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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  king of the road - 2003 Ford F-150
  By nathan25 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I owned a silverado prior to buying this truck and the ford wins hands down. More room, comfort and capability makes up for what little difference there is in performance. My wife steals it at every possible opportunity.

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  Mach On - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mach Man - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Car is a blast to drive, the Torch Red with the shaker are attention grabbers.

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  - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By r mullis - April 3 - 10:00 am

  gas mileage sucks but the performance is the best i have ever experienced in a stock car.stops well too

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  I Love!!!! my 35th anniversary mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By catwoman - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2000 35th anniversary special mustang GT Coupe. We purchased everything extra. This car is loaded. I love it. I have never had to have it serviced to date. I love driving it. Wouldnt change it for the world.

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  Solid - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Nicol - April 3 - 9:37 am

  Bought this car with 112000 kms, so far excellent. Quiet and powerful on highway. Paid $7300. Fuel economy 9L/100k city and 10L/highway. Very happy so far.

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  JUNK JUNK JUNK - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Angela - April 3 - 1:29 am

  This car is JUNK! Transmission slips, nothing but issues after having it for 2,000 miles. brought car in they wouldnt fix it until the 3rd time i went with the mechanic. WOSRT CAR EVER! I WILL NEVER BUY FROM FORD AGAIN!! Corporate is USELESS, all they said was they cant do anything about it. JUNK

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  Best truck Ive owned - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Blackknight - April 3 - 12:14 am

  Bought this truck as a demo with 5k miles off the showroom floor. It was cleaner than some brand new cars Ive bought in the last 30 yrs. Already had several accessories installed that added to the trucks great looks. This is my 4th truck (3rd Ford) and the best one yet. Looks, ride, build quality are first rate. Rearview camera with the sonar sensing system is unbelievable. Try it - youll like it!

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  Good truck, starting to rattle badly - 2002 Ford F-150
  By cd - April 2 - 9:19 pm

  This truck has been a workhorse for me on the highway. Some years I will put 35K on the truck. It handles well, holds the road great and takes strong winds in stride. This truck is very easy on tires, I got 70K on the factory set and will approach that with the second set.

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  Festiva reliable - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By festiva - April 2 - 4:25 pm

  Bought this car from my brother. Great car, good gas mileage, easy to fix and find parts for (except tires!) wouldnt trust taking kids for the fact that its small and not accident friendly! Car has moved from Utah to Arizona to Nebraska and to Texas. Now over 170k wouldnt take it on long trips, but love it for back and forth to work!

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  Very pleased so far - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By crestonave - April 2 - 2:11 pm

  I picked up my 2008 V6 Premium convertible this past Monday. Very pleased so far. I have a fully loaded car with the exception of NAVI. Very comfy ride altho you will feel the bumps. Very comfy and supportive seats. V6 has plenty of pickup (auto transmission) Cant speak to reliability yet, of course. Dont know how good the fuel economy will be but I dont really care because its a "fun" car that probably wont be used all year round. Too cold to put the top down yet, unfortunately.