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 the truck, But shes thirsty. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Patry - April 30 - 11:51 am

  I have had nothing but fun driving the truck. Is hard on gas. But it might be the sound of the exhaust and the cold air intake you want to hear.

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  Good 2wd pickup - 2005 Ford F-150
  By tpiatt150 - April 30 - 1:38 am

  I purchased this truck new and have been very impressed.Its no speed machine nor a powerhouse but does very well for being a 1/2 ton truck. This truck with the 5 speed is very peppy for having a 4.2 liter engine. It has also performed just fine while towing other cars and pulling loaded trailers. On average I get about 22 MPG on the interstate and could not be any happier with it.

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  What a Blast! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By DickDay - April 29 - 11:33 pm

  I have a really bad back, and am looking at surgery some day. I traded the 2007 Escape Hybrid in the 2008 Edge Limited because of the seating. The Edge seats are easy on my back and allow me to take long trips without back pain.

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  Great truck...Terrible engine - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By J - April 29 - 10:04 pm

  I bought this car from a friend, knowing it had some problems, a few interior lights didnt work, a couple scratches, but nothing major. They owned it for 8 years and it was great for them. I got it and it was fine for a month. A few days past a month and the #3 spark plug blew when I started the engine. I had to have it towed and serviced which cost me $574.67. Then the mechanic told me if I had to floor it or accel quick for some reason it was very likley it could happen again. Im getting rid of it before anything else goes. It rides great, 4wd is great, and so is ground clearence. I went offroad once and it did fine in 2wd. Gas mileage is 10-12. I would recommend it, but only the 4.6l v8.

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  Plesant Surprise - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Lou - April 29 - 6:26 pm

  I bought my 2007 Ford Focus ST as a leftover in Jan.2008. The 2007 Focus had $3000. in rebates plus came with a 60 month/100,000 powertrain warranty. I had a 2005 Crown Victoria that I just loved but with rising fuel cost it was not affordable. I traded in for this 2007 Focus ST to lower my payment & save fuel. Much to my surprise, I actually like this car. The car is sporty looking, has plenty of power,it came loaded with power windows,p/locks,cruise,a/c,6 cd player,heated seats & mirrors & a pwr sunroof. The car gets 31 mpg city/hwy combined. With a 5spd manual trans its fun to drive,rides & handles well

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  The best ever! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By alyssa628 - April 29 - 12:28 pm

  I have always gone with Honda to buy all my cars. My husband was bored with this and seen a Ford Edge and had to buy. I was nervous about this idea, not anymore. This is the best vehicle

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  Fantastic Ford - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Just Some Guy - April 29 - 8:18 am

  Ive driven Mercedes, Infinity and Hummer for 20 years so I never thought that I would buy a Ford. But, when gas hit 3.50 a gallon, I wanted better mileage. I stopped at a Ford dealership and drove a Taurus. I couldnt believe it. It is as solid as a Benz and it drives like a dream. The second day I owned it, I drove 1100 miles in one day. I just never got tired. What a great car. Ford should be proud. The 6 speed tranny is so smooth. I am more than impressed.

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  Ford beats Honda & Toyota with the Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Teresa Sheets - April 29 - 7:11 am

  I traded a Lexus 04 LS 300 for my Edge. I love, love, love, my Edge. So far I like this vehicle better than any vehicle I have owned. I bought an 02 4 runner and the Edge beats it. I love everything about it. I own an 08 Edge Limited. My Edge has all the extras except the navagiation. Joe Sartaion Ford didnt have one on their lot with navagation or I would have purchased it. I could do without the Vista roof, because I very seldom open my sun roof. The Vista roof is different and very nice.

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  2018 Raptor, an absolute beast on and off road. - 2018 Ford F-150
  By fnavatta - April 29 - 5:36 am

  I have owned a four pickups and a couple of Jeeps in my life, nothing comes close to the capabilities off road of this Raptor. Sure footed in the deep sugar sands or tearing down old logging roads at 50MPH, this truck has great off road capabilities and manners. When you get back on the highway, you are in a for a quiet and comfortable ride, Ford Performance did an amazing job with the ride quality and not compromising the on or off road feel. As for power, the TT3.5 has plenty of power to move this truck with no problem. The 10 speed took some getting used to but it has been a very smooth transmission in its shifting. I no longer slow down coming to train crossings....I just send it.

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  Still a Blast - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Mark - April 29 - 12:52 am

  Factory ordered this car in 90 been driving it ever since. Fully optioned except for the 5-speed. Fun to drive (still drives like new), quick, easy on the wallet. Replaced the ignition switch and rear springs. Thats it.