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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  A reason to buy American - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Daddio - July 1 - 11:49 am

  Traded in a Corolla for the Ford Focus and havent missed the Toyota at all. The quality and finish of the Focus is excellent. Heated leather seats, ABS, moonroof, stereo system and most of all the Sync package which allows USB media to be used blows the competition away. The manual transmission is smooth shifting and fun to drive. With rebates and incentives way below the price of comparable imports. Not worried about quality as this is a well designed and solid vehicle.

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  Look hard at other models - 2010 Ford Edge
  By btait - July 1 - 9:26 am

  The Edge doesnt do anything well. Looks - It tries to look like a Lexus RX but looks like one that ate donuts for a year. Interior - VERY poor use of space, dash is HUGE. Cargo - the sloped back kills any ability to carry anything of substance. The floor is made with a flimsy cardboard type material, so it flexes with any weight on it. Its tow capabilities are minimal, and the hitch sits entirely too low. Handling - tracks very poorly. It amazes me that this is what Ford came up with for the masses coming out of Explorers. Mileage is the same, its overweight and sluggish.

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  Junk - 2010 Ford Escape
  By jgeiger - July 1 - 8:11 am

  I have been disappointed with this car. Been in the shop for trans. 3 times. Never had a car that has been so much trouble as this one. Dealer is lousy, no after the buy service. Going back to chewy when done paying off this piece of junk.

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  Yay. Finally! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By happiowner07 - June 30 - 11:38 pm

  I used to be the owner of an 08Saturn Vue, but after it was stolen I bought a the 07 Ford Focus and cant believe how happy I am with it. So spacious, great interior design, and sleek radio/ac design. Really fun to drive, because it doesnt sit too high or too low. Glad I made the switch from Saturn to Ford at only 18 Im sure Ill be hooked for life.

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  Heavy Duty Clutch! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ranger Ed - June 30 - 6:43 pm

  The heavy duty clutch is a loser! The first one went out at approx. 60k. Then it went out in Feb 10 and I still cant get a replacement because Ford stopped making that clutch. I guess even they knew how bad it was. Im currently working with a clutch specialty shop in California to try and build a clutch from scratch.

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  Great midsized car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By SCOTTY - June 30 - 2:44 pm

  I recently looked and bought a Ford Fusion. I have been driving this car for about 2 months and the car has performed perfectly. The handling is firm and solid. I especially like the SYNC system. This car is one I will keep for a long time

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  Satellite radio and Tranny problems - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By LazyMazy - June 30 - 2:00 pm

  This is my 3rd brand new "Explorer" and I have to say I am very disappointed with the 2010. I have had it in the shop twice already for Satellite radio and 911 assist problems. I have also had it in for Transmission problems. I traded in my 2003 Explorer which had transmission problems for a 2010 that has transmission problems.

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  Tough to drive - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Tim - June 30 - 9:08 am

  I have only rented this car for a week in Maui, but I wanted to note that it was a tough drive. The steering, turning radius, and visibility made it very difficult to negotiate the tight parking spots that you find in Maui. Honestly, my full sized SUV, a Yukon Denali, would have been far easier to manage. Once I got back to the mainland and into my 2006 Denali I was far happier. For a midsized SUV, the edge is a very difficult drive with hard seats and hard steering. It had a beeping warning system that lets you know how close you are to obstacles when you are backing up. Annoying, but needed because of poor visibility. I had to rely on it to park. Otherwise the SUV was adequate.

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  Best Pony Car Yet! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Wayne - June 30 - 8:05 am

  I traded in a 2005 mustang for this car. I loved that car, but this one is so much fun to drive. I wanted a 5.0 but after driving this was very satisfied with the power and feel of ride. This is the best bargain for the money and quality is spot on.

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  Completely Satisfied - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Phil - June 30 - 2:49 am

  Bought this truck to replace a 4 door with a 3.0 V6. I thought I would be sacrificing performance for gas mileage, but I was wrong. The taller gearing takes a little getting used to but the performance is as good or better than the 3.0 V6, and the gas mileage is much better. I can get 27 on the hi-way and 22 to 24 around town. The 16 valve engine likes to rev, and feels very snappy in town, while handling the hills quite well. I had no trouble at all pulling the Shasta/Siskiou grade on I-5 in 5th gear. I also had a 91 with the old 2.3 liter, and I think this compares quite well with that truck. The transmission and overall fit and finish is better on this one too. I am quite pleased.