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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  Best ford owned - 2010 Ford Flex
  By reb - June 29 - 5:09 pm

  I have owned over 40 new and used Ford products in 50 years, and this by far is the best. Ride comfort is great, on long trip was not tired after 10 hr. Fuel economy after 3500 miles is 23 mpg overall and 24.5 mpg highway.

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  216,000 miles and still doing great - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Love my 96 Bird - June 29 - 4:31 pm

  Wow - what an awesome car. I picked it up as a used fleet car with 12,000 miles on it for $16k in 1996 - as of June of 2010 still has a lot of life left. Just this week needed to finally replace the catalytic converter - mechanic said with this car, its worth it. Hes so impressed - he checked her out from stem to stern and thinks shell get at least another 50,000. This beauty doesnt owe me a dime - $500 to do the cat, so what, how much am I saving in car payments and insurance? Yeah, its fabulous. Love this car.

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  Its A winner - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Donna - June 29 - 4:21 pm

  Ive driven cross-country from west coast to east. I call my car the Willy Nelson b/c its on the road again and again. I love my car. Its old now I find myself having to replace brakes a lot often but I think its b/c Im being taken advantage of by mechanics.

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  No Thanks - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Lizzy B - June 29 - 2:00 pm

  This is the 4th Escape/Mariner Ive leased (03, 05 ,08). Fuel economy for the 4 cyl is very disappointing vs. my 08 4WD. Performance is definitely worse. Driver seat fabric cover seams began to rip open within 1 month of owning the car. Dealer kept the car in the shop for 3 weeks to complete the transmission recall service. Service bulletin claimed it would be a 1/2 day repair. Have driven 12k miles in 4 months and cant wait for the end of the lease!

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  Switched from an accord - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Pete - June 29 - 1:57 pm

  I traded in my 2006 Accord for this because I needed an automatic transmission (Accord was manual). Enjoying it a lot so far - very comparable to an Accord in feel and handling, quieter road noise, comfortable interior. Highway MPG is great - I was just getting 35 MPG (according to the dashboard) while driving this morning. City MPG is ok, but not great. I havent tried out the Sync yet, but hopefully it works well. Interior seems a bit roomier than the Accord. I also noticed the poor rear visibility, but it hasnt bothered me too much yet, as Im comfortable using all my mirrors.

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  Nice ! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By orange - June 29 - 1:31 pm

  Was shopping the 2010 mustang, great deals, but once the 2011s were available there was no comparison. Amazing power for a v6. Interior design is one of the best I have ever seen. I have only had the car a couple of weeks, but would currently rate it as the best of the 10-12 cars I have owned in my life.

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  Dont Buy - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Don Grant - June 29 - 9:54 am

  SEL 3.o 6spd Trans failed at 1500 mi. The repair was to rebuild the trans and reprogram the PCM. Now when you take your foot off the gas there is a severe down shift. This is robbing me of 4-5 mpg. Also the car does not perform the way it did before the reprogram. This is not the robust fun car I agreed to purchase and the downshifting is very irritating. Also I do not believe that it is safe to downshift on ice. Ford says that "it performs as designed". No it is performing as REDESIGNED and it is NOT acceptable! Ford customer "I dont care department" says "SORRY". How on earth is this "car of the year"? Save yourself some grief Do Not Buy This Car! Ford will not take care of you!

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  Worse Car I have Ever Driven - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By sharris2 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Ford Freestyle was bought for safety as I do a lot of Highway driving. Since last October car was in for problems 6 times, electrical system failed, rear brakes completely shot, last week fuel pressure hose went, car was a death trap, gas spewing out of the bottom. Roadside assistance which we paid extra for wouldnt take it with fuel leak. Dealership was terrible with what they wanted to give us back on this car. I would never again in my life buy a Ford car of any description

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  A great truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By giltex - June 28 - 10:07 pm

  Having driven Chevys for 30 years, this lariat is top notch. I closely compared the ltz with the lariat and Fords engineering and styling sold me. The interior is nothing but elegant, and the Pueblo gold trim on a White truck really looks classy. There are some features the Chevrolet had that I miss, but the overall package just cant be beat.

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  Yes, it will draw attention, big time - 2010 Ford F-150
  By corycat99 - June 28 - 9:09 pm

  I purchased the svt raptor, black on black, 6.2 L engine and the 5 month wait was worth every second. There has is not been a day go by that someone hasnt stopped me to say nice truck. It is such a joy to drive this truck , comfort and performance are top shelf. The only thing that falls off the mark is the 700w sound system by Sony. The highs waver like underwater and the bass sounds as if it trapped in a plastic bucket. I have had it back to the dealer twice with them saying that is how it is. If Ford would have gone with Bose sound this truck would have been perfect.