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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  Lovin It - 2009 Ford Flex
  By bleary travelers - February 2 - 11:03 pm

  The week after we bought our solid silver Flex we took a 4,000 mile road trip. Had many chances to check fuel economy with the cruise control on and came up with these numbers: 80 mph - 23 mpg; 70 mph - 24 mpg; 60 mph - 28+ mpg. Very pleased! The ride is really comfortable except (as others have noted) the head rests tilt forward. I experienced the same thing when we test drove an 09 Pilot. I talked my husband into this car - hes 63", Im 50" and we both love driving it. Plenty of cargo space (musician hauling keyboards & amps). Cant answer as to reliability yet, but this replaces our 99 Explorer that had 175k miles on it. I dont expect anything less from the Flex

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  My Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Ken Willson - February 2 - 10:02 pm

  This vehicle is everything that it is hyped up to be. It is rugged in snow and mud. It is also good at pulling a 28" trailer. The interior is very comfortable and the heated front seats are great in the winter.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Steven - February 2 - 9:22 pm

  Performance is great. 207 HP engine will get you anywhere in a hurry. Fun to fly through the gears like a sports car. Put oversize BFG 32 inch All Terrains and it will still spin them easily. Great reliability, no problems, even after warranty is up. A little thirsty, but a lot better than a full-sized truck. Plus Im a little lead footed. Can be uncomfortable on long road trips, but you wont fall asleep at the wheel. :)

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  Handles great - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Heres How - February 2 - 5:56 pm

  Ive now had the car long enough to fairly evaluate it and theres really nothing to gripe about. I sold an F150, wanting better mileage, and had driven the 2.0 engine and decided to buy this because of the 2.3 that became available. This car feels like a sports car, it handles great, is very quick for its class. The 2.3 engine has 145 hp and responds right when you want it. The five speed is very precise. I dont like automatics and manuals like this one are the reason why. Im an older guy who is an enthusiast and recommend this car to anyone who enjoys driving responsive cars and still needs a back seat. I have the sport package with standard brakes but recommend the anti lock upgrade.

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  Love my Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By tauruslady - February 1 - 6:35 pm

  I really love my Taurus. This is the third Taurus that I have owned. I love the comfort and looks of the car. I love the fact that it is a solid car and that I feel safe in it.

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  I Love It - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Tom Gapch - February 1 - 3:34 pm

  I love this truck. Ive had it for 8 years with nothing but normal maintenence. When it comes time to sell, I plan on getting the same truck with the same features. It handles great in all types of weather, and here in NJ we get all types of weather. Its been reliable, and weve used it for 7 trips down to Tuscaloosa, AL. (998 miles) with no problems. I have severe back problems, but because of the lumbar support captain chairs, I have not had to stop to get out of the vehicle to stretch. In fact, the only time we stop is for gas (about every 5 hours). Im 6 4", and cannot fit into a lot of vehicles. Theres plenty of room to fit 4 people in the back, even with my seat back.

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  Stone Cold Solid Truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By sclass_benz - February 1 - 3:18 pm

  This a very solid, reliable vehicle. Always starts and runs strong, will never leave you stranded. Excellent 4WD capabilities. Very comfortable and a pleasure to drive for a truck. Supercab has more room than most cars.

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  Ford Got This One Right - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Conyers,GA - February 1 - 2:00 pm

  Thought I was going to by an Accord but glad I went back to my American car. Have driven this car for about a month and I love this car. The handling and comfort is great. The stereo cranks. The gas mileage is great, I went to Birmingham this week from Atlanta and without A/C was getting 34.5 mpg; on the way back had A/C on got 32 mpg on highway. This car is so quiet and smooth just a joy to drive. And I find myself cruising around 80 mph and doesnt feel like it, its so smooth. The I4 has plenty of get up and go. Kicking it down was impressive.

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  Good Van - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Van Owner - February 1 - 11:58 am

  This is our first minivan and we really like it. The ride is very nice and the power is decent. It is very comfortable especially for long trips. So far we have no regrets.

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  A Best Buy - 2005 Ford Focus
  By chirider - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my recent purchase of the Focus. Its exterior appearance is a quantum leap improvement over its predecessors. It handles well, provides a smooth and relatively solid ride. The Mazda3 was a strong temptation for me and likely exceeds the Focus in many respects, but you get much more bang for the buck in the Focus.