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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  My Cobra Experience - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Steve Barrientos - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a super car and my 2003 Cobra meets my needs. I have had a few problems with the suspention making pop noises and had trouble getting the dealer to hear them. Of course thats with most cars. In the past year I have gone through 1 alternator, but that may be because of my sound system driving it too hard. All in All this car is extreamly fun to drive and is an eye catcher. I cant immagine my life without it. The 390 horsepower+ can easyly get away from you if you are not careful. This care is for experienced drivers only. If you are wanting this car get it before they are out, my vehicle # is 2457 of a build of 8394.

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  my 2004 mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By roger pace - December 18 - 10:00 am

  6 cyl. is underpowered for this weight. Automatic transmission is not responsive in lower gears and passing is not good at high end. Convertible top does not return far enough when putting the top up. Pull down is difficult for average person to do.

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  Amazing, just amazing quality - 2004 Ford F-150
  By deckbuilder - December 18 - 10:00 am

  The Ford 150 has proven to be an impressive surprise. I liked it on the test drive, and now that I own it, I am amazed. The frame on this thing is so rigid that the truck handles rough roads without the slightest squeak or protest. The truck steers and handles like a great car. The interior is solid as a rock, fit and finish are amazing, and everything works better than I expect it to. A rare treat- I got more than I paid for.

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  Reliable and Fun - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Greybeard-FL - December 18 - 7:55 am

  Bought my Pony when my old Dodge mini- van finally gave up the ghost. Use it as a daily driver. Now have 63K miles. Reliable and fun transportation. V6 is peppy and quick to respond. No mechanical issues to date - only costs are normal maintenance. very pleased with Ford, and this mustang has been a worthwhile investment. I have nothing negative to say about the car. Drove from FL to KS and avg 31 mpg @ 75mph the entire trip (1500 miles each way)

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  Excelent SUV! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Holly - December 18 - 7:16 am

  Just got this car a couple days ago and I am LOVING IT! wouldnt trade it for anything! except maybe one with 4WD..lol. ALL IN ALL GREAT!

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  Looks great and drives even better - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Happy Camper - December 18 - 2:33 am

  So far, I love my new hybrid. It drives like a dream and the gas (in town) is about 34 mpg, pretty good for an AWD SUV. No complaints.

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  2010 Ford Focus SE 4dr - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Dave - December 17 - 11:38 pm

  I have no idea what people are talking about when they say that this car has no power. I am 6ft 300 pounds and this car fits me better than the ford fusion. Ok this car is not a speed demon but this little car is what I would have to say is zippy. I am at 40mph in no time. The car is fun to drive and so far I am having a blast with it. Go and test one out and you may see what I have stated. The gas mileage is perfect 35MPG on split city and highway driving cant ask more than that.

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  Loving the Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Stacey - December 17 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car almost 1 1/2 years ago, and I still adore it! I commuted to work in it for an entire year and I averaged about 26mpg, which is much better than I had expected. This car is nice for traveling across the country, and it drives very well in the mountains here in Colorado! Since Ive owned my Freestyle, Ive been able to avoid two near-misses with reckless drivers, and I believe thats because even though its a small SUV/large wagon, it handles like a car. I still get giddy when I see it in a parking lot with other cars, its so beautiful! In the year and a half the Freestyle has been mine, Ive only had to replace my rear brakes.

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  Ford Warranty - 2007 Ford Edge
  By stahjam - December 17 - 1:10 pm

  The Edge is a good overall vehicle. Major complaints - CD changer broke, should never be sold in anything - old Delphi junk. 36,000 mile warranty too short compared to other cars available. Cheap Mazda/Ford rotors rusted after 18 months, but I was over the mileage warranty, so I paid $200 for replacement. Just received Ford recall that the coolant system may cause engine damage. Overall-not a bad vehicle if you buy low end model. Not sure if its worth it for the fit/finish/warranty and lack of quality in the SEL/Limited versions. When this one is paid for, probably wont purchase another Ford until they improve warranty. I sent my concerns to Ford and received no help.

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  awesome - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By jmtdawg - December 17 - 10:27 am

  After driving an 06 Five Hundred for last 4 years I felt confident that the new Taurus would be every bit as good as my Five Hundred. I purchased an SEL a week ago and it has exceeded my expectations. This is a fun car to drive and turns heads quite often. At this early stage of ownership the gas mileage is looking real good - 30 on the highway and about 22 riding around in town. The "Sync" system is great! I never had satalite radio before and now I know what all the buzz is about with it......no need for CD listening for the most part. I looked at more expensive cars but the Taurus was and is the winner. Great job Ford!!!!