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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  Happy Owner - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Tom Foley - August 5 - 4:37 pm

  Really like car great average cost family car, but looks and drives like a much higher priced car.

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  So far, so good - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Danny - August 5 - 3:10 pm

  I had a 2006 GMC Canyon that didnt survive being the meat in an Explorer/Dump Truck sandwich. So, went looking for a new truck, decided (thanks to the no-bailout policy) to go Ford. After looking around, determined the FX4 was the truck for me. Ive had it Since late May, and made one 2500 miles trip with my family of 5 to 5 states. Everyone had room, plug ice chest and books/DVDs/pillows. All 3 car seats fit in back, with (minimal) seat room to spare. Its got a 700 watt sub, which sounds great. Moon roof extra, but kinda cool. Love the space, and Im getting about the same mileage on the 2010 FX4 as I did on the 2006 Canyon, only with lots more weight/truck/engine (V8 vs I5, both 4WD).

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  Transmission Problem - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By JMF - August 5 - 2:30 pm

  Wish I had known Ford Explorers have transmission issues before I bought this vehicle. Loved it but immediately noticed that it was shifting at the appropriate time and when it did it was shifting very hard. Also makes a "clunk" sound when coming to a stop - again the transmission. So far the only thing the dealer can tell me is that they are waiting on Detroit to acknowledge the problem. Said they had this issue with 2 previous year models as well. Contacted customer care in Detroit and was told the vehicle was "functioning as designed". What? Will try to pursue resolution under the lemon law from here. Dont buy this vehicle!

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  Best SUV I`ve ever owned! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By BEST SUV EVER OWNED! - August 5 - 10:03 am

  I bought this car brand new with 15 miles on it.Ever since I bought this car I have loved it! Its very roomy and comfortable. My family and I are always taking trips from Arizona to California and not once it has broken down. There have been no major mechanical issues. Today I have 210K miles on it and still runs great! I recommended this car to everyone!

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  Back to a Ford Focus - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Douglas Lower - August 5 - 2:24 am

  This is my sixth Focus purchase. In between each purchase of another Focus, I buy different makes of vehicles, and become unsatisfied and trade back to a Focus. I have switched back from a Honda Accord, and fit. And the last from a 10 Kia soul, and 11 sorento. I love the ses model. It is a loaded automatic. It does everything very well. It is a very well rounded vehicle. I usually buy an se model, but this time I went all out! I am happy I did. All the extra features for so little extra in cash. Almost every time I went to a different brand, I was looking for hauling capabilities and would never use it, now I will rent a truck if I need to haul and keep my Focus.

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  I really like my new Ford Edge - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Rocklady - August 4 - 7:33 pm

  My Edge feels good driving and riding. The solid sound of the doors closing to the soft purr of the engine, the adjustable seats for a more comfortable ride. The bluetooth convenience, the interior lights, the large window area, the extra large mirrors help to give me a great ride.

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  Saved Our Lives - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Blessed - August 4 - 5:28 pm

  Best car ever! airbags are amazing.worked perfect. Car totaled but safety features are great! Will buy again! If not for this car I would not be here typing this! Thank you Ford for a well made vehicle!

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  The BEST car Ive ever owned - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Nicole - August 4 - 1:26 am

  Id love to upgrade to the 2011 just for increased horsepower/mpg. I love this car absolutely no problems! I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee 06 and compared to the mustang it is no match. I never realized how unreliable the jeep was until I got an actual reliable car that never has problems (my mustang). The Ford service (only used for oil changes) are so helpful and sweet. The car handles amazingly and the seats are so comfortable. I love my SYNC system! This car is reliable, fun to drive, and beautiful. No complaints

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  I love my Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Ray - August 4 - 12:45 am

  I bought my Explorer new in 1998. Its 12 years old now and still going strong. It has never broken down or even overheated. I drove this car all over Europe when I was assigned overseas. I have to admit Im on the forgetful side when it comes to maintenance and oil changes although I did take it the dealer a couple of times for routine fluid changes and checks. The car chassis does groan and creak sometimes now but almost everything still works. The AC is still ice cold even though Ive never had it serviced that i can recall. Ive never had to replace as much as a fuel pump. I love this car and wont get a new one until this one dies.

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  Highly reliable, well built car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Ken - August 3 - 1:44 pm

  I bought my wagon six years ago w/34k. I was initially hesitant to purchase since it was a rental vehicle but I got a really good deal. I now have 122k on it and its still running strong. Other than a couple rounds of brakes, tires Ive had little problems. An occasional heater fan, strut here and there but it couldve been much worse. I must admit it doesnt have a lot of frills was surprised it came with a tape player (its a 2003!) Mine came with the standard features, power windows, ac, cruise etc. The quality/ride of the car is ok again, you get what you pay for. If youre looking for a station wagon in this era the Taurus will get you the most for your money.