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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  Best Car ever owned - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Kenn Sa - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Of all the vehicles Ive owned inn the past 26 years, this is by far my favorite. In the 10 years I have owned it, it has never left me stranded. Ive replaced the tranny and performed routine maintenance and put in almost 190,000 miles. The interior controls are well placed and cabin space is very pleasing. The SUV handles well and still accelerates with verve.

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  Great Car! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Mike - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car with great build quality, a great ride and great handling. Ive had this car nearly a month now and I must say that Im very impressed with it overall. Overall, Ford has hit a home run with this car. I was considering a Honda Fit but chose the Fiesta instead. It simply had a superior ride. Having said that though, it was a tough choice given the the versatility of the Fit. If the Fiesta and the Fit had a baby together, it would be a perfect car. On the refresh of the Fiesta, at the very least, Ford should have the rear seats fold flat and ditch the huge rear headrests. In order to fold the seats flat I have to remove mine. The Fit has the superior design here.

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  Very nice but needs some obvious changes - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By James5567 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall a very nice car but it could have just been simply amazing with just a few simple and small things to change it. Its a shame really but still a good car. Just sad to see something that could have been amazing reduced to just good when it is so easy to do the few small things

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  Rear Main Seal Leak - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Robin - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I really like the style of the vehicle and love the sync, however, the hard shifting of the 6 cylinder and the fact that I am currently majorly bummed that the vehicle started leaking oil with less than 8K miles on it and has now been in the shop for 4 days having the engine pulled to repair this is very disturbing. Based on 1st oil change and transmission recall experience, this just may be the beginning of an unhealthy vehicle relationship. I removed the passenger seat headrests because they were just in the way. Im really kinda missing my Toyota right now.

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  This aint your old mans Ford! - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By FlyByNite - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I did it! Traded my Porsche Cayenne for a Ford!With all of the upgrades plus the improved construction, it was a no brainer. My fully loaded limited was less than half the cost of the Porsche. No more $140 oil changes, no more $1300 major service costs. Smooth driving, excellent over railroad tracks. SYNC has more features than onstar at no cost. I am not a uaw fan but, Ford didnt take the bailout & yet they produced a vehicle to rival the euros & Asians. And . They unloaded Jaguar.

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  It jumps! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By scox84 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2010 Mustang in June of 2009, a year later I was still hooked on the truck I saw in the parking lot then, so I traded in the mustang for a truck. Rarely has a mere mortal made a better decision. I have taken this truck up to 100mph off road in the desserts of New Mexico with the rear diff locked in 4x4. It loves it, still drives straight, and always ask for more. The ride is smooth even in really rough conditions relative to other trucks/SUVs. Biggest thing, long travel suspension on a truck meant to be jumped as a responsible American I feel its my duty to jump something once a week, and I do. Again, truck couldnt drive straighter, control arms are BEASTLY!

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  Traded 08 for 10, impressed so far! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By BlackHillsf150 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Traded in an 08 F150 XLT Supercrew with a 5.4, automatic thinking that all I was getting was an updated grill. Found out its a completely different truck. Six speed is a plus, backseat leg room is impressive, more power than the 08, SYNC is nice and all my goodies swapped over (bed liner, cover, tool box). Miss my old back up camera.

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  Built like a tank - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By alwaysinaford - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Have know about these cars for a long time. Motor is like a rock, flawless. manual transmission, flawless. I get 41-47 mpg depending on how hard I run it. I agree with the window issue. Have only replaced the alternator and battery. Tires are very hard to find. I am 6"2" tall and I am very comfortable. Really enjoy driving it as my daily driver. I will keep it until the day it dies.

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  It never stops - 1995 Ford F-250
  By Sass-quatch - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I brought this truck 2 years old with 30,000 miles on it. Since then Ive put 170,000 miles on it without changing anything other than the battery. I havent even been real good about the maintenance. Tranny fluid changed twice and the oil (only synthetic) every 5-8,000 miles, but I did have dual oil filters on it til the hose burst.

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  Importance of Maintenance - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Richard - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought new now have 112,000 miles. Has been excellent mechanically. Got 80,000 miles out of front brakes. Have changed oil 32 times, serviced trans 4 times, changed fuel filter 3 times, tuned it twice, replaced battery twice and Im only on my third set of tires. Only major work 2 oxygen sensors. Its a great workhorse of a car. Not great fit and finish but it runs great. Goes like a bat out of h-e-double hockey sticks, excuse the language.