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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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By pdxjimbob - May 30 - 12:15 pm

  My car has the shaker stereo, leather, etc. I was surprised that the Radial T/As it came with stunk - got rid of those tires and replaced them with some hot Falkens - now it handles GREAT. It is really just a two seater tho - dont really know why Ford had to design the rear seat with the back practically straight up but it makes sitting back there a painful experience if more than a couple blocks. The front seats are great - and LOTS of leg room. You can see the seams in some of the plastics which detracts from an otherwise well executed interior design. I bought the V6 thinking it would get better mileage - I shoulda got the 8 I think it mighta got better mileage.

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  Escape - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Escape - May 30 - 11:31 am

  I was looking to buy an SUV that gets good gas mileage. I bought a new 2009 Ford Escape and absoluetly love it. It gets great gas mileage, very smooth ride, easy to drive, and great features. I was also able to get a really great deal on the price. With only about 2000 miles on the SUV i am already getting close to 26 mpg. i am also only about 5 tall so i thought it was great that the seats raised up and forward. They allowed for me to see great and have no blind spots. The handling in the escape is amazing.

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  Extremely Satisfied - 2006 Ford F-150
  By ryowns - May 30 - 4:40 am

  I am extremely satisfied with my new Ford SuperCab. Good gas mileage, good power, roomy and comfortable. Looks great, rides great, handles like a dream, and I feel safe. After 13 years in my Ranger it was time to move up. Our other truck is a 2005 King Ranch Super Crew. After my wife decided to drive it I just went and got my Lariat. I couldnt be happier with the exception that I really enjoy the King Ranch.

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  n/a - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Tatiana Hargrave - May 30 - 4:04 am

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  Edge to Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Steelheadrod - May 30 - 2:58 am

  never saw him Got T- Boned @40+ making a left on to nortbound Smokey Pt Drive, New car, back probs, leaving PT ( Back ) 5 pm Poor vis, low heavy clouds & Lt rain, Waited for BIG open spot in traffic flow both ways, found one large one after some smaller gaps, decided to wait for a car 1/3 of way into left gap turn signal on, check both ways again still looks great, wait to see tire on car turn into my road, as they turn I gently pull out into center turn lane, 15 Ft away the 4X4s comming hard & BAM! just had time to turn hard away both cars towed no injury to me at all car took it all! 15K & 60 days repair, Looks great! Tows my boat better than my 06 4X4 Ranger FX-4 off-road nice ride/pep

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  It always starts! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Kristen E. - May 30 - 1:11 am

  We purchased this car from the original owner. We have had to replace shocks, sway bars, and a wheel bearing at 100,000 miles and have had to machine the rotors twice over the past 25,000 miles. Other than the somewhat pricey repairs, we have enjoyed this car. Nothing special about it really, but it always turns over, even in our sub-zero Wisconsin winters. We have taken this car all over the Midwest, and it handles well on the Interstate, even in heavy snow. In fact, it handles the snow better than our AWD Trailblazer did. Our model definitely lacks in pick-up, but its not like we bought a station wagon for sheer performance. As far as fuel economy, it beats any mini-van of that model year

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  I love my Edge - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Dani in NY - May 30 - 12:55 am

  I have been driving my Ford Edge Limited since March 09, and all I have to say so far is that I Love It!! The main reason why I picked it over the other vehicles I was considering was the technology package. You get so much more for the money compared to other vehicles. The exterior designed is powerful and I love the way it drives!

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  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Tom W - May 30 - 12:36 am

  Bought from old friend with only 88k last Sept and have logged almost 20k in ensuing months. Worst snow in NW Oregon in years and it soldiered through it, 34 miles each way, to work and back. Jeeps and other SUVs were in the ditch and on their sides, me and my Explorer just drove on as though we were inpervious. Im a big guy, 64 215, and I fit perfectly in the car. The leather seats are comfortable enough althought the drivers is starting to sag. All the electrical is fine except the rear wiper which was a problem during the bad weather and the drivers door lock is frozen, but the auto lock still works fine. Paint and overall appearance is very nice still. Grey/ grey leather. Love it!

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  very satisfied - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By john - May 29 - 3:46 pm

  When I saw that Consumer Reports recommended the 2009 Ford Focus and Fusion I decided to check them out. Previous cars I have owned have been Subarus and Hondas. I ended up helping my daughter purchase a new Ford Focus and I ended up getting the 09 Fusion. I have been VERY satisfied so far. Great ride and my wife and I love the room in the interior, the great sound system and the SYNC system. What really clinched the deal, however, was the $3500 incentive on top of a great deal that was just $400 above the invoice price. I ended up purchasing a new ford that had a MSRP of around $23,00 for $18,000. Good Job Ford!!

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  LOVE IT - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Dave - May 29 - 10:05 am

  I had a Mercedes R350 with all the options, and I drove the Flex and looked at the price and said what the heck am I doing driving a Mercedes, I returned the Mercedes 5 months early to get the Flex, I could not find the SEL with leather and Nav, so I settled for the SE and will install the Nav. Best bang for the buck bar none! THANKS FORD!!