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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  Quiet, powerful and loaded - 2012 Ford Edge
  By mtnarch - April 17 - 11:56 pm

  Very solid build, no rattles, squeaks or sounds. Lots of power with the V6! Sync with MyFordTouch is really nice - spend time learning it and realize that the touch screen is not instantaneous. V6 will eat up the gas - watch how far you press the peddle down to pass or accelerate - but the power thats there when you do is nothing short of amazing!

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  My First Car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By rockintheford - April 17 - 1:55 pm

  This was my first new car. Ive always bought used cars from toyotas to porsches but none of them impressed me until my ford aspire with 200,000 miles on it. Ford dealers were AWESOME every need met and got a great price for my Fiesta S 5speed manual trans under $10,000. Ive been driving this vehicle for over a year now. 16,000 miles on it and I still gloat over it. Handles great in any weather, gets the same fuel economy as my motorcycle (38-43mpg) and surprisingly comfortable. Ford built a great car here. No regrets or complaints.

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  2010 Fusion SE Auto Sun+Sync - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By thom1486 - April 15 - 11:46 am

  Bought mine used with 22,500 miles in August 2010 now has 27,500. I love the car. The ride is comfortable, yet athletic. The stereo is awesome no mechanical issues, still a very solid vehicle. Easy to attain EPA fuel economy ratings. Have not had any of the transmission issues I have heard much about, hopefully they dont pop up. Great car, Id recommend to anybody. I chose it over the Civic, Camry, Cruze, and Malibu

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  2011 Ford Flex California Review - 2011 Ford Flex
  By califdreamn - April 13 - 6:24 pm

  With our 2001 Honda Odyssey mini van approaching 130K and on its third transmission, we set out to see what sort of new vehicle might fit our fancy. I have had my eye on the Flex for some time but we also looked hard at the Mazda CX9. For us, the Flex has the larger more comfortable cabin, a ridiculous amount of leg room in the second row, and the look of a poor mans Range Rover. The CX9 has super supportive seating as well as a sporty ride and engine. But the Flex has a uniqueness about it that nothing else compares to. And, if you can still secure a 2011 with the hefty rebates, you will have a vehicle that pound for pound surpasses anything else.

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  First Mustang and First Convertible! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By briannabest90 - April 12 - 11:17 am

  I have always wanted a convertible, and could never find one I really liked. I recently started test driving the Pontiac G6, and Chrysler Sebring they could not even compare to how the mustang convertible drove. I love my car (black body, black top, and black interior). It is so sleek looking, and when I drive by with the top down people just stop and stare. Super fun car to drive, and I fit my friends in there perfectly. Definitely recommend!

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  Good value for the money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By ohiodale - April 11 - 12:23 pm

  I have a 2004 Escape with about 87,000 miles on it. It has always been a good car for me and its going on 9 years. I had to replace the front axil due to the gear that drives the anti lock brakes cracking. This repair was $350 which was not bad in my eyes. I do routine oil changes and have had all the other fluids changed once, including the brake fluid. I am a firm believer that if you want a car to last you need to put some money into them. I expect I will need to replace the spark plugs and serpentine belts in about a year. I drain the transimission fluid from the drian plag every couple of years and so far so good with the tranny.

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  I was surprised! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By regularguynlr - April 9 - 10:28 am

  Ok. First, Im a Corvette fan. So when my partner bought a 2011 Mustang Gt Convertible Auto I thought I would not like it but that I would just have to be supportive. But to my surprise. I love this car!! I have a 2005 Vette Convertible and I would much rather take the Mustang on a trip than the Vette! I know. I cant believe it but its the truth. This car is comfortable, fast, will take a curve like nobodys bussiness and looks pretty good doing it too. If your thinking about one, Get it! You wont be sorry, maybe surprised like me.

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  The year the pony got its gallop back -) - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By bryanbrock - April 8 - 9:28 pm

  This is the 5th mustang I have owned all others being older models, And I have to give ford credit it is a vast improvement and a whole different animal. Handling is by far much improved due to new chassis engineering, you get 305hp in the GT! Which is the most power available to the GT to that date. Engine management system does a great job of turning it into a boulevard bully when your in the mood then pretend its Hybrid when it senses your trying to save gas. Back seat takes effort to get into but plenty of room in the 2005 when back there. Clutch could be handled by my 80 yr old grandma, ..not heavy at all! Now even the car is 6 years old it still gets complements and ride requests!

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  JUST ONE GLARING PROBLEM - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By scotsman1965 - April 8 - 11:58 am

  Best car I have ever owned. I have owned a lot of cars....mostly GM and this beats them hands down.

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  Excellent Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By musicaldark - April 4 - 11:20 pm

  I bought my Taurus in Feb 2008, she had 88k miles on her, and here at 125k miles shes still running good as new. I always believed, if you take care of your car, then your car will take care of you. Thats very true! Im faithful to 3 month oil changes, 6 month tune ups, 1 year new tires or rotation of the ones bought the following year. I went today actually to look about getting a new car and the dealer at a Honda dealership told me, "You have a great car here, Id keep her if I was you" and you know what? He was right and I am keeping her. Best investment I ever made!