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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  Get this car. - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Anonymous - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is just awesome. The 4.6L V8 makes the car, and the stock exhaust has a nice rumble to it that screams when you mash the pedal to the floor. Ive had the car for 2 years and have about 52,000 miles on her with zero problems. For the price, you really cant beat it either (16300 in 2009 with 33k miles). Its faster, better looking, and really just more of a car than any used BMW/mercedes within its pricing segment. The only comparable competitor in the used car market this years Mustang has is in the 350z, which handles better but lacks in practicality. And on top of that, the Z doesnt sound as good as the 8 and after test driving could be a nightmare as a daily driver

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  Love this crossover! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Anonymous - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Edge for over a year now and love it! I went from a 2 door Explorer Sport to the Edge SEL and am very pleased with my purchase. This is my everyday drive and I average at least 22 mpg - better than the 16 I was getting with the explorer. We had a few good snows last winter and I had zero problems getting around and boy does the heater work! Over the summer the AC was able to keep up with the Kansas heat and humidity. The interior is roomy - two adults + two teens is not cramped. Has more get up and go than the explorer so passing us not an issue. Would have liked the auto lift gate but fro the $, the 07 was best for us.

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  Overall evaluation - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Anonymous - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Could use a taller 6th gear and slots for maps on the sides of the doors, also a power source outlet in the trunk for accessories. Ride is harsh on rough roads but most unibody cars are. A full frame would improve the ride greatly. We dont have pool table smooth roads around here. The dash could use some color otherwise the car is nice and tight and handles beautifully.

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  Tough to go American after this - 2011 Ford Edge
  By xweb10 - December 6 - 2:00 am

  We are coming from Lexus 350. The Edge has the looks and the tech that drew us to lease it for 3 years. It drives like a much bigger car and is a bit sluggish due to AWD weight. Unless you need it for snow, skip AWD or get the sport with the larger engine. After the first week, we needed to replace the entire windshield because the rain sensing wiper sensor fell off! Instead of just gluing it back on, dealer order new windshield. The Sync system is VERY buggy. Sometimes the rear view camera screen is black. It has frozen while connecting to bluetooth. It does not connect well to a blackberry (dealer said that it was made for an iPhone so too bad).

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  Disappointment - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By AVolarVolar - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I paid at $11,000 at 64,000 hwy miles from a pharmaceutical sales company in 1999. I spent $250 for a brake job inc warped rotors after 1st yr. My miles were lower than average but replaced brakes and tires often for the 1st 3 yrs. Overheating problems came and I spent quite a bit to get the system flushed & new coolant. The heater was not working reliably as coolant continued to leak out from the system recovery tank even after replacing pressure caps 2x . At 98,000 miles the Transmission gave out & it cost $4400. Door ajar light & check engine lights came on past yr. Heater stopped working., Leak in A/C system means no air. Now it wont pass smog & camshaft position sensor went out.

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  Best car we have ever owned - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By Dick - December 5 - 2:00 am

  We had spent considerable time and effort in shopping for a new car. The primary contenders were Buick, Avalon, VW, Lexus, and of course Ford Taurus. We included the Lexus only because of the features, but felt that it was over priced. The Taurus won hands down. It is a dream to drive, looks great, and has all of the features we would like and more.

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  Holds no value - 2010 Ford Focus
  By JAYBOY8801 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Hi Focus owners, I bought this 2010 focus in April i down sized from a trailblazer to a car to save money on fuel. I like the car and knew i was going to lose a lot by dropping to a econo car but i did not know after paying 22,grand for a equipped focus in 8 months time it would only hold a Value just at 9 grand the whole better resale value that Toyota is truly crap. if you buy a focus you better plan to keep it until it dies

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  JUNK nothing but JUNK - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Found on ROAD DEAD - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Great looking SUV but its NO "Honda". Its just in the shop almost every other week. Engine, transmission, electrical, my stomach just gets in knots every time I drive it. Thank GOD! I have a LOVING DAD thats there for me.

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  Best combo AWD comfort and performance - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By Robbster - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Have only had my Fusion SEL AWD for a week, but am quite pleased with the combination of comfort, useful tech goodies, performance and AWD handling, with just a bit of luxury thrown in. Have the 502 and luxury packages, and added the remote start. Perfect! Ride is quiet and composed (Mazda 6 underpinnings showing through), Ginger leather interior is sharp, unique and very comfortable, SYNC is an outstanding system overall with tons of useful options and services, works great with my Blackberry & Sat Radio is very cool. Keep the 3.0L revved and you can make it move quite respectably, esp. when manual shifting, and gets better mileage than I expected, 21-22 MPG combined. So far, very good!

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  Built Ford tough! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Brandon - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought this FORD F150 with 224,000 miles on it. The engine, transmission, interior, and exterior are all original. No problems with engine or transmission at all. I am amazed that after now 226,000 miles, shes still running strong. The inside is well laid out. Love my captain chairs, sunroof, leather seats, and the view from up in there. I currently have a 3 inch lift on it and I have literally gotten a compliment from EVERYONE I have shown it to. Thats not an overstatement. This truck is darn good looking. The paint has a few scratches and is gone in a couple places. The drive train and everything else is working solid. They arent kidding when they say Ford TOUGH!