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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  Big Change - 2009 Ford Edge
  By JT - October 14 - 3:41 am

  This Edge is my first cross over. I replaced a Hemi Durango so I was hoping for better fuel milage. So far this thing rocks. plenty of power with great manners, and lots of room for a 63 guy. Brakes are a little weak for such a light car.

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  290,000 miles and still running - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By teejay - October 14 - 12:18 am

  well here i am again for anyone out there that wants to read about my little festy. toughest car i have ever owned. hope to get 300k before i am done maybe then consider going 400k. who knows??? i bought car with 182k and thought 200 would be maybe possible. this little thing just keeps going and going and going!!!!!

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Ken - October 13 - 5:36 pm

  Bought this new in 2001 and now use it as a second car. Much more fun to drive than my Camry. Takes the Western Pa hills and curves with ease. Very reliable. Only had to replace the spark plug wires after about 70,000 miles.

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  Pretty Good - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By D. R. - October 13 - 3:55 pm

  Basics of what makes a vehicle a car are very good - fine fit and finish, drivetrain is plenty powerful,smooth, and flexible. Trunk space is superior. Ride is quiet, but would prefer a bit less stiff suspension and higher profile tires on a family sedan. I dont care about Indy car performance on the curves. I know pizzazz sells, but wish Engineers would shift emphasis a bit from entertainment and novelty to utility. Steering wheel paddle switch shifting to play manual transmission is an idea whose time should have never come. Long after the shine wears off, such mundane things as a garage door opener and a trash container - not included - would be more satisfying.

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  Simply Amazing !! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Kat - October 13 - 3:20 pm

  Our first Mustang --> A 2010 GT Premium, black on black, with Aluminium Machine bright 19 inch wheels, HID light, navigation, rear camera ok, ok one word it is a - masterpiece (had to wait for 7.5 weeks to get one). Have owned Hondas and Toyotas earlier, Hondas are good, Toyotas are crap (bad experience and hence the opinion). Bottomline, never knew Fords were that good, wasted few years of my life by not driving one earlier. My highschooler is eagerly waiting to get his license and drive it. My 4 year olds just wants to be dropped off to school in the Mustang. Power, the roaring sound, head turner, great handling, the super cool indicators enough said I must say, it is --> Simply Amazing!!

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  Great Car from Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Marko - October 13 - 1:00 pm

  Have only owned the car for <700 miles but am totally impressed with the engineering and design detail of the car. My real word mileage is as advertized on the sticker but it does take a little thought and effort to get the high mileage results. Ford (MS) Sync system is the bomb. Works voice activated quite well, support for Sat Radio, iPod and 10G car music server is awesome. Fit and finish are top notch.

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  Six speed equals awfull ride - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By James - October 13 - 8:11 am

  As a die hard blue oval fan this is very hard to write.Let me give you a little history about me and Ford. My first car ever was a white Ford Taurus in high school/college, then a F-150 king ranch pickup in the Marine Corp, when the gas prices went up I got a ford 500. I know own a 09 Taurus limited AWD and it is the worst car i have ever owned. The six speed transmission is pathetic at best constantly sifting and the shifts are not smooth by any means, I have had several people ask me if there was something wrong with my car when they were riding with me.. Why did ford get rid of the CVT ???and ruin the car with the six speed. Its so bad Im getting rid of the car and it has 9753 miles!!

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  i cant believe I made it over 120,000 - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By nicoleot - October 13 - 7:26 am

  I purchased this car brand new in August 2002. Still driving it. Have put a lot of highway miles. Things replaced, at 60K needed a new transmission. 70k needed a new a/c compresser. Changed brakes 2x. 2 fuel filters. The truck is not great on miles, but still runs. Yeah, the ride is bumpy but I plan to ride it to the ground. Hoping to get 150k on it. I did get better tires for it. Michel..LTX and that improved the ride. Very good with snow. If you own this car keep it. If you dont, I wouldnt go buy a new one. After 50K everything falls apart.

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  Good basics, but needs some work - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By CVPI2000 - October 13 - 4:13 am

  I bought a 2000 Police Interceptor based on its safety and cooling capacity. Its a blast to drive, but some things need work. I bought an aftermarket console for between the seats for $50 on eBay- great investment.

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  Gotta Love Your Work Horse - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Cortez777CJ - October 12 - 9:43 pm

  Well I bought this truck back in 2006 before I Joined the Marine Corps and used it for pleasure and work Id have to say drivin back and forth over the years has defiantly thrown some miles on it 250k but it still purrs like the day I bought It I pulled more then 2& a half tons with it and had no problem what so ever Used it as my own business truck and took my date to prom So Ive never had one problem just regular maintenance and a lot of TLC