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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  Fun to Drive - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Dawn - July 28 - 9:10 pm

  I used to drive a small sports car, but I decided I wanted something bigger, but not too big that I could handle. The Ford Escape Limited was the smallest Ford SUV. I was really surprised at how easy it is to handle. The ride is smooth. The interior looks awesome. I have the leather trim, sunroof and premium stereo. Ive gone on two long trips in it and the ride was very comfortable. The gas mileage is okay. I have a V6 so I expect it to be along the same lines of any other SUV. I have the capless gas tank, a major plus. Everything in the interior is situated for comfort. I had to take it back to the dealer to fix a recall item, but problems otherwise.

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  Great Truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Daniel - July 28 - 4:16 pm

  This truck has a lot of power of course coming from a 07 150 with the 4.2 v6 anything would have a lot of power. Think this truck is complete fit and finish. Im very happy that I bought this truck for me and my family to travel with. Ford has done a great job with this truck.

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  I love this car! - 2010 Ford Edge
  By tikigal - July 28 - 12:24 pm

  My first Ford, love it! Nightime- ambiance light up, mine is purple, even the floor and console box! There are other choices of colors too. The ride beats my Lexus rx300. Its soft, luxury all the way. Easy to read dials, and nav system really easy compared to my garmin. Love the handsfree approach to nav, phone, radio. Gets better gas mileage than they say, and runs on regular. My Lexus ran on premium and so did my Acura. I can read info, last 2 cars, had to put on my glasses to see what it said. Like the back up beeps, love the wheels, and my golf clubs fit in this car. The sunroof is so big, its like a convertible, and convert to moonroof just like that! Love the space. Great Ford!

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  My Best Car Yet! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Erik - July 28 - 12:50 am

  This is by far my best business commuter/ travel car yet! Im now going on 10 months of ownership and Im coming up on nearly 50,000 miles and not one issue yet. I drive about 80k miles a year usually, and this car so far is super reliable. I love how comfy it is on the really really long trips (longest so far is 9 days and 3100 miles). The only thing Ive replaced so far is the tires at 29k. I can just go on and on about how much I love this car! My last 4 commuters were all Accords but no more, Fusions from here on out.

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  Smooth - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By cali cal - July 27 - 8:51 pm

  Use to own 1989 5.0 love the car but too many races, and got older, had to give it up, but now more mature I love the 2010 model, could have a little more power boost but hey still can beat all at light. Handles well, but when going over bumps at high rate of speed, can be a little touchy, need to give buyers back seat floor mats, and lights on visor, and glove box. 5 speed a little stiff, but can live with it, wife wants to drive, thats why I got the 5 speed, only will use for summer, put up for winter

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  Nice little wagon - 2007 Ford Focus
  By epapp1 - July 27 - 4:13 pm

  Rides nice looks nice and handles nice. Second 2007 Focus still own both however have too sell the sedan because of my wifes passing. It hurts to do so because she loved her red Focus. If you are thinking of buying and are not willing to spend a lot drive one and you will see what I mean.

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  Trading it in. - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Stephanie - July 27 - 3:11 pm

  I bought my car in March of 2008 and had no significant problems until January of this year with 50000 miles on it. First my alternator went out and blew a hole in battery. Most of the car is plastic so my small fender bender consist of replacing large sidings of the vehicle. Over $800 for the bumper. Then while driving my tensioner idle pulley froze up and broke causing my belt to come off my car. After getting that towed and dealing with NO space replace the pulley and belt Ive had enough. The alternator is located underneath the engine in the back. To replace the belt you have to remove the heat sheild, alternator, and reservoir just to realize your have few inches to work with.

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  Happy Ford Owner - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Happy Ford Owner - July 27 - 2:54 pm

  I bought my Expedition in 2001. I have had to replace the transmission, two coils, and wheel bearing, ball joints and some other stuff. Now at 138,00 miles and in the shop again. But for some reason I just cant let this truck go. I just bought a Mercedes ML350. But i couldnt trade in my Ford. I just Love It. Its been fixed up just for me and I cant let it go.

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  Best SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Lucky STL - July 27 - 12:06 pm

  Havent had it long, but was able to review repair history. Basic maintenance only. Rear plastic cracked, but happens to everyone. Extremely solid ride, just as comfortable. Love the car, although too soon to report any big problems I dont know about yet. Would suggest the car to anyone looking into one as of now. Opening up the sunroof and windows makes for a pleasant ride on a cool day. Paint looks great for its age, and the interior is totally clean. A best buy!

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  Surprised by Ford - 2010 Ford F-150
  By bevila - July 27 - 12:04 pm

  While I have been wanting a full size pickup for a while, it was on a whim that I drove the F-150 and I am glad I did. I was thinking about Toyota or Honda and after driving the Ford, there was no other choice. While this is a full size vehicle, I feel very comfortable driving it around the Northern Virginia area. It drives very well, the ride absorbs bumps in the rode, and the view over all the other cars is great. I am glad the Ford commercials sucked me in and convinced me to give Ford a try.