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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  2010 GT Black on Black - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Ted DeMirjyn - August 10 - 1:29 pm

  This car is awesome, there is not much more I can say. It is fast and gets reasonable highway mileage around 24- 25. It fun to drive and the Mustang always gets admiring looks. I have just over 7k of totally trouble free miles so far. I have owned more than 30 new cars in the last 40 years and this one is by far my favorite and it may even stay in my garage for more than my average of 24 months.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Cindy - August 9 - 9:23 pm

  We bought this car from a rental company and it had 12,000 miles on it. Today 4 1/2 years later we have over 190,000! MPG was 26 now 24.5 in town or hwy. Not bad for a mid size car. New tires, new battery (as needed) and reg 3000 mile oil changes (Synthetic oil only). Nothing else! This is a workhorse of a car! Love our Taurus!

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  Dont Do It - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Philip B - August 9 - 2:54 pm

  This is the worst Vehicle I have ever had the misfortune to drive. The Constant noise from the never ending high rev shifting (6speeds). The acceleration feels like youre pushing a tennis ball against the pedal. (nothing, nothing then bam, too much) Ford should be ashamed for producing such a pile of CRAP! Makes me sick to drive it!

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  Horrible transmission! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By schmal - August 9 - 2:46 pm

  As the title of my review says, the 6- speed automatic transmission is horrible. It hangs between gears. There is a delay from when you step on the accelerator until you actually start moving. Downshifting is clunky and jerky. It feels as if they assigned the development of the trans to a fresh-out and forgot to watch what they were doing. That or they released the alpha version and forgot to go through the usual refinements, like every other automaker. This is unfortunate, since I do like other aspect of the car. Nice ride, good features, competitively priced. The trans is a deal breaker though, and I fully expect to have it fail me. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! Look at other reviews with same issue!

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  Sad I sold it - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By AFGUY - August 8 - 11:14 pm

  I owned a 2003 Taurus SES for about 2yrs. White with dark tint windows, very sharp. Loved the super comfy seats, good power, everything seemed to be in its place, very easy for people unfamiliar with the car to get in and drive with no questions. had 60k when I bought it drove from Wyoming to Texas a couple times, and back and forth to work everyday, no issues other than transmission slipped from 1st to 2nd when I turned left and i was on the gas pretty hard a couple times. Sold it because Im moving and its been three days and I already miss it.

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  Approval - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Boyer - August 8 - 8:26 pm

  Like the vehicle very much. two complaints: the speedometer is hidden by the steering wheel and the accelerator and brake pedals are too close together.

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  You should look again at a Ford Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger Satisfied - August 8 - 6:24 pm

  My 2002 Ford Ranger (2.3 L, I-4, Supercab) has been 100% reliable. The only repairs that I have had to perform is the normal, routine maintenance. I have never had a more reliable vehicle. I am especially happy with the gas mileage (28 mpg on average). I purchased my Ford Ranger new after driving all the competitive small trucks. My Ford Ranger is definitely a no frills truck, but I am happy with the quality of it. I would highly recommend the Ford Ranger for being a responsible purchase, and I feel I got the most for my money when I bought it. I have read all the trade magazine reports how Ford Rangers are out-of-date and obsolete, but my truck has been 100% reliable. No complaints.

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  Good for Teens - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Jennifer - August 7 - 6:18 pm

  I bought my car about a year ago and thought I was going to love it. Its a good car but mainly for teens. If you have small children or need plenty of room its not the right car for you cause it is small. I have been experiencing some shaking, could be the wheels but Im not sure. It doesnt have a button on the inside of the car for the truck, so if you dont have remote keyless entry you have to use your key to open the trunk.

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  Great first car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By zx2 in IL - August 7 - 1:56 pm

  I drive on average 600 miles a week, so Ive put this car through its paces. I love it. It gets great gas mileage, looks great, runs like a dream. Some people complain about the vibration or the engine volume but I really dont notice it. My only complaints are that with a 2003 its hard to find replacement parts if your girlfriend puts it in the ditch trying to drive in six inches of snow.

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  2010 Ford Focus - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Robert - August 7 - 9:45 am

  I have been driving my new focus for 2 weeks now. I have always driven trucks and jeeps in the past, but because of a new job location. I have to drive 80 miles a day. I needed a reliable vehicle with good mileage. I am get 36 mpg on my commute to work and back. I quite satisfied with this car, that coming from a jeep and truck person is saying this is a great car.