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 third Focus - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Brian - June 25 - 4:02 pm

  I just purchased my new focus this wekk and LOVE it! (5 speed manual). The day I drove it home from the dealer I made 37 MPG! For an automobile in this class, I could ask for nothing more and have had a few suprises too! Love the Moon and tune package, quiet ride, outstanding MPG. Previous reliablity has been phenominal! our 2001 has 240000 miles with NO issues as well as our 2002 with 150000 miles (daughter has it now) with NO issues other than regular maintence. If you are looking for a great economy car, look nowhere else!

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  2001 ford focus se wagon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By edward jensen - June 25 - 2:07 pm

  I purchased my focus used with 21000 miles on it.The wagon was very useful for utility purposes.The car had many accessories that were very useful.I loved the car the first couple years.But then it started to cost me to much to maintain. I traded it in to a local ford dealer at about 67,500 miles on it.I had given up on it and told them why.

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  Best car Ive had so far - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By paris2325 - June 25 - 1:46 pm

  I have a 2001 for taurus se flex fuel, that was a fleet vehicle for the state of Idaho. I bought it at 121,000 miles, and it has a rust pattern under the engine that indicates it has already blown the head gasket. Heard lots of horror stories about Fords, but this car has not had to have 1 bit of mechanic help. It runs great, is currently at 135,000 miles, youd never be able to tell!! on the down side, Im taking it for an inspection, I suspect some kind of transmission issue. Hopefully its not going out, but It wont surprise me to hear that. my camaro is way more fun to drive, but my taurus great for my 4 year old. love this car.

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  GT Premium Coupe, Automatic - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By TNCPA - June 25 - 1:13 pm

  As a senior owner who bought and kept a disappointing Infiniti G35 Coupe for only two months, this Mustang is much more than I expected. Excellent, sporty ride, quiet (when you want it to be), and great handling. Very responsive powertrain and a bargain for less than $30k. Redfire metallic with parchment leather is a striking combination.

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  GREAT FAMILY WAGON!!! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Benjamin - June 25 - 12:41 pm

  I bought this for my wife to replace her minivan. I needed an AWD people mover... we have 4 kids under 11. Thought I was going to have to go with Toyota Sienna or Honda Pilot. Im glad I found the Flex. Styling is so much cooler and Sync and Audio is high tech. Two tone & Vista roof was a must. You cant really appreciate vehicle until you climb in. Interior is excellent quality & design. Middle row leg room is excellent. As Ford says DRIVE ONE. I drove the FLEX 1st and was so impressed. I never got around to the Toyota or Honda.

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  A Great Truck - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By dsword - June 25 - 12:08 pm

  I bought this truck used in oct.of 2007.I absolutely love this truck.My kids love it.Plenty of room for everyone.No problems mechanically or with the exterior.Sadly someone just ran a red light last week and was doing 70 plus and tboned me!My truck is totaled,but it saved my life! Everyone has said that if I was in anything smaller I would have been killed.I am deffinately getting another one just like it!

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  SUPERIOR CAR for its class! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Paratrooperwife - June 25 - 12:03 pm

  OH MY GOODNESS, this car is just awesome! I traded my Chevy for this and what a difference. Ive got the SEL V6 and its really got a lot of power. I love the leather seats, heated, and the body is so sleek. Ford really thought of all the details inside and out. Great viability and handling. Heck, they even paid extra attention to the details in the manual - now thats impressive.

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  Rear End - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Matt - June 25 - 10:48 am

  Ford needs to step to the plate and repair manufactures defective differientials. I do not beleive that in this day and age this part of the drive train should ever wear out esspecially when the humming atarted at about 50,000 miles. I also beleive that Ford knows of the problem and was aware that the rear ends where flawed at assembly and installed them anyway. A goodwill recall is the right thing to do. I will drive it till it dies and buy elsewhere if Ford does not mend my rear end. :-)

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  the corvette killer. - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By kenneth gray - June 25 - 10:00 am

  the mustang has been a dream car of mines since was 10 years old now im going on forty one years old. my uncle had to of them in the early seventies when he came home from the marines.but he didnt appreciate what he had.

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Compunerd - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This F-150 has been a very solid vehicle for me. After the disaster that was my 1999 Olds Bravada the simplicity was a welcome change. Though I have only put about 10000 miles on it, I have not had even a minor mechanical glitch at this point. With current incentives, it cost less than my old SUV did USED. I think this will be a reliable truck for years to come. The Super Cab is not very roomy but can hold an average sized adult male on shorter trips (under a couple of hours). The back "doors" help with getting passengers into and out of the back. The ride is fairly smooth for a truck and it gets better milage than expected.