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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  Master Cylinder Brake Failure - 2010 Ford Edge
  By koczani - September 22 - 10:01 pm

  I had to take the Edge in at 5,400 miles because the brakes felt spongy. The Dealership says I need a Master Cylinder, but they had none is stock. I am without a vehicle as I wait for the Edge to be repaired. In this day and age, the Dealership should offer a loaner if they are going the keep the vehicle over 24 hours.

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  New Ford Purchaser - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Not a Ford Person - September 22 - 8:21 pm

  Well Im not a Ford person really as I swore Id never own one but my wife and I have noticed that we have been taken by the style and appearance of certain model years of the Escape. We have only had our Escape for a few weeks now and despite the negative reviews as seen here regarding the less than anticipated fuel mileage so far our initial trials have been at least 500kms to the the full tank or better with city and highway driving. Well see in the months to come how the fuel mileage will end up being.

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  Best Truck Ive been in - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Scott - September 22 - 1:41 pm

  I never expected such an all around excellent performer. This truck is very comfortable, quiet and very capable in every way. One reason I picked it over the Toyota Tundra is the large gas tank, 36 gallons vs 26 gallons. The extra capacity is very helpful when Im towing. Other great towing features are the integrated brake controller, and sway control.

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  08 Escape Thoughts - 2008 Ford Escape
  By nrwilliams - September 22 - 10:10 am

  I was waiting for a hybrid Escape but was not able to recieve it until maybe December which would have been 6 months. So I decided to get the 4cyl, 2wd and it has been great. The average mileage all around has been 24mpg. The noise level is also a lot less then the original model. The 4cyl is plenty of horsepower for the car considering the V6 isnt that much more.

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  Still going strong - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By MSH - September 22 - 8:41 am

  Bought my explorer new and now have about 120k miles on it. It has had its share of maintenance issues (radio display, back windshield wiper, fuel pumpx2, belts, sensors, minor suspension issues, etc) but overall it has been pretty reliable. I perform scheduled maintenance regularly and dont worry about random breakdowns or taking on long trips. Both the interior and the exterior have held up well and (IMHO) still look good. Overall, the value of the car to me far exceeds its blue book price.

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  Its more than promised - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 1 for Fun - September 21 - 8:10 pm

  I still own my first car after driving it for 32 years. My Dad bought a 66 Thunderbird Convertible for my Mom in late 65. It is still my favorite of my 12 cars. For the first time since I got the T-bird at 16 years old, I am in love with my car again. Highly recommended; the car has proven to be pure fun.

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  Good but already some problems - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jason - September 21 - 6:58 pm

  Within 1500 miles of driving off the lot, our Flex started making a high pitch sound out of the back of the car. It can be heard about 30 ft away and recently has grown loud enough to be heard within the car [if the radio is off]. When we took the car in to be fixed the dealer told us that it was the fuel pump. They called Ford and Ford told the dealer that the pump it is within the fuel pumps specs to make a high pitch whistle - so tough luck. As mentioned before, the whistle is growing louder, so maybe when our ears start to bleed Ford may change their mind, until then I tell everyone who asks how much we regret the purchase.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Michael B. - September 21 - 6:57 pm

  Im not an easy sale, which is part of the reason why even though I love this car so much that I do not give it all 10s as the purpose of this is to inform you and not brag about how great of a car this is. The car looks great stock but lacks the power that I personally desire. Easily fixed though with very accessible modifications that you can do. Interior quality can be improved but leave the exterior alone as it looks the way it should. The Handling is great and it behaves like a muscle car is supposed to. Definitely recommend getting an aftermarket intake, exhaust and a custom tune otherwise dont expect to blow by other cars in its class with ease.

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  Beware -Think...Read before your buy - 2009 Ford Escape
  By BEWARE - September 21 - 5:06 pm

  I have problem after problem with the SUV. Really thinking about public transportation. Clicking in the wheels, shifting is horrible, transmission seal leaked and this is in the first 3 months of me own the vehicle. The good reviews must be from the dealerships. Think and research before you make this purchase.

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  Fit and finish need attention - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Jeff - September 21 - 4:50 pm

  We sold our 2006 Sequoia to purchase the 2010 Flex to haul our 5 kids. We were attracted to the styling reminiscent on the 60s wagons. The 6 cylinder is peppy and a good compromise between power and economy. Upon closer inspection, however, the fit and finish off the car are low for the price. We have owned the car 2 weeks now and already a rattle developed in the headliner around the sunroof 9clip came loose), the lower door weather strip (5 foot long plastic extrusion) on the passenger side fell off while driving and the chrome strip below the passenger side came loose. Door alignment is terrible and there is a huge blob of body sealant in the jamb at the top off the rear hatch.