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:

• 

  keeps going - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By sara - January 22 - 10:07 am

  i bought the car in 2002 @ 90,000 mile and cost me 5,000 and have had problems like with tranmission, new tire rods and minor little things but that to be expected do to the HIGH miles. its a great car. im now at 200,000 and still runs great it dosent look pretty anymore but that doesnt matter to me. it bets a car payment.

• 

  Nothing Id rather drive - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mike - January 22 - 7:44 am

  Ford got it right 7 years ago with the 03-04 Terminator Cobra. Ive owned several pony cars before finally finding the right Cobra last year. All I can say is wow. Great looks, I love the heat extractors and the SVT wheels. Great sound, from the low growl of the exhaust to the turbine scream of the Eaton supercharger. Great drive, the car puts its power down nicley, handles much better than a 3600 lb nose heavy car should. After a new supercharger pulley and an exhaust, these will truly terminate almost anything else on the road. Im making 460hp to the wheels. 2010 Camaro? Ha!

• 

  Love the Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By rdtMICH - January 21 - 5:22 pm

  I have had over 50 cars including 23 Lincolns and this is the best yet. I agree with the headrest complaints, but after a month neither my wife nor I complained about them. Outstanding mileage for this type of vehicle, over 25 on trips. Only small complaint is the limited sweep area of the tailgate wiper which is not centered.

• 

  Great family Van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Deb - January 21 - 12:51 pm

  Reliable, I have had this van since 2005, Have not had any problems with it. Oil Changes, brakes - that is all. The only reason I am looking for another vehicle is my childern are very tall and they no longer are confortable in the back seat.

• 

  Love this car ... - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Mike - January 21 - 7:46 am

  This was the first car to be sold from the dealership. I was apprehensive with my experience with Escape. But I saw it loved and wanted it. This is a very comfortable car and spacious. I luv the seats, compared to the wimpy seats of imports. Love the paddle wheel shifters, real easy to use. SYNC works well enough with my iPhone and has been fun for kids and us. The interior, lighting and features are more like Lincoln than conventional Ford. So we get the luxury at a bargain. Trunk is humongous and kids love rear seat space.

• 

  Not What We Hoped For - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Hackman - January 20 - 9:29 pm

  When we purchased this Focus new, we were hoping to get a car that was fun to drive, great fuel economy, and reliability. Only one of those hopes has been realized. It is fun to drive, but it sure doesnt get the MPGs like most 4-cylinder cars. About 20-22 mpg city is all we can get. The replaceable parts like tires, brakes/rotors, and battery are definitely inferior. All had to be replaced within the first 3 years. And the cost of tires and brakes is outrageous since Ford has to different. Rotors=$75 each, when a comparable Chevy rotor is only $25. Now were getting a strut problem fixed after 43,000 miles. After this experience, wed be hard pressed to buy another Ford.

• 

  Good Looking, Fun to drive - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Aaron - January 20 - 2:05 pm

  Cant go wrong with the ranger, especially in the FX4 version. The styling is nice for a truck of its price range, power is quite decent and the upgrades Ive got add quite a bit (chrome step bars, tailpipe and mirrors). All around good vehicle, easy to maneuver in the city.

• 

  Trans Cooler Defect - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Twinspires - January 20 - 1:01 pm

  At 41,000 miles..just outside of warranty, transmission cooler went out to tune of $650. Ford does not want to hear about it, but check the internet..lots of others had the same issue. There shoudl be a recall on this vehicle. Leaked trans fluid until I got it repaired and only 2 years old. Going back to driving Nissans.

• 

  Pretty Cool - 2010 Ford Focus
  By LS - January 20 - 12:09 pm

  I rented a brand new SES in Denver for a ski trip with my wife and 2 young kids. I must admit that I wasnt exited about a focus, but after a few miles, I found it to be a nice little package. The sync system was strong with the sirius radio, and the kids really loved the multi color mood light toggle. I was impressed with the feel of the suspension over pot holes (plenty in CO), but mostly the 33 mpg mixed after going up to Winter Park and back (with 4 days short trips in the mountains). Held 1 very large and 2 carry-on size bags. I generally only look at Japanese cars, but if Fords higher offerings are this solid - I may give a look.

• 

  Off the HOOK!!! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Dave in Buffalo - January 20 - 10:15 am

  Fantastic machine! I have been a Ford fan for a while now, and have been patiently waiting for my chance to buy a Mustang I am NOT dissapointed. Oh - and do not listen to the folks that say to wait for the 11s - this car has more power than a normal human being requires on todays roads!!! The car handles extremely well, and the five-speed is a dream to operate. Ford has also executed the redesigned and upgraded interior in such a way as to put most luxury cars to shame! I liked the new 2005 Mustang, but this car is off the charts in execution, fun, and excitement. Heads are turning wherever I go - a very cool feeling. Rock on, Ford!!!