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 A Great Ride - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Popster - October 15 - 2:00 am

  just had mine 2 weeks & I love this vehicle. I could live in it, it is that comfortable. Almost fully loaded and I cant understand the person that doesnt like the Sync, I cant understand. Maybe they should try simpler commands, as thats the way voice recognition works. People make me roll down my window at stop lights to talk to me about this car. How cool is that. Great job Ford, it is quality thought out.

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  Ford is #1! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By cosbie - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive always owned Chevrolets so never thought Id be tempted by Ford, but- this is by far the most comfortable riding, quiet, good looking truck that I have ever driven! It rides like a Cadillac! The seats are so comfy! Plenty of power. Love the rear sensors and back up cameras! Good job FORD!

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  I will miss you - 2003 Ford Focus
  By WHAT2BUY? - October 14 - 2:00 am

  My husband just totaled my 03 Focus. It had 93,000 miles, and i bought it brand new. It was paid off and i have never had any problems with it or put any money into it except for very recently. Just before he wrecked it, i paid $240 to have a new ignition switch put in since the key wouldnt turn. (had to be towed to fugate ford). What to buy now?

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  2005 Taurus Transmission Nightmare - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By sarany123 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  The car was great until this week! No issues at all, until going 70 mph on major highway and revved to 7,000rpms, lost all gears except park and neutral. No warning light, no noise. We could have been killed! Just paid $3,000 for new transmission on a car that just turned 65,000 miles. Called Ford to complain,they are sorry, but too bad! No powertrain warranty after 36,000 miles. No recalls on this year/model! Yet hundreds of complaints of same situation on internet. Ford does nothing! This is my first and last Ford!

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  Solid Reliable Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By john - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Weve had the truck since 06 with 20,000 miles we now have 100,000 and have only changed the fluids on it regularly. We had one issue with the heating dial on the dash, but otherwise has been one of the most reliable and solid SUVs weve ever owned including our Toyota and Nissan. Well probably just keep it, put another 100k on it and pass it on to our kids!

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  Satisfied 1.5 Years Later - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Ray - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in July 2009, drove 1000 miles to break-in before a trip from Pittsburgh to Oregon. Very comfortable ride for 2 people over a week and a half. Highway gas mileage was 28-32 mpg. Still average 25-30 mpg with my rural driving. Would have liked AWD with a manual tranny, but the one time I drove on an untreated, snow-covered road (~1") the FWD did fine with factory tires. Also glad I went with the stick once I heard stories about the 6-speed auto. No problems with my vehicle 17,000 miles, 1.5 years later. Rides well, though the body pitches up/down excessively when applying power or braking (making smooth uphill stops/starts difficult).

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  Very Happy - 2010 Ford Escape
  By R. Johnsen - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Replaced my RAV4 with a 6 cyl Escape. To date, Hwy mileage = 25.6 mpg, City driving = just over 20 mpg. No strange noises like some others have experienced and shifting is very smooth. Headlights are very powerful and handling and passing power are more than adequate. Did a 350 mile trip today and found the seats to be totally comfortable. All in all Im very happy.

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  Great Features - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By Dennis - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2011 Taurus Limited FWD last weekend, and had a 600 mile trip to Michigan. I was truly impressed with the adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance equipment, which worked very well. The BLIS system was also well received and needed due to sight limitations. The navigation and Sync were also a pleasure to use. Many premium cars dont offer the same technology for $20K more, so you get great value for the price. Fit and finish is very good, an improvement from a previous 2002 Ford vehicle. Interior and exterior styling are both attractive. Standard engine performance is acceptable with better handling than my previous car, an Avalon. Its worth a look.

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  New 2010 Focus 4 Door 4 Speed Auto - 2010 Ford Focus
  By D - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I have put a little over 1000 miles on the clock of my new Focus and so far so good. Mine is the SE which comes with all the basic amenities and have the Sync system. Although I miss the map a little from my previous car the turn by turn directions are great. The transmission shift smoothly and has great power and 30+ mpg avg. Would recommend to anyone needing a roomy economy car

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  Steppin Up - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Hammertime - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Traded my 2010 XLS for an XLT with the Sun and Sync package. So far it has been a good purchase. Great deal, the 2011 seems to be smoother and quieter than the 2010. Love the Sync system and the fuel economy. The 4 cyl is surprisingly powerful. I dont think Edmunds reviews give this vehicle a fair shake. Test drive it and I am sure you will be surprised!