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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  Nice vehicle - 2010 Ford Escape
  By buick muscle - June 21 - 9:52 pm

  Im happy with the escape, I had over 35 cars in my life and I have been happy with Ford, dont buy a Honda what "junks " 2 motors later, any way back to the escape, Im 6 foot 1 and 200 lbs and Im comfortable in it, my wife loves it, it looks tough for a little SUV, no problems, lots of room (Ford, fast, outrageous, raceable, drivable), that is why import sales are going down.

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  A Work Horse - 2001 Ford Focus
  By The Captain - June 21 - 4:24 pm

  Self-employed, bought for everyday driving needs, performed well, had to replace bought front coils springs, and two power window motors, but other than that - excellent value! Way to go Ford!

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  Drives on its own - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By kay - June 21 - 3:10 pm

  I use to love my 2006 Ford Taurus until on may 18th 2010 it was feeding gas to the motor without my foot being on the pedal. i took it the dealer and they didnt know what was wrong with said that it was a first for them. my car been in the shop for almost a week and the dealer still dont know whats causing it to do it and wants me to keep paying for parts that they dont know will fix the problem NOT

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  Love this new V6 - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By KC - June 21 - 3:10 pm

  Have only put about 1,000 miles on my new Mustang convertible but its already easily the best Mustang I have owned. The power from this new V6 is outstanding and the handling and braking are top notch. I have the 6 spd Auto and it handles the engine very well. Steering is direct and well weighted, controls all feel of the highest quality. This is the first Mustang Ive driven that feels in many ways like my Hondas. In fact, with the real aluminum trim and fabulous Sync system this Mustang is more luxurious and sophisticated than most other cars in its price class. And top down, well, nothing is better. Top is thick and seals very well.

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  My 4th Mustang - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Briten88 - June 21 - 2:38 pm

  4th Mustang, 1st V6, disappointing fuel mileage, my 4.6 got better. Big improvement interior and exterior from previous design, fit and finish much better also. Looking forward to trading on a 2011 with the 3.7 L v6.

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  Dependable - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Arlene - June 21 - 2:04 am

  When I purchased my Taurus 4 years ago it had 132,000 miles on it. It was a one owner and I purchased it directly from the owner who had kept every receipt for oil changes, tires. They had changed oil every 3000 miles. I change it every 5,000 miles and it uses no oil in between. This has been a very reliable car. All I have had to do was some a/c work $600.00, replace battery and tires. It now has about 186,000 miles and I will keep it until it gives out. The body looks good. I dont feel like I am driving an outdated car (the spoiler makes it). It has been a blessing to me.

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  Some to like, Some to Not - 2005 Ford F-150
  By flyer - June 20 - 11:56 pm

  Bought this superbly maintained low mileage 4X4 with plow, gently used. Good power and interior comfort, but I was disturbed to find both front 4 wheel drive actuators went out at 26,800 miles. It would have been past warranty (because of age, not miles). However, the original owner bought extended warranty, which does transfer, although there is a fee and some effort to get it transferred. It was fixed under warranty. The parts were in stock, which suggests to me this is a common problem. I dont think its a good sales point that major things break on a vehicle with under 30,000 miles. Otherwise, the truck looks and runs well.

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  Never ever will I buy a Ford! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By wife of a police man - June 20 - 12:24 pm

  I bought my car with only a few miles on it. Fun looking, silver and loaded with black leather, sunroof, v6, very sharp! Rooters have been replaced, another part that i cant remember the name 250.00, and now my air conditioner has went out! it seems as soon as i get one problem fixed, its back at the ford company again! they all know me now by name and my voice over the phone! ugg! very aggravated!

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  Just get one - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Mr.Ouchies - June 19 - 11:25 pm

  Youre not gonna spend that much on one and will be surprised. You can buy one as a spoof then soon realize its your baby. I wanted one just for novelty but got caught up in festiva fever. This car has never left me stranded and only required a new alternator and battery. Farthest I have traveled in it in one day was about 300 miles when i first got it and true to what others have said "I no longer trust this car on long trips." I dont know why I dont, but i just dont. These cars do die sort of. I have seen one not work with 256,000 due to bad ignition switch. I have seen one with 125,000 that was in an accident, but engine was pulled to put in one with over 300,000 that barely began to smoke

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  Cant believe it is a v6! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By koolpony - June 19 - 10:24 pm

  I have owned several mustangs in my lifetime, and this is by far the best overall feeling Mustang ride I have ever experienced. It drives much bigger than it is. I was considering a 5.0, but after driving the 3.7 it was plenty for me, especially with the 6 speed, FUN, FUN, FUN! I will do some minor mods in the future, but for now just enjoying such a fine car. Ford you finally got it right! I love my Mustang.