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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  Im a Chevy guy - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Potter - July 6 - 11:57 am

  Im a hard core Chevy guy and have been waiting for the right time to buy a new Camaro. Ive driven both the V6 and the V8 Camaro but something left me wanting and all the used Camaros on the dealer lots worried me. Out of curiosity I test drove the Mustang 2011 V6 and the current GT. The GT won hands down, it was pure love at first sight. The interior design was fantastic, the gadgets are cool, its easier to drive and its just an all out blast to drive.

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  Hopeful - 2010 Ford Edge
  By hopeful - July 6 - 11:18 am

  Hoped that Ford had surpassed its competitors in this market. Not so with the edge. Comfortable ride plenty of room. Interior somewhat cheap plastic feel as a cost cutting measure. Braking is a big weakness. Brakes are somewhat spongy and stopping distance too long. Dont feel confident that I can stop quickly in an emergency situation.

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  Great Car for the money - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Bernie - July 6 - 9:25 am

  I own a 2005 Camry and a 2008 Altima coupe. The Fusion meets or beats those cars for ride quality, power and comfort. Ford has done a great job in building a car that shows America can build and engineer a quality midsized sedan. I have 1200mi on the car and have been averaging 28 mpg 60% city) by fill-up. the computer shows 31 to 34 mpg on the highway. This is my first American car purchase in ten years and I am very picky. You will not be disappointed if you choose this car over any of the Japanese or Korean competition. Drive this car then drive a Camry and Accord and you will be amazed at how quiet this car is. The Fusion is by far a much quieter car. The 4 cyl has tons of power.

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  01 focus a great car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By dan - July 5 - 10:40 pm

  I really enjoy owning and driving my 01 Focus zx3. Fun to drive, gets great gas mileage. Very dependable. Overall great car. Even with the 2dr I can fold down back seat and haul some pretty big stuff!

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  Well worth it - 2009 Ford Escape
  By bman - July 5 - 1:31 pm

  Bought this vehicle used from a local dealer. Had a Fusion previously and definitely love the extra room. Has a great ride, mpg, and low wind noise. Test drove Rav4, Pilots, and Equinox and kept coming back to the Ford.

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  Want to love it but - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Disappointed - July 5 - 12:48 pm

  Went from a Explorer to a Freestyle to a Flex. Thought we had found that perfect car but after about 8 trips to 2 Ford mechanics we are about done. We keep getting the front brake grinding noise that everybody else seems to be getting. And it seems to go away for a few days after they work on it it comes back. Only difference from most of the rest of the reviews is that the dealership seems to try but cant figure it out. Other things have been small but what car isnt going to have some problems. Its a shame because otherwise we would love it!

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  3.0L Yamaha with MTX, 10th year - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By 1993sho3.0 - July 4 - 9:39 pm

  I am second owner. My first Ford. Drove for 2 weeks before I purchased. Purchased in 2000 for $3,300 at 127K miles, now with 176K miles. Reasonable reliability. 3.0 L Yamaha, VIN Y. No engine problems except oil leak into spark plug wells, which surprisingly did not affect the ignition or wires at all. Unusual failure of front spring bearings, maybe due to improperly performed recall requiring removal of springs? First owner replaced clutch at $49K, still strong. Now using cryogenic brake pads and centrix rotors. Torque steer disappeared with Goodyear Tripletreds.

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  Caliper problems - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Gail Johnson - July 4 - 9:05 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used from our local dealership. It had 24,701 miles on it. The second day of ownership, I came out of this driveway, a terrible squealing sound happened. I stopped and backed up as I thought I ran over a branch, and went ahead again. The car squealed off an on the rest of my route. I thought it was my brakes but service said they were perfectly fine. It still squealed but now I have a burning smell. Took it back and service said the left rear caliper was locking up and replaced it. Brought it back home parked it in the garage got out and smelled the burning smell again and the wheel was too hot to touch. Service has it again. Not happy.

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  Extremely Reliable Daily Driver - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By AdamB5000 - July 4 - 7:46 pm

  I purchased this car in April, 2001 with 28,186 miles. It now has 118,000+ miles in July of 2010. Its been mostly flawless. There have been a few repairs here and there, such as a brake line, ball joints, shocks, rotors, pads, etc, but most of this has been few and far between (minus the brakes!) and overall ownership cost has been very low. The brakes seem to be the only reoccurring problem. Rotors seem to get warped easily and Im an easy braker. Seems they get replaced annually. I hate to sell this thing because its so reliable but technically worth almost nothing. I dont want to sell a car that has been so reliable and will only get me back a couple grand at best.

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  2009 ford expedition - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By Johnny Wishbone - July 4 - 11:01 am

  Just purchased a 2009 Ford Expedition 2 wheel drive. Had it home for a day and the transmission broke. The dealer had it for a week and fixed it then it broke again while they test drove it. Had it for a couple more days. They gave me an antifreeze flush for free but still not sure about the transmission. Going on a big trip, I hope it makes it. still under warranty but will wreck the vacation if it fails. I paid $ 25k for it , Is that good? Say a prayer for me. I am going to need it.