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:

• 

  Best Present I Always Get - Every Spring - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By WNYFordGuy - August 13 - 9:11 am

  Id always driven the 88 GT I owned (bought new) 7-8 months a year, and loved that new car feeling I got whenever I put it on the road every April. Once I saw the retro exterior styling on the 05, and I heard about its great performance, I knew I was going to buy one. I kept the 88 GT for 19 yrs - I really liked it, but I finally ordered an 07 on the Z-plan. The 07 GT is head, mane, and shoulders above the 88 in every way I can think. My 3 boys are going to have to fight me for this car when I get too old to drive it - hopefully when it becomes a true Ford classic in about 20 yrs.

• 

  Good truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Rodneyp - August 13 - 5:53 am

  I traded a 08 Dodge 1500 quad cab for the super crew 5.4 my Dodge had the Hemi but was 4x2 and I wanted a 4x4 and more space in the back for a new baby on the way. I really like the f150 and it the more I drive the more I like it. I looked at the 2010 Dodge crew cab and both were nice. The Dodge had more push you back in the seat power but overall the Ford was better when it came to road noise, seat comfort, rear cab space, and driving comfort. I also am concerned about Dodges long term stability as a company. I am not a Ford fan boy this is the first Ford I have had in 14 years. I have owned more Chevys, but refuse to buy a Chevy now that it is government motors

• 

  Bad motor at 17k miles. - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ranger59 - August 12 - 9:37 pm

  Vehicle is overall a nicely styled car that handles well. Mileage is in the low to mid 20s depending on the time of year. The motor was replaced do to a factory defect of the engine block that an caused oil leak. The dealer did a great job helping me out with the problem. The big issue is that Ford will only pay for a re-manufactured engine after the first 12k miles. What a bunch of bull! I believe that at that few miles I should have got a new crate engine.

• 

  King suv - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ra - August 12 - 8:43 pm

  Bought it with 60,000 mi. Drove like new! Luv American cars never had one less than 100,000 on it with very little trouble. Now has over 200,000 and still going strong, looks great, runs great, everything still works. Understand why no. 1 seller.

• 

  Disappointing - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Discouraged - August 12 - 4:18 pm

  Im very upset with this car and the way Ive been treated since buying it! Ive had the car in the shop 4 times since purchased (but could have taken it in many more times). I purchase new cars for the safety and reliability that comes with it. Unfortunately, the car has neither! Ive had it in for brakes, transmission, radio, sync system & various other issues. I dont have the time to continuously take a brand new car in weekly. Now they are saying that my problems are not reproducible and oh well. I had a Honda(no problems) previously and bought American to support our Country just for the dealer to say oh well deal with it! I dont understand what happened to quality & customer service?

• 

  Red candy metallic/w 6 speed auto - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Mike - August 12 - 1:22 pm

  This is my second mustang and second V-6. No comparison. The 2011 has V-8 like performance and is economical. This is the base model with no option other than dealer added window tint for the Arizona summer.

• 

  Test Drive Carefully - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By RDW - August 12 - 10:56 am

  I bought this car in July of 2009 and am favorably impressed by its handling, except for the blocked rear view which forces you to rely on the side mirrors to see when backing. Also the dials are too small and hard to find. The air conditioner controls are almost impossible to see in strong daylight. Also there is no outside temperature gauge,which is inexcusable in this day and age. My real problem is that the ride feels like there is at least one out of balance tire. I have replaced the original Michelin tires and got no relief and put the Michelins back on. The dealer says this is just natural for this car and Ford knows nothing about it. Before you buy this car, drive it carefully.

• 

  Oh what bad MPG this gets!! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Doug - August 12 - 8:44 am

  Well lets just say it wont be winning any awards for gas consumption. I love the look and the comfort of the edge. We have nav and the whole 9 yards but it such bad gas mileage it sits in the yard a lot and we take the Camry. Too bad.

• 

  Not your fathers Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By JK - August 11 - 3:50 pm

  I bought mine used 2 months ago. It is a big, comfortable car- much larger than the older style. The finish detail compares favorably with my 2002 Toyota Camry, except for the cheesy carpet deck in the trunk covering the spare. Seats are firm but comfortable, and power passenger seat a nice standard feature. My 6-4 son is comfortable in the back seat. Brakes great and plenty of power in the engine, worth the gas mileage trade off from my Camry. Although the 2010 has a sexier exterior, the wife and I both prefered the more open cabin in this model. We also chose this car over an Avalon. Worth a look and a great deal pricewise compared to a new one.

• 

  Still in love with her! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Gigi - August 11 - 12:22 pm

  I purchased her brand new! Worth every penny! 10 years later she is still fun to drive. Hugs roads and has great pick up. I would buy again. Issues were the exhaust manifold design is bad. I think the A/C drips onto it and as a result had to have it welded back together twice because it sounded like a hole in the muffler. Also the clutch went out on her 2 years ago and that had to be replaced. Other than those 2 things I have not had one single mechanical issue. She is picky about her tires. Anything but Yokahomas seem to run rough. Extremely reliable. Cosmetics after 10 years: my top leaks in behind the back seat due to being left in the sun and not in a garage. Middle tail light faded.