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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  Bang for your buck - 2005 Ford Focus
  By dumbblonde8 - August 21 - 5:27 pm

  Bought this car because my family has always bought Fords, and I have been impressed with it 4 years later. Its a dream for maintenance. Ive NEVER had to had anything major done to it, just the oil and filters changed. I rallied the crap out of it too and nothing has happened. I hadnt gotten a wheel alignment since I bought the thing and just recently got one (yeah, been kinda broke lol) and it was BARELY out of alignment. Doing home maintenance on it is so easy a caveman can do it. The Hatchback gives plenty of room. All in all a very sporty car. HIGHLY recommend.

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  Great car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By garyg - August 21 - 3:39 pm

  I have had my SHO for 7 months and like the car better every day. No defects, no service needed, great performing sedan. Mine has the multi-contour seats with massage which I never thought I would use but have grown to enjoy. The adaptive cruise and blind spot alerts work flawlessly. Originally I bought this as a third car, one that I could trade off with my wife for commuting or go into the mountains for skiing. My main driver was a Porsche. This car is so good on the commute, I am afraid to let my wife try it for her commute. I dont think I would get the car back. Every guest in the car has been equally impressed.

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  Dont Stop! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kim - August 21 - 11:42 am

  Love at first sight! Loved it even more when I drove it. Fast, fun, and eye catching. But have had to replace the brakes 3 times and have had many braking issues. The emergency brakes sticks and you dont know it until you smell it, then its too late. Back to shop for more brakes! The car has had a rattle since I purchased it. Drives me nuts, passenger seat belt has been replaced 2 times and still locks and latches my passenger in and will not release. I have to warn them not to put it on or put it on at their own risk. Ford sees nothing wrong with this. Brakes are not a issue either, their solution "dont use the emergency brake".

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  What a truck - 1997 Ford F-250
  By Bob Friebus - August 20 - 6:55 pm

  I have owned this truck for 11 years and have done very little other than scheduled maintenance. I have hauled trailers up mountains, gone 4 wheeling over very large boulders, driven very long stretches with no problems what- so-ever. I have 198,000 miles on the odometer and have been amazed by the continued reliability of this truck. Ford has my business for life!

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  Affrordably Tough - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Family Man - August 20 - 6:40 pm

  Bought this used in 5/2010 with 163,000 mi. Two previous owners whod taken great care and kept on top of all maintenance. So far 3,000 mi and only hub bearings and pad/rotor wear. Window motor went out found a Ford specialist mechanic cheap and honest! Impossible to believe but he must have quit Ford and became saved. lol I get a squeak on bumps after driving 1.5 - 2 hrs but goes away. 15 years old and runs like a champ. Gimme this powertarin in a 2010 and Im a happy camper!

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  The King - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Wayne - August 20 - 5:51 pm

  I have had my King Ranch now for about 6 weeks now and I am loving it. So far havent had any problems with it (not that I am expecting any). Bought it to replace my 2008 XLT and let me say that this is a huge improvement over the XLT. The interior space is bigger, have not problem fitting kids back there with all their toys and stuff. Love that my son can no longer kick the back of my seat.

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  Poor Mans A4, Accord Defector - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By JayR - August 20 - 5:10 pm

  Wanted something sporty but needed a family car. Wanted awd. This car met all the needs. Get compliments from Young guys at the tire shop (rotate the tires. Since theyre low-pros) up to retirees. Most folks dont know what brand it is and are shocked when I say Ford. Great lines and the sport is packaged well. Super quiet on the road. And gas mileage has been more like 20 (pure city/suburbs) and 27 pure highway. With 25ish mixed. Couldnt get the car stuck in the winter. Tires just let me down on braking/steering. But if youre careful you wont get stuck and wont crash. Overall Im very glad I bought this over 2010 a4 or used 328xi. 90k for 1st tune up versus 35k for Audi.

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  Gas Mileage - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Staten Island,NY - August 20 - 3:18 pm

  Very happy with our new escape. Had a transmission recall already but very easy to fix. Dont believe the mileage they tell you that youll get. Im averaging 17 in town but did get 26.7 on the highway already. All in all, were happy with it for the reasonable price we paid.

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  Great V6 Youll Love - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Ichiban Driver - August 20 - 3:11 pm

  The 2011 V6 Mustang gets all the love these days with its new engine. But my 2010 V6 is a dream--fun to drive and in Kona Blue with the Pony Package, a real eye-catcher. I was a German car snob for 20 years and had some very solid BMWs and a fun little C230 Benz. Now, Im hooked on the design, styling and solid performance of my Mustang. I dont doubt the 2011s are even better, but dont believe anybody who tries to diminish the 2010s. Just drive one and decide for yourself.

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  166K miles and still going strong - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Chet - August 20 - 12:34 pm

  I drive a lot of miles, at least 150/day. I just had the water pump replaced at 166,000 miles and decided it was time to do the rest of the maintenance that I have neglected for the last 5 years. I changed the oil regularly with Mobil 1 and changed the brakes when necessary. Other than that everything has always worked perfectly. I replaced the spark plugs at 140,000 miles just because. The originals still looked good, just needed a gap adjustment.