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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  Wishing I bought it now (I lease..) - 2007 Ford Edge
  By cheeseman525 - November 1 - 12:56 am

  Okay, it might be a bit early to jump to such wild assumptions, but I love this vehicle. Not seeing a lot of them yet out here, so I get the "What kind of car is that" question followed by, "no way that is a Ford". So the ego of course is inflated, but driving this thing is where you will fall in love. On ramps with all four wheels pulling are instant smile makers. Stomp the accelerator at 65 and feel yourself pulled back in the seat when the auto tranny smoothly downshifts to 3rd and 5500 rpms and you rocket past that pain hovering at 65 in the left lane. I thought my 525 would always be my favorite driver, but the Edge has made that a distant memory.

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  Great Evolution of Design - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Bob-o2010 - October 31 - 1:16 pm

  This is my third Expedition 97 EB (176k),2003 EB 4WD(136k), and 07 Limited(now 60k). Great design for space and comfort and even the old ones still look great. The 07 is the best yet. The improvements to IRS hit the mark. Auto lift gate and power seats are great. Best is the Ride - Chrome Clad Wheels is the dumbest idea yet. Very easy to damage and expensive to replace. No repair possible.

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  Disappointed with new vehicle - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By cburto01 - October 31 - 10:12 am

  Purchased the vehicle brand new (3.5 miles). We drove it for two days and the SYNC system started locking the media / nav system along with placing random numbers in when attempting to dial the phone via audio response. On the third day, the read hatch would open and not close. Hatch would go down and come right back up. Then start it up and push on throttle with minimal response. Expy would not go over 10 MPH. Nursed it back to the dealer and service adviser experienced first hand this issue. "Ive never seen anything like this"- NOT the words I want to hear from a "Blue Oval" expert who will be repairing the vehicle. Owned 3 days and back to the shop for repair - VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!

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  Worth the Wait - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By EverReady - October 31 - 6:00 am

  Special ordered in May 09 without test driving or seeing vehicle in person. One of our best decisions. So glad Ford decided to bring Taurus back. Look forward to driving this car. Enjoying all the new features such as BlueTooth, voice activation. Called the Silver Bullet, love the color. Seats are comfortable, ride is smooth and quiet. Handles great. 29-30 MPG for trips to Ohio and 21-22 MPG around town and to work. So far, so good. Only problem - auto windshield wipers not working and dealer has failed to determine problem. New vehicle and people not trained in maintaining trouble shooting. Ford failed to provide maintenance manuals in advance or train personnel.

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  Enjoyable Drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By al - October 30 - 11:45 pm

  Overall very pleased with my purchase. When looking to buy any model or year of focus be sure to check condition of bottom of doors interior and exterior especially behind rubber gasket that ford loves to use on all focuses. I didnt and was later surprised by the corrosion I found. Consellation is its relatively minimal and can fix it myself. Ford will not warranty the corrosion even though its clearly a design flaw. Common problem with the focus according to reviews all over the internet.

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  Last Ford for me - 2008 Ford Escape
  By imperialquartz - October 30 - 11:29 pm

  Not my first Ford lemon, but will be the last. Lots of ongoing problems, transmission cooler replacement, creaky steering has the dealers perplexed. Rattle in front end at low speeds, rear window rattles,one front seat heat works only when it feels like it. Seals between front & rear doors falling off top & bottom. Front seat cushions are too short. This is just a new body on the old drive should not have this many troubles. Not all negative, not a bad commuter, fuel economy is OK, 25 MPG (imperial gallon) AWD system works very well in the snow. Adequate cargo space. My wife just purchased an 09 Hyundai Santa Fe, it totally puts the Escape to shame as far as fit & finish.

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  Great Car that worse than YUGO ! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ankhmaat - October 30 - 9:19 pm

  Clutch gone at 33,000 Front Struts worn out at 65,000 Steering wheel fails to unlock at 45,000 Tinim chain skips and ruins engine at 98,000 3 radios changed under warranty, and never wored right Side mirrrs break off easily and host of little problems. I used to own YUGO and things that lasted forever on YUGO break on FORD FOUCS, incredible ! Coolant tank leaks at 82,500 CHeck engine light on more than 20 times, Radiator and fan and air flow sensor all failed when still under warranty. Well mine was made in MEXICO !

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  I really love this Thing - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By guddy - October 30 - 7:51 pm

  I bought my 93 with 158,000, I reluctantly gave it to my daughter to drive to Fairbanks, Alaska, laden with her and husbands personal stuff, on the roof and packed into the bay. They slept on top of the whole thing. In short, they put an additional 7,000 mi. on and arrived safely in Fairbanks. I didnt fix the AC compressor.., figured she didnt need it in Alaska. She had to change the oil to match the Alaska environments and she got a warning from a mechanic that they may need some front end ball joints and tie rods(the Alcan had some potholes). Otherwise, I told her to never sell it, I would rather fly up and drive it back to Los Angeles.

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  Gets Lots of Looks - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By DJ - October 30 - 6:26 pm

  Had our Taurus only a little over a month, but have already taken it on a 5 day driving trip to the mountains. It handled great, we even used the shift paddles coming down some of the steeper grades. They were easy to use and safer than riding the brake. We averaged 26 mpg which was better than expected. Passengers in the backseat commmented how comfortable they were and that they could see out well. Love the hands-free SYNC system. We used the directions coming and going, even though we had a map. It helped us even find a Walmart. Huge trunk, nice height for seating, you dont fall into the car. Everywhere we go, we always get comments on what a beautiful car it is.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By FordFusion - October 30 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned my fusion for a little over a year, I bought it used with 30k miles on it. Right now it has 69k. I have never had any engine, brake, and transmission problems. Here are the things I had to do: change the oil, alignment, tires, and new battery. There has been nothing wrong with this car. Im also 64", I still have leg room and passengers have it also. I would recommend this to first year drivers, college students, and people look for a reliable car. It also rides that a dream hugs the road well on sharp and quick turns. If you like to take road trips this is the perfect car. I live in Houston and can go to Dallas on half of a tank. Thats approximately 200 miles.