NO problems. I get compliments on this car, and feel safe and stable in it while driving. I can fill up with $30.00!

• 

  Used to love it - 2004 Ford Escape
  By dharvs - January 5 - 11:04 am

  My 2004 Escape WAS a trooper even with 2WD and without ABS it drove well all through the year. The V6 powers the car well and the RPMs can really rev up to give you a big boost past 70mph for 2-lane and highway passing. 5 hour drives were no problem, AC/Heater worked well always. I paid $9000 for it in 2007 with 60K on the engine, I put on another 70K and began having engine issues. An airhose needed to be replaced but even after that was done the RPMs would drop to 500 and it would feel close to stalling out, sometimes it did. Even with normal maintenance the rod and bearings seized meaning I needed a new engine. This, after $700 for new front suspension (at 131K not bad).

• 

  Practical, Fun, & Best Value - 2009 Ford Focus
  By awelling - January 5 - 3:40 am

  This car has proved to be worth every penny I spent. From the fun Sync system to my 40 mpg (all highway driving), I couldnt ask for more in an economical car. I have driven 40,000 miles with only routine maintenance and I just replaced the tires. I would highly recommend this car for anyone who has long commutes daily.

• 

  Good overall car - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By gdipilato - January 4 - 8:26 pm

  This is my moms car and was my first car to drive. We bought it used with low miles in perfect condition. I figure it was probably a rental or company car. We have had no problems at all with the car and it now has 86k miles. We have replaced all of the tires, replaced the front pads and rotors, and replaced the alternator and thats it. Personally i think the car handles and rides well for being what it is. Performance is what you would expect with 153 hp but its actually not as bad as you would think. Brakes are also very strong. The only problem with this car is the transmission is definitely slow to shift both up and down and ive heard they sometimes fail early.

• 

  Distant Crush to Committed Relationship - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By hummingvogel - January 4 - 7:32 pm

  Ive been coveting the Fusion from afar for some time and have stopped everyone who had one in parking lots to ask if they liked theirs. Always got a resounding yes. I finally bought the SEL. I have to say Ive gone from having a crush to a committed relationship with plenty of spark! You get a lot of car for the price. Im actually disappointed when I arrive in my driveway because I want to keep driving it. Ive outlined some drawbacks, but I honestly would buy this car again and again.

• 

  Great improvements over previous years models - 2011 Ford Edge
  By philipntx - January 4 - 1:04 pm

  I got this years Edge to replace my 2008 model. Ford listened to comments about the earlier models. One complaint I had about the older one was the engine. The transmission was always fishing for the right gear. That is gone now. The engine is much smoother and has a bit more hp. My other complaint was with the brakes. They always felt/sounded like they were grinding. I was told nothing was wrong with them thats just how they were. They have improved tremendously. I didnt have a lot of confidence in them before. I got the 20" wheels. Very nice. SYNC has improved slightly, but its still quirky. Ford is quite proud of it, too, as reflected in the price. A little more than it should be.

• 

  TRUE FORD QUALITY - 2008 Ford F-150
  By ford_guy1 - January 3 - 7:29 pm

  I had a 1998 F150 with the 4.6 engine and ext cab. It was an excellent truck. I absolutely never had any problems with the 1998. in 2008 I bought the F150 Lariat 4X4 with crew cab. I love this truck! I got a great end of the year deal on it and the truck has been wonderful. Ford dealerships take care of their customers. I upgraded the wheels to 20" chrome wheels, duel exhaust and matching rear fiberglass shell. I get tons of compliments and I love my truck. Test drove the Tundra and found it very nice with lots of power. I still preferred the quality, comfort and ride of the Ford.