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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  Awesome Truck - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By Kaboom - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 94 Bronco. Ive put over 150,000 miles in Broncos and have only had to do 1 repair (other than basic maint like oil, battery, tune ups every 30k) in the past 11 years on both trucks. Awesome ride, power, cargo space. Tough as nails and looks great. Current one has 157,000 miles, just put a new rear end (the 1 repair) and it drives like new. Solid truck that will hold whats left of its value. Safe, fun, and powerful.

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  Mid-life Awareness - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By AlmostMiddle Age Mom - August 8 - 6:40 am

  Owned my 2007 Premium Mustang 2 months now, and love it. Gas mileage city is 18-19 mpg and trip around 25 mpg. Love the retro look - for at my age, I can remember all the previous Mustangs thus far and wanted one since the early 70s. Didnt need the V8. Plenty of speed with the V6. Hoping to keep it for 20+ years. Time will tell. ive in the Northeast and think Ill have to store it for the winter and buy a clunker to slop around in.

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  Great car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By CV man - August 8 - 2:53 am

  Sporty (LX Sport). Great drive. I feel very safe driving this car. Smooth. Lots of power! Great looks.

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  THE BEST TRUCK FOR THE BUCK!!! - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By CRENSHAW-323 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The truck is great. Great power in the 5.4 motor. leather seats are the best.Got to have it on chrome rims. Ford rules. Gets all the girls. A real mans Suv. Lets be real, why pay 55,000 or more for the more expensive trucks when we know all automobiles breakdown and have problems.

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  Sharp Edge - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By vivadude - August 8 - 2:00 am

  No real gripes so far. Sweet little truck has it all. Very livable everyday driver.

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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By psu48187 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  One of the better pickup trucks on the market for the money. Ford has done really well working out all the bugs over the years. If you are in the market for a smaller truck, this truck more than warrants a look. Transmission is very responsive.

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  Festiva is a great CAr - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Skydance2 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a used bright blue Festiva it is the best car I ever owned, gas mileage cannot be beat and it is so fun to drive. I wish Ford would come out with a new version of this car.

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  COMMUTER CAR TURNS INTO FAMILY CAR! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By 2006 SEL V-6- - August 7 - 10:50 pm

  We bought the Fusion to replace the 2003 Focus as a commuter car. Wanted the cheapest model but on Sunday trip we stopped to look at the fully loaded black and loved it. We bought it for wife to commute in approximately 126 miles five days a week. We liked it so much we gave our daughter our 2004 Toyota Solara and sold her 2003 Monte Carlo. With me retired we found we didnt need three cars in the family. Everywhere we went on weekends, like Lake Tahoe, we take the Fusion and love it. If and when we need another car we might just buy another Fusion.

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  Love my Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By sadiex5 - August 7 - 2:00 am

  We love our excursion. I had a 1999 gmc Suburban with only 50000 and it was consantly breaking. The dealership that I had purchased the suburban from never fixed it correctly so I decided to try Ford And am I ever happy I did. The hardest thing for me to get use to is how far the side mirrors stick out I go on some narrow streets and sometimes I woory that they are going to hit something, Other then that I love it. I test drove a lot of other cars before I made my final choice. I was getting 10 mpg in my suburban and now I get 22 mpg. Towing is wonderful and easy.

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  MY ESCAPE - 2004 Ford Escape
  By RODENBAUGH - August 7 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE. HAD A CHEVY TAHOE 1997 WHAT A NIGHTMARE REAR END FAILED 3 TIMES THE LIST GOES ON AND ON WITH THAT TRUCK.ANYWAY THE ESCAPE IS SUCH A GOOD SUV I CANT FIND ANY THING WRONG WITH IT.CANT WAIT TO HOP IN IT TOMORROW AND GO SOMEWERE IN IT RON