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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  The Escape was the best SUV for us! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Bocaboy - January 11 - 1:16 pm

  I am really impressed with our Escape. We chose it after comparing it to the Forester, RAV4 and CR-V. We liked the fact that the tailgate opened up and that the window was usable because of the tire being mounted underneath the car. The fit and finish are excellent and the car doesnt have a squeak or rattle in it. I really love Sync and think it is the best implementation of electronics of any car in this class. Ford really hit a home run in that area of the interior design. The exposed wiring at the back of the adjustable mirror and on the rear window are not worthy of the remaining workmanship that went into this car. Otherwise, this car is a terrific value and very well manufactured.

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  NEW EDGE EVEN BETTER!!! - 2010 Ford Edge
  By FASTANG - January 11 - 12:18 pm

  We bought a 2008 edge 2 years ago. But after seeing all the incentives decided to order a 2010 edge sport. with zero% financing and the new sport blue and two tone interior. So we pulled the trigger and upgraded. Glad we did every thing is improved. Even being a sport with 20" w/t combo it still is quieter and smoother. Mileage has improved. Way to go Ford.

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  Brake Downs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Dan - January 11 - 11:09 am

  I bought this suv with 36000 on it. I have replaced all four wheel bearings at a cost of around $450. a piece. That started at 46000. The four wheel drive modual went out at 87000, cost 490. It just turned 90000 and guess what? The transmission went out, cost 3,550. I have driven Fords for over 35 years and this is the worst luck I have ever had and of course Ford wont help, I ask the dealer about the tranny at a local dealership and he almost laughed. Not sure but was told the parts are made in Mexico! Go figure! Oh the heated seats also quit last year. Guess I dont need a seat warmer anyway, and I forgot the lift gate shocks, I replaced all four of them.

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  disappointed ll - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Carl - January 11 - 11:06 am

  Huge Ford fan 50 years. At present own (4) this will be the last! Coolant problem, rear p windows motor replaced (3) times, now transmission will have to be replaced at 580,000 miles all on me no help from Ford! This car has not been driven hard, would think Ford would stand behind there product more!

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  Good buy - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Donelle - January 10 - 11:17 pm

  I wanted a large SUV. It was a choice between the GMC Yukon Denali or the Ford Expedition Limited. After doing price comparisons, and vehicle qualities, I went with Ford. What really sold me was the flat folding rear seats, the amount of room in the rear seats for adults, heated and cooled front seats, along with the wood trim, plus the unimaginable smooth ride, for a large SUV. Having a backup camera with back up sensors is a big sell also. I got lucky and found a King Ranch model in my area. Everyone who has seen my SUV, loves it and wants one of their own. Dont have a problem with its size, as I drove buses and motorcoaches. I love my little luxury coach.....

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  Good unit - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Arcticblast - January 10 - 10:38 pm

  I have an Eddie Bauer 93 Ford Bronco identical to the one in the picture. I bought it new, it has been a very good rig with a few problems. The ash tray is impossible to use correctly, the 5.8 liter engine has always used a bit of oil, the push button 4x4 has given me problems as well as the automatic hubs, the seats dont adjust back far enough and the keyless remote entry and remote are impossible to find parts for.

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  Like and Old Friend - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Cobber - January 10 - 7:50 pm

  I just bought my new Ranger, and I must say it is like an old friend all ready. The style is old but classic, and looks like a truck should. I was surprised at the power of the V6 engine, although the fuel mileage is a little disappointing so far. I understand that fuel economy will improve with break in. I hope Ford will keep this truck in its lineup.Its sales are as good as the F150.

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  new ford owner - 2009 Ford Edge
  By giants fan - January 10 - 4:52 pm

  We bought our edge when our grand prix was going downhill and we needed a bigger car due because of having a child. Weve never owned a ford because Ive always been weary on buying them but I was very impressed with it. Test drive was awesome. Car rides really nice and smooth. Plenty of leg room and a lot of space in the back. I enjoy driving this car and I am so glad we found the edge.

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  Fords last good vehicle - 1998 Ford Contour
  By pablo - January 10 - 4:04 pm

  I bought a 98 2.0 Contour in 02 when my 89 Volvo died w/276k. Contour had 58k when I bought it now has 136k. I replaced the orig. timing belt at 102K, did it myself with a book in 6hrs. This car has been nothing but pure joy, all electronic,ac/heat work great. Replaced header exhaust flex pipe 2x, Brakes 2x, car is well maintained at 25 city, 32 hiway mph, engine is still tight and clean no oil burning, when I pulled valve cover to set cams. It has some rot coming thru now in front of rear wheels, orig. rear struts will need to be replaced soon. So impressed with this car I bought a 99 w/59k in 06 and stashed it so I have another. The 99 is just as good. Im buying a 2.0 2000 to keep 2.

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  Ford has a sleeper hit... - 2010 Ford Focus
  By James Rockett - January 10 - 11:47 am

  I recently bought a 2010 Ford Focus SEL after looking at comparable models of Honda, Hyundai and Nissan. It handles great, has more power than people think and has all of the little "small things" that make it worthwhile. Im 63" and this thing fits me better than my old Escape did... and the gas mileage so far is excellent.