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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  Great Ride - 2009 Ford Flex
  By flexlover - January 29 - 11:53 pm

  Just returned from Florida in our 2009 Ford Flex SEL. Put 3300 miles in 2 weeks from Indiana. Drove the car the first day to FL for 12 hours straight and did not feel the least bit tired. The DVD and satellite radio kept the kids and myself cruising along. The wide, low sitting "wagon" done great on the mountains. On the interstate it was ultra smooth. From gas stations to parks to the condo, people stopped me to ask to look inside. The leather interior is extremely comfortable. I was glad to put a long trip on the motor to break it in. It is absolutely the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. The fridge and electrical outlet came in handy on the long trip. We LOVE it!

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  Very Dependable! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Fred Reno - January 29 - 10:14 pm

  165,600 miles with original brakes, shocks, clutch, and battery. This has been the most dependable car I have ever owned.....it drives as good as the day I bought it.

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  nice, but not nice - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By mechanics dream - January 29 - 9:11 pm

  Lots of problems, (new) rack, air conditioning, power steering pump, wheel bearing, power window, (drivers side), rear power latch (twice), goes through tires, now it is pinging like the timing is off, but, it looks good and is comfortable on the highway, reading about the transmission problems, please I hope I dont have this problem,

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  2009 Sangri Ford Escape AWD V6 - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Bjc - January 29 - 5:30 pm

  Purchased vehicle used with 14000 miles. Traded in 06 Nissan Maxima. Overall vehicle is good, but have developed noise in drive train that sounds like metal on metal when accelerating after owning for 200 miles. Dealer says normal. Have contacted Ford Motor for confirmation, will post update once I hear from Ford.

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  Sweet Ride - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Txjetmech - January 29 - 2:15 pm

  I drove 150 miles to find this car. From the moment I drove it I loved it. Could not make a deal the first trip but on November 30 the dealership got what I wanted. I love the heated seats and power driver and passenger front seats. Lots of power as I zoomed past my buddy in his 94 corvette. Love the sync and the sat radio. The interior is beautiful. The handling is great

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  Henry would be proud! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By oldtarheel - January 28 - 10:02 pm

  Good job Ford - great car! Just drove 1000 mile trip through mountains and got 28+ mpg at 70-75 mph - terrific for such a big heavy car! Great handling, comfortable seats, smooth ride. Love the SIRIUS radio. I dont get some of the comments about the csr being cheap? Ford got it right this time.

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  Best move yet - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Big guy & the Diva - January 28 - 9:17 pm

  Comfort is great. Firm seats. Lots of elbow room. Smoot, quiet, plenty of power. If you are looking at the SEL with leather option spend a few hundred more and get the Limited. Stero system is much better, power fold down rear seats, chrome belt window plate. I looked at the SEL after the limited and am glad I went with the Limited. I drive 43 miles to work and am getting 25.2 mpg. 5 of those miles are city. Some rush hour traffic.

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  A Great Vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 3rd one... - January 28 - 1:16 pm

  We purchased this one (our 3rd Expedition) new in March or 2003 and broke it in on a road trip to Mesa Verde. The literature indicated that it would get only 13 mpg or so, but by keeping our speed around 60 mph we have averaged over 18 mpg overall and over 23 mpg on one trip from Fontenelle, Wyoming to Denver. I am tall (65") and this is the most comfortable vehicle I have owned. It is so nice to have a car that actually fits me. It has all of the comfort features one could want and the heated and cooled seats are a real treat. We havent had any problems at all and I expect it to last at least another 10 years or more. Great job Ford!

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  Ford Explorer Limited - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Britt - January 28 - 12:46 pm

  I went from an Expedition to an Explorer Ltd. and I have been really happy with it. It is fun to drive, has enough cargo room for my dog crates when I go to dog shows and has a lot of zip to it! So far my gas mileage has been around 17 mpg and that isnt all highway driving and its been under freezing the whole month of January. The Explorer is very sure footed and handled very well in the snow without even putting it into 4 wheel drive. So far I like it a lot!!

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  Not a winter SUV!! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Forever Ford Fan - January 28 - 9:50 am

  I owned an Explorer before,and wanted to down size. Big mistake!This Escape is worthless in the snow. Living in IA we can expect anything from Mother Nature. I did not purchase the 4x4 trying to save some money,but you NEED it for winter driving. When you come to a stop you can barely get the thing going,it has NO traction!I will be trading this thing in this summer for an Explorer,it will NOT be in my garage next winter. Also the carmel interior was a wrong choice.It picks up every stain you can think of.The material is cheap and when you try to clean it yourself you end up with a bigger stain when it dries!Folding of the rear seats require you to remove the head rest not practical. Avg MPG 18