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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  Not Impressed - 2010 Ford Escape
  By The Dawg - July 13 - 11:11 pm

  I did not buy this vehicle, but did rent one for two weeks. Vehicle had approximately 13K miles. Ran the air conditioner most of the time and MPG was terrible. 15 - 17 MPG at the most. Interior design of seats makes it difficult to see left and right when changing lanes. Back seat headrests are high and obstruct view out the back. Seating for five adults was adequate.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By 2008focusdude - July 13 - 4:50 pm

  I bought a black one with sunroof and it turned out to be one of the best vehicles Ive ever had. Sporty looking with those alloy rims and the car rides well. Ive never had a new car so this was the first, and wow, what a great experience to have this car. I probably will keep it FE because I purchased it brand new and original owner. If youre considering this vehicle, think about all the miles you get with this. That was huge for me, but then again, I love the car.

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  Very nice - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Jack - July 13 - 4:00 pm

  Replaced my 2008 MKZ with this, which I bought after having a Yukon XL Denali for 3 years. This actually rides better than the MKZ and is QUIETER. Its really hard for me to use this as a "truck" though - it LOOKS SO GOOD. :-)

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  FORD FOCUS2010 Impression - 2010 Ford Focus
  By FRANK POTOCNIK - July 13 - 2:12 pm

  Great ride,fantastic MPG,GOOD SOUND SYSTEM. On the early problem is the front end. The car bottoms out on the smallest of road bumps and indents in the road. Its being brought back to the service center to have the problem fixed.

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  Focus 09 - 2009 Ford Focus
  By FOCUS 09 - July 13 - 12:53 pm

  Good value car but lacks refinement on inside and outside. No 5 or 6 speed auto

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  First Rate! - 2009 Ford Explorer
  By Tom - July 13 - 9:08 am

  This is my company vehicle that I got to choose. Prior to this I had a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer. This is by far a better vehicle, better style, greater comfort, and a solid build. Ive put on 16,000 miles so far and have had no problems. The 4x4 works great, especially the automatic 4x4, you normally wont feel it engage and the traction control works very well off road. The independent suspension all around does a great job on washboard gravel roads. My trailblazer would be bouncing sideways in the same conditions. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend the Explorer to anyone needing a capable all road vehicle. Too bad theyre changing it into a crossover soon, what a shame!

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  Jack of all trades - 2010 Ford Flex
  By jackrose - July 13 - 7:06 am

  For those of you who want a sports car, comfy seating for long trips, usable interior space for building materials, good visibility, good winter driving, low entry for older parents and towing capability this it the best there is now. Ive had the Mercedes equivalent and it was quieter, dealt with high snow better, had better seats, but it had less space inside for hauling stuff, too high for grams, was not sporty,and was a lousy tow car (i tow a 4000 lbs load). On the other hand, the flex was great at towing and if you have ever had a highway load sway experience, the built automatic sway correction is a religious experience. The connections are built in for the aftermarket brake control

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  MUCH better than expected! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By usc.grrl - July 13 - 2:49 am

  Ive always liked the look of SUVs but hated the fuel economy. The Escape has it all! I was originally planning on purchasing an XLT until I drove the Limited with the Sync Navigation, sold! I HAD to have it. Ive now had this car for a month and 1,300 miles and love it more with each mile I drive. Looks great, drives great, and has more than enough to keep even the most discerning Tech Weenies occupied on long drives! LOVE it!

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  Driving my new 5.0 Mustang - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By My new 5.0 stang - July 12 - 11:26 pm

  This 2011 V8 GT Mustang is incredible! Its extremely fast and it rides and handles very good. Mine has the 6spd auto trans, premium trimmed Grabber Blue with the 401A interior trim pkge with the blue seat stripes and stitching. I ordered the Shaker 1000 stereo which is totally awesome. Got the exterior conv pkge 6 with dual side vents, hood scoop, deck lid trim panel and pedestal spoiler. 19 inch painted nickel alum wheels (very nice and probably rare). Drop the top and enjoy it. This is my ninth Mustang since 1968. Just started enjoying my car.

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  Thank You Ford! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Happy Edge Owner - July 12 - 10:16 pm

  After test driving many different cross overs, I decided on the Edge. It was the most comfortable to drive, had more to offer than the others and for a good price too. I custom built my SEL in White Sands, Tan w/black stitching interior, Sync that works better than my husbands Acura TL, Rear Lift gate, Towing package that gave me a bigger radiator, Roof Rack, and more. Back seats offer flexibility by lowering one or both. Plenty of room for hauling stuff. Ive had it for two years now, taken it on long trips with no problems. I like to ask my husband "have I told you how much I love my Edge lately? Its by far the best vehicle Ive ever had.