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 car with an old name - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Craig H. - March 22 - 8:32 pm

  This is a very comfortable car for larger size folks, the best part of this car is a consistantly fantastic fuel economy. On the interstate, cruise control set to 70 mph an awesome 31.5 MPG! A 20 gallon tank give me 400+ range. The power of this car is very nice, great acceleration, its quiet with a very nice sound system. Hard to pass this car up, hands down beats the Accord and Buicks in overall comfort and economy..

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  Great Truck - 1991 Ford F-150
  By Awesome truck - March 22 - 8:24 pm

  Weve only had it for about 4 years but it has always been reliable. Will tow anything. The 5.0 v8 is powerful but drinks gas. Repairs are rare and are easy to fix.

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  Very Sporty Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Hdtaz - March 22 - 8:08 pm

  Ive owned full size cars all my life. This is the fisrt small car I ever had and I love it! Very sporty and comfortable. It has amazing power out of the hole and on hills. Which most small cars need 2 miles to get up to 55 mph. Talking about being small, its not at all. The room in the cabin is incredible! The seats and controls are very comfortable to sit and reach, well thought out. Even though gas is $3.20 per gal. I still just drive to nowhere because its so much fun to drive, even on a long trip. Very happy with my zx4 Ses Focus (2007)

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  Lightning strikes twice - 2004 Ford F-150
  By rinnels69 - March 22 - 3:50 pm

  Although I have only had this Lightning a few days, I know I will love it. This is the 8th new Ford since 1989 and I am obviously a Ford fan. The power it has and the potential for more power is almost unlimited, but I will probally leave mine stock.....maybe. The interior is VERY comfortable for 2.

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  LOVE IT! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Kathy - March 22 - 3:26 pm

  I just bought my car and it is awesome. I get many many compliments on the look, and it is so much fun driving it.

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  The Red Rider - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Stan Smith - March 22 - 11:38 am

  I got my 2016 Ford Fusion Titanium in April and Im enjoying everything about it. Im really impressed with the eco boost engine great acceleration. I have all the whistle and bells and still learning some of the sync system but a lot of fun. I love the 12 speaker surround sound radio, the heated & cooled seats. There are to many things to mention them all. I traded in my 2009 MKZ which I really liked.

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  I must have the lemon - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By T-Bird RN - March 22 - 9:56 am

  I love my T-bird. Felt like the queen of the road. But recently have been having problems one day out of no where it overheated, 3 engine fans gone bad, then transmission leaking it was rebuilt. just the other day driving down the road felt like I was going over rumble strips car bucking took it back for check up, seems when they had it on the road test could find anything. I guess it did not act up for them. Suggested could be torque converter and to bring it back when it happens all the time. I thought ford was built tough. I have 6 other Ford vehicles with over 200 thousand miles and no transmission or engine problems. What happened to the T-Bird?

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  Great SUV especially in snow! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Denny Seifried - March 22 - 7:50 am

  I have owned my XLT for a couple of months and really enjoy the power and comfort this SUV exibits. The standard cloth power seat is very comfortable and the ride is very smooth, quiet and solid. The independent rear suspension makes for a very car-like ride. Interior is very nice, like other current Fords (new F-150s) and this SUV makes a nice companion vehicle to my 99 Ford F-150 XLT.

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  Pig On Gas - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DaveN - March 22 - 2:33 am

  I bought this truck in Feb 05. I like everything about it. Great looks, style, ride and comfort. However the gas mileage is terrible. Its rated @ 15 city and 19 hwy. I got an average between 12 and 13 mpg until summer and using the A/C. I now average 11 to 11.5. Living in South FL with high gas prices this was a terrible choice for me. If fuel economy is a concern dont buy this truck. If style, ride and comfort are whats most important this is the truck to buy. Im trading it in this weekend for a Honda CR-V and 24 mpg.

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  Edge is a winner - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Katfish - March 21 - 5:03 pm

  I did all the research & read all the reviews before buying. I drive 75 miles/day so I need to like what I drive & the Edge was a great choice. Its comfortable, handles nicely and rides quiet. I thought I would miss my Explorer but the slightly smaller size hasnt been an issue. I purchased the base model w/conv pkg & satelite radio, it has everything I need and it looks good too in silver w/black interior.