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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  What Europeans Have Known For Years... - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By slipster17 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Once again, we here in the US have a sampling of Fords European branch with the new Fiesta. Part of a legacy of smaller, nimble hatchbacks (Fiesta, Escort, Focus) that made up the backbone of sales in Europe for years. During my first month of ownership I can safety say the 2011 Fiesta has just as much fun, great styling and economy packed in as the original Focus... but also much more. For under $20k you can have a car appointed as well as any $30k mid-size but with so much more character! Its fluid styling and vibrant colors make it an instant hit no matter where its parked. The winning formula is all there you just have to try it. Go on. You might just be surprised at what you find.

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  SE- 203A, SYNC, Sirius, Graphics. - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By gfenn11 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have been in ownership of my car for almost a month now, and have only had one problem so far. It had the dreaded oil leak, and was put out of commission for three days, but after that, it has been a perfect ride. The interior is really quiet, especially for the vehicles in this class. The only real niggle I have with it, is that at 70 MPH the RPM are at 2,700 which seem a little high, since it is a 6-speed DCT.

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  Very Dependable SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Starsky64 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my Explorer XLT used 7 years ago with 69k miles. It now has over 125k miles and still going strong. Very comfortable interior with durable cloth seats. I have never had any major maintenance issues with this truck. The only items that needed replacement were the two front upper control arm/ball joint assemblies. The body is still relatively rust-free considering it is now 14 years old. Very well made vehicle.

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  Best Station Wagon Ever - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Alex - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. It is very practical, comfortable, and smooth running. This car really shines on road trips because there is a lot of room for people and baggage. The roof rack is adjustable and comes in handy. A 62" tall person can sleep comfortably in the back when the seats are folded down

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  Flex is Perfect - 2010 Ford Flex
  By RJR - October 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought our flex as a demo with 11 000 km on it and so far it is a great family hauler. The big leather seats are very comfortable, lots of interior room especially width wise.Nav and DVD are very good and the ecoboost is well worth the extra money, mileage is 13- 14 liters/100 km.After looking at big suvs and mini vans we are very pleased with the flex.

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  Middle of The Road - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Stephanie - October 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Explorer with 7 years and 80k on it. I did my research before buying the truck. I knew there were problems with the transmissions along with a list of other known problems. Our truck seems to have no transmission issues. It shifts very smoothly. Of course, it could have already been replaced. The one problem that we are having is it loses coolant. Every few days I have to add water to it. Have not had it diagnosed, but will be soon. My husband worries that it is going into the engine which will cost some major bucks for an engine rebuild. At this time we are hoping that is not what it is. I love my truck. It rides good, is comfortable, and looks good.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By angiebee189 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2007 Ford Fusion in February after I had totaled my honda civic in a pretty bad accident. I wanted something built stronger, bigger and with more safety features. I went to the Ford dealership not thinking I would be able to afford a fusion but there she was sitting pretty with a great price. I fell in love with it from the start. The car handles well, runs smooth, is WONDERFUL on gas and so far so good, havent had any issues. It sounds like the belt for the air conditioner is getting ready to go, it squeals sometimes but ill get that looked at once summer rolls around again. Great car, big enough for a small family. I love it.

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  Love my Edge - 2011 Ford Edge
  By jb - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I came out of a 2008 edge limited. I loved the car so much I couldnt wait to get the 2011. I really love all the technology and design of my new edge but it does have a lot of bugs in the system. Sync tends to have trouble understanding you. In 2008 edge it worked like a charm. there seems to be a delay and the system is sometimes sluggish. I am hoping that a future software upgrade can fix these issues. climate temp does not seem to be accurate at 75 its still putting out cold air and sometimes at 65 you get hot air. No regrets on my purchase still love the car big fan

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  Love my new Ford! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Larry - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado before deciding on the Ford F-150 Supercrew FX2 Sport with the 5.4L V8. Its super comfortable and rides like a luxury car. In fact, I traded in my Infiniti M45 Sport for this truck! The sound system is great and includes bluetooth streaming audio and Sirius satellite radio. The Ford Sync system is totally awesome as well! I dont understand how the Edmunds.com editors can rate the Dodge and Toyota over the Ford when its clear who makes the best truck, period! Long Live Ford!

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  I Used To Praise It - 2001 Ford Focus
  By bonnilass - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Im now 60 years old. This car had 50k miles on it and was 4 y/o when I got it. Everything that could go wrong on this car has gone wrong twice in the 5 years Ive had it (now 118k)and again I am facing motor mounts, a timing belt, a new head gasket the shifter came off at the base, the suspension trashed, CV joints, cooling system problems, numerous strange rattles, and the stereo pops out on the right side when I accelerate so its taped into place. The wind whistles through every crack, and conversation in the cabin is not fun. Its a MONEY PIT $$$$ that knows no bounds, at least $1500 per year on the average. Unfortunately most of it hits all at once. Im saddened by its performance.