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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  Better than my 03 Silverado - 2006 Ford F-150
  By SBila71 - March 25 - 11:02 am

  Well, I bought this truck replacing my 2003 Silverado which gave me more problems than the 89 Silverado I sold. I bought my Ford used as a certified used truck and as of now I have no complaints. Its been on the road longer than the Silverado I bought brand new. I Like it a lot better than my Chevy, and it would have smoked my Chevy in a quarter mile with ease. It is true blue mettalic with the bottom quarter silver mettalic. It has everything I want in a full size truck and then some. The storage room could be better, but you could always get the Super Crew!

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  What a beautiful car! - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By jessyebtbird - March 25 - 9:25 am

  I bought this car from my cousin and I thought I got ripped off! But after 5 years of a wonderful ride, I totally stole it from him for $1500 with only 99,000mile. My bird has never let me down but I take good car of her! Had the front end almost completely replaced, upper and lower ball joints, tye rods, shocks and struts, didnt need the work but rountine maintaince is nescessary when taking care of your pride and joy, and my t-bird is my pride and joy, with a little over 169,000 miles on her and she still will take off from the line in a cloud of smoke! FOr a v6 the motor is pretty strong, I think I may be have a little intake leak, been finding antifeeze on the drive

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  Tried a few - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Pierre - March 24 - 11:18 pm

  I didnt need or really want a new car but decided hauling a wheelchair around folded and on its side was no longer an option. My first choice of cars was the Toyota Highlander and what a nice car it is. It handled well and has good power but the dealer wasnt in the mood to drop his price too much so I tried a Honda Pilot. Another nice car but it seemed a bit boring and under powered. Car three was the Buick crossover. Another nice car but it just didnt move the soul. When I drove the Edge my mind was made up pretty quickly. It looks great, has good power with a nice but not fancy interior. The rear seats are spacious and the ability to lay back was a selling point for my friends

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  My second chance Escort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Matt Burkart - March 24 - 9:50 pm

  This is my 2nd Escort, my first one was a builder car. At the time the car was still pretty new so I liked it, but it had its problems. My second one is identical to the first and I love it. But what is not to love about great gas mileage, and pretty much just general maintainence. It has 154,000 on it and just had plugs, wires, and an alternator put on it.

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  Sweet Ride - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By sandtrap - March 24 - 3:09 pm

  Im 70 yrs old and this is the car I have been waiting for. So much fun to drive, Mine is dark candy apple red with parchment top. Always good comments. Boy, could I have gotten into a lot trouble if I had something like this in school.

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  The most reliable Ford Ive ever owned! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Marz - March 24 - 2:49 pm

  I have never been a big fan of domestic vehicles due to previous problems. I have a 2003 Ford Expedition with FX4 package, 5.4L V8, captain chairs in the middle, 3rd row seating, skid plates and tube bars all factory parts. I currently have 120,000+ miles on this vehicle and never, not even once have I had any repairs done on this truck. It has truly been rock solid since the day that I bought it. My only complaint is the fuel economy but its expected. I have a large family so needed something this size. But all in all, this has been my fav SUV and wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  Love the car but having electrical issue - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By alex - March 24 - 9:30 am

  I really enjoy my Ford Freestyle. It is very sharp and comfortable to drive. It definitely has plenty of room with its creative design. However, I am having some battery or electrical problems. If I do not drive it within 13 or more hours the car will not have enough juice to turn over and the dash board and gadgets go crazy. After a jump the car will turn over and run fine. The dealer has replaced the factory radio. After a month the same problem is happening again. Now they have replaced the battery. I hope that this will do the trick.

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  Satisfied in NY - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Central NY - March 24 - 8:40 am

  Love this car. I have had it since new and have 92000 miles on it. I have driven this car 11 hours in one day and never get stiff or cramped like other cars I have owned. Gas mileage is great at 24 mpg love the leather and sunroof. The traction control was worth every cent of the upgrade price. Have never had a problem in snow. I will say its a typical ford as far as brakes go, I am on my 3rd set along with 3rd set of tires. But even after 92,000 mile the car is as steady on the road as the day I picked it up from the dealer. Wish they didnt rename it to Taurus I think the car would have done better as a 500.

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  A good start - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Chi-town-er - March 24 - 3:46 am

  After my Acura finally broke down, it was time to get a hybrid. So far, everything has met expectations. While not a great performance car, it has adequate pickup and meets all other requirements of typical driving. The interior features are a step above what one would normally expect from a mid-price Ford. Sync, Sirrius with 30 presets, decent speakers, rear-camera, side-view warning, etc should go a long way to winning a new generation of Ford buyers.

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  2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By otterbout - March 24 - 2:03 am

  Driving and owning this 6th E.B. model in a 4-wheeler is no disappointment. My husband has the 5.4 in his Lightning and happy to say I can still see his tail lights when we leave a stop light. Dont do it often but nice to feel the supreme power and handling in a really big truck. The interior appointments include nav, DVD, htd seats and awesome sound. Greenhouse is supreme except for blind spot at A & B pillars. Easy to miss objects while backing up so like rear sensing device. Overall, Ford has done a 100 on this vehicle when it comes to design and features. General tires awful. Replaced with Goodyear Forteras for outstanding performance, handling and traction. Will get another.