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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  Love it - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Rfcurran05 - March 31 - 10:26 am

  Picked up a FWD Flex Limited in February. With all the incentives, I got a Flex with an MSRP of $35.5k for $28.3k. The interior is extremely comfortable, well thought out, and is great for long drives. I just took it on my first longer distance trip and it did quite well. I averaged 24.5 mpg heading from Boston to the Albany area. Overall, I would say that is pretty impressive considering the size of the vehicle. I love the overall styling of the Flex and it does garner a fair share of attention. It is very low to the ground and is great for those of us that have to load car seats in/out of it.

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  perfect truck in its class - 2004 Ford F-150
  By chris cogis - March 31 - 10:00 am

  this is a reply in regards to the compare it link at this website edmunds said that the dodge ram with the v-10 viper engine(str-10) whooped the svt on horsepower i beg to differ according to truckin magazine the srt had a 1/4 mile time of 14.08 sec @ 101.64 m.p.h,it has a 0-60 of 5.66 with 500 h.p, 525 #s of torque (remember that this is an 8.3 liter engine)and has an msrp of $45,000!!!!! Ouch , but on the other hand fords svt lightning ran a 1/4 time of 14.68 sec @ 98.37 mph it has a 0-60 of 6.37 with 380 h.p and 450 #s of torque and has a msrp of $33,495 yes the srt has more hp and torque but the lightning can hang with a minimal difference in specs.

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  Fun and peppy! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By chicagojudy - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Hugs the road nicely. Makes great tight turns. Quiet engine. Almost soundproof when windows are up. A great value for the money!

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  Fun & great to drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jeremy Dillon - March 31 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I dont like is it stays in high idle between shifts. Like the speed controler doesnt work to idle the motor down. Other than this the car is GREAT..

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  excellent all-around! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Alan - March 31 - 9:17 am

  My main focus is to drive a car that doesnt make feel bad about the purchase price or the fuel economy. My V8 gives me 24.7/MPG combined city/highway. I have the power when I need it and the smooth ROAR to brag about it. I didnt pay through the nose like I would have with some other performance cars and the looks are great. It doesnt have the girlie bells and whistles, like my wifes car does, but I didnt have to pay for them either. Its athletic, handsome, inexpensive to maintain, and its american made and proud of it. Dont just buy one, buy two for the price one foreign made! When youre old and cranky spend your money on a luxury expensive car that only an expensive mechanic can fix

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  A+ - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Craig - March 31 - 12:27 am

  This is my 10th new Ford truck since 1986 and may be the best one yet!. My last was a loaded 2005 supercrew. I had no complaints with it but just went looking to see what deals were out there and drove away with a new 09. Great gas mileage 19mpg, even here in WV. The extra 6" of cab room are very noticeable and appreciated (65" 350). 1100 miles no problems. Great truck

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  insane 4 wheelin - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By chazzmills - March 30 - 10:31 pm

  Ive takin this rig all over Idaho Washington and Oregon. Huntin and fishin, the only time it ever broke down on me. Was after a trip through the desert the brakes went out. In my driveway. Love the ride

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  Owner of 2 contours! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Larissb - March 30 - 9:18 pm

  -good car,but check engine lights never goes off, even after being fixed -cupholder was designed by an idiot -1st car went to 220000 which was pretty good got with 153000 paid 2000.00

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  Great for the whole Family - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Maurice Frye - March 30 - 7:18 pm

  This car has done it all for us, we have traveled many miles and experienced it all and this car just keeps on Trucking...Great car if it was not for the terrible gas prices..

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  This Ford Should Be In Your Future! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Fullerton - March 30 - 6:20 pm

  If you are shopping for a car in this class, you owe it to yourself to check out Fords new Fusion. This is the best Ford in ages, and a worthy competitor for Toyota and Honda. Power is smooth and responsive, handling terrific, and the cabin is spacious with excellent comfort. 30 MPG on highway, mid to high 20s city. Mine is black with bone leather interior, a striking combination. Many express surprise that it is a Ford, thinking it is something much more expensive. I have 7000 miles on it now, and the only repair has been a burned out turn signal bulb, covered under warranty. I looked at many cars (its a car nuts addiction,) and none impressed me like the Fusion did.