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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  door locks - 2007 Ford Focus
  By George Duranleau - September 1 - 2:53 pm

  Its too easy to lock door with electronic door locks when keys are in ignition.

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  Beat The Ram - 2010 Ford F-150
  By 00fxsts - September 1 - 9:03 am

  I was sold on the HEMI Ram after reading the reviews.. Have a Hemi in my 06 Grand Cherokee. A blast to drive, great engine. Terrible mileage but I did not buy the Hemi for mileage. Promised myself I would also drive the Ford but left the Dodge dealership sold on the Ram. Drove the Ford and started seeing many differences similar to my old Mountaineer that the Ram (Chrysler) does not have. The 150 seems to be sleeker with better visibility. Cab on Ram seemed big and somewhat chunkier. I drive a Semi so big is not an issue but I dont have to park it in the Mall of America ramp on weekend shopping trips. Just felt better in the 150. Getting approx. 18 mpg combined after 3000 miles.

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  My Expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By innersouls - September 1 - 8:29 am

  My Expedition gets me 20 mpg on the freeway and still around 15 - 16 mpg in town. This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned

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  Love my ride but broken harted - 2009 Ford Flex
  By MR,Ramos - August 31 - 10:13 pm

  My ride is my joy. I only got 11k mile and its killing me to have to take it to the dealer tomorrow 9/1/2010. The right side rear brake is grinding down the rotor only the right side I hope they fix it for free because no car should need that kind of repair at 11k miles something must be wrong.

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  Awesome - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Rose - August 31 - 8:25 pm

  Bought this car with 26k. Love to drive it. Drives like a compact car, so much more comfortable. MPG not bad considering its size. Now have 96k, has run great only problem was replacing the transfer case. Now it runs great again. Will buy another one once this one quits. Its been a very sound car all around.

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  Motor trend car of the year mistake - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By wilson - August 31 - 6:06 pm

  Bought 8/2009 at 18,000 miles new transmission was put in back in the shop 3 more times for transmission issues then back in the shop for the air conditioner blow motor had enough wanted out of the car contacted Ford motors headquarters and they could have cared less this is our 6th Ford it is a beautiful car but what a poor quality car cant wait to get out of this car

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  Best Trade off ever, aside from the MPG - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Bennett Vaughn - August 31 - 11:39 am

  After 35k miles, the air compressor went out on my 2007 Mazda CX-7 and the monthly visits to the dealership for check engine light, I knew it was time to get the truck Ive always wanted. I have wanted a truck for years but I always get talked out of it, perhaps because Im a girl. Although I have only had this truck for a month, I love it. She is such a beast. Mine came with the tow and chrome package in cherry red. I expect to have this car beyond 35k miles, hopefully at least 200,000. It is a bit jerky when shifting gears and slow to accelerate. The biggest problem is the MPG, at 14.4 50/50 city/highway not even close to EPA 21 MPG. My monthly fuel bill will surpass my car note.

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  So far, pretty good - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Canada - August 31 - 7:54 am

  First of all this is THE quietest vehicle I have owned. Second, very very comfortable. We could drive all day without any discomfort. Mileage is pretty good, not great but its a heavy beast so that is to be expected. The Sync and other toys in the Flex make it that much better. Now, the brakes. Like every other person here I too am having both grinding AND squealing. Going to the dealership tomorrow to try for a fix. I hope I dont have to return so often (like others here) that I start ot get upset with the Flex. Overall, so far, I love it.

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  Ford First Time Buyer - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Carlos - August 31 - 5:53 am

  Had me eyes set on a Tundra, until saw and drove this vehicle, for the price you get more with the Ford. I have never owned a Ford. I have no regrets in buying, this looks and feels really good.

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  Great car! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By tony - August 30 - 8:54 pm

  i have a v6 sel with sport package and leather, w/moon and tune. an all around winner. even though i had some issues in the beginning, they were all taken care of by the dealer, and its been perfect. very comfortable seats, gas mileage right on estimates, great handling and riding car, nice stereo.overall very happy!