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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  Great ride - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Frank - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the 2010 EB/EL model for the extra space and options. This made the 3200 mile trip with golf clubs, tons of people and luggage a piece of cake. The ride was exceptional and the Navigation system is great. Very pleased after three months of ownership. I hope it last.

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  It can be trust. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Willy - November 16 - 2:00 am

  After 47k miles I can say it, it is a very good car for the money, still original tires, no problems whatsoever, no recalls.

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  I am very Happy even with some problems - 2011 Ford Edge
  By marlandj53 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I came from a 2007 Sport Trac Limited. This was the first vehicle that grabbed me. I love how it drives MT did not like the brakes, but that is one of the best things about the Edge. The interior is perfect. The touch screen and voice commands takes some practice but now works very well for me. I have had son problems with the system. The voice stopped working and memory seat would not come forward after easy exit. The dealer fixed voice but memory seat is still a problem. I really love driving this vehicle. I drive about 90 miles a day.

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  Hope it lives up to its HYPE! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Richard - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Nice looking. fairly comfortable, not as smooth of a ride as I expected. Just got back from a 2000 mile trip and averaged 25 mpg on mainly freeway driving.

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  6 cyl, but that wasnt an option - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Al in Syracuse - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Have owned this vehicle for about a month. So far, very good purchase. However, gas mileage is WAY below advertised mileage. Average is 19.5, but highway highest at 22 and only 18 in city. Some build quality issues that I hope to get resolved when I return to the dealership. Passenger side mud guard behind rear wheel doesnt even come close to fitting properly.

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  Fun truck - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By matt - November 15 - 2:00 am

  My bronco has 160,000 on it now. It tows my boat like a truck, hauls kids like a station wagon, off-roads like a Jeep and with the top off feels like an American muscle car. A bronco can do many different things that no other vehicle can do. Given its not great at any, but very good at all. I plan to keep mine because it a true sport utility vehicle.

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  Worst truck ever - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By j - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Things started going wrong with this truck early--fairly new & with low mileage--joints, springs, bearings, steering, brake lines, electrical, exhaust. Not reliable at all. This vehicle is a joke really.

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  2000 ford explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By 10phantom1 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2000 Ford Explorer from a friend. All the doors dont work except the driver. We had to change oxygen sensors 3 times. The driver seat broke. The trunk broke. This car awful

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  Junk! - 1997 Ford F-150
  By jeff - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Motor had radiator fluid in the vents, Walker Ford completely finished off the motor trying to fix it! I drove it in and had to tow the truck out!

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  Love my Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By javacup1 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about my Taurus completely dependable I have 173k mi. only cost i had was regular service changing plugs gas filter etc as specified in manual the only part that needed replacement more then once was the from stabilizer bar other than that it rides like a gem and i am proud to own a ford and its American and i came from the saabs Nissans volvos.